Description
This Homemade Toffee Bits recipe creates sweet, crunchy bits of buttery toffee perfect for topping desserts, mixing into baked goods, or enjoying as a snack. Made with simple ingredients—unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and sea salt—these toffee bits are cooked to the ideal temperature for that classic crunchy texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted American butter
- 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a small rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the toffee won’t stick and will be easy to remove once cooled.
- Melt butter and combine ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed small saucepan, begin melting the butter over medium heat. Add the light brown sugar and fine sea salt to the partially melted butter. Whisk vigorously for one minute to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
- Cook the toffee mixture: Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens and resembles melted peanut butter, and a candy thermometer reads between 295 to 305°F (about 10 minutes). If the mixture separates, promptly remove it from heat and whisk vigorously to recombine, then return to heat and continue cooking.
- Pour the hot toffee: Carefully and immediately pour the hot toffee onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing it to spread into an even layer. Be cautious as the mixture will be extremely hot.
- Cool to harden: Let the toffee cool and harden at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
- Break into bits: Once hardened, place the toffee sheet onto a cutting board or into a zip-top bag. Use a mallet, rolling pin, or heavy object to crack it into small toffee bits. Alternatively, cut into bits with a sharp serrated knife.
- Store: Keep the toffee bits in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the toffee reaches the right temperature for perfect hardness and crunch without burning.
- If the mixture separates, rapid whisking will help to recombine it without affecting texture.
- Store the toffee bits in a cool, dry place to prevent them from melting or becoming sticky.
- These toffee bits are great for mixing into ice cream, sprinkling over cakes, or adding to cookies.
- Be very careful when working with hot sugar toffee to avoid burns.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade toffee bits, homemade toffee, toffee recipe, dessert topping, crunchy toffee, easy candy
