Sinful and Sweet: Delightful Butter Toffee Bars Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen where I’ll be sharing my Easy English Butter Toffee Bars Recipe with you. As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I am excited to share this recipe with you because it is a classic and simple dessert that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
The recipe ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the steps are easy to follow even if you’re new to baking. The combination of buttery shortbread, sweet toffee, crunchy pecans, and creamy milk chocolate makes this dessert irresistible.
As an experienced baker, I’ve tested this recipe several times to ensure that it is easy to make and delicious every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking for a sweet treat after dinner, these butter toffee bars are sure to satisfy your cravings.
So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you ready for a treat that is easy to make but just as delicious as any homemade toffee candy? Look no further, because this English Butter Toffee Bars recipe is the solution you need!
The combination of sweet and salty in these bars will leave your taste buds craving more. Imagine biting into a buttery cookie bar that has been coated with layers of brown sugar and pecan halves, then topped with milk chocolate chips. The result? A delightful explosion of flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth!
But what truly sets this recipe apart is how simple it is, with only a few key ingredients needed. You don’t need to be an experienced baker or spend hours in the kitchen to make these bars. Just follow the step-by-step instructions and you’ll have a scrumptious dessert ready in under an hour.
Whether you need a quick dessert for a last-minute gathering or just want to indulge in something sweet, these toffee bars are the perfect solution. They’re ideal for holidays, family get-togethers, or anytime you want a satisfying treat.
So what are you waiting for? Give this Easy English Butter Toffee Bars Recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s become one of my go-to recipes whenever I crave something sweet and indulgent!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you need to make these Easy English Butter Toffee Bars:
Bars Ingredients:
- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pan
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg yolk
Toffee Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
Chocolate Topping Ingredients:
- 8 oz Hershey milk chocolate bar, broken into individual pieces or chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get started with making these delicious Easy English Butter Toffee Bars! Below, you’ll find easy-to-follow instructions on how to make this recipe at home.
Ingredients
Firstly, make sure that you have all the necessary ingredients for this recipe. To make these English Butter Toffee Bars, you will need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2/3 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup Hershey’s milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecan halves
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and then lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add in the egg yolk and mix until combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then add it to the wet ingredients mixture gradually, stirring until fully combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Toffee Bits
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from heat and stir in a pinch of baking soda (this makes it foam up). Pour this hot mixture evenly over the cookie dough.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 23-25 minutes until pale golden brown. Once removed from the oven and while the bars are still hot, top with 1 cup of Hershey’s milk chocolate chips, which will begin to melt after a few minutes. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate out evenly over the bars until fully covered.
Step 5: Top with Pecans
Finally, top the melted chocolate with 1 cup of pecan halves in rows or just however you like it! Let cool completely before cutting into square bars and serving.
Note: For additional flair, sprinkle toffee bits or drizzle caramel sauce on top of the pecans before baking.
Follow these steps carefully and soon you’ll have delicious English Butter Toffee Bars ready to enjoy with your friends and family!
Substitutions and Variations
Alright folks, let’s talk about some substitutions and variations we can make to put a unique twist on this classic English butter toffee bars recipe.
First up, if you’re looking for a nut-free option or simply want to switch things up, you can replace the pecan halves with sliced almonds or chopped walnuts. These nuts will add a nice crunch and texture to the bars, making them even more delicious.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to experiment with flavors, try adding in some almond or hazelnut extract instead of vanilla. This will give your bars an entirely different taste profile, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
For those conscious of their sugar intake but still crave something sweet and indulgent, consider making a keto-friendly version of these bars. Substitute brown sugar with a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia and use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also replace Hershey’s milk chocolate chips with sugar-free chocolate chips.
If you’re a chocolate lover, why not take these bars to the next level by adding in some dark chocolate toffee bits? Or better yet, apply them onto the melted chocolate topping just as it sets in the refrigerator so that they stick right in.
Lastly, if you prefer a more cookie-like texture, try making this recipe into cookie bars by swapping out the bottom shortbread layer for Betty Crocker’s shortbread mix or pre-made cookie dough.
The options are endless when it comes to variations of this easy English butter toffee bars recipe. So go ahead and give one of these substitutions a try – who knows, you just may find your new favorite sweet treat!
Serving and Pairing
Once the Easy English Butter Toffee Bars are done, it is best served warm or at room temperature, usually cut into small squares. These delightful bars have a buttery, sweet and caramely flavor that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it.
Pair these butter toffee bars with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon delight. Additionally, the so-called “chocolate everything” fans can drizzle some melted milk chocolate or chocolate chips over the top of the toffee bars. This topping adds an extra layer of indulgence and a beautiful shiny appearance.
For those who like a crunchier texture, chop up some pecan halves and sprinkle them over the chocolate topping. The nutty flavors of pecans pair perfectly with the sweetness of the toffee bars.
Alternatively, you can also enjoy these bars with some ice cream as a dessert option. When celebrating festive gatherings or events with families and friends, our Easy English Butter Toffee Bars fit right in as they are hassle-free to transport and serve.
In conclusion, have fun pairing these homemade and easy-to-make English Butter Toffee Bars with whatever beverage suits your fancy from tea, coffee to wine. Now go ahead and indulge in some deliciousness!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made these easy English butter toffee bars, it’s important to know how to properly store and reheat them. Luckily, they’re very versatile and can be kept at room temperature or in the fridge for a few days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your tasty treat:
Make-ahead: These bars can also be made ahead of time, which makes them the perfect dessert to bring along for any party or gathering. Simply follow the recipe instructions, let the bars cool down completely and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature, in the fridge or freezer.
Storing: For short-term storage, simply keep the bars in an airtight container or a plastic Ziploc bag at room temperature. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, store them in the fridge or freezer to prevent any moisture from forming. When storing in the fridge or freezer, wrap each individual bar with cling wrap before placing them in a lidded container.
Reheating: If you’re reheating from the fridge or freezer, allow your butter toffee bars to come up to room temperature before serving. To reheat, simply put them on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes only. This will help warm the bar and restore its texture and consistency.
These make-ahead English butter toffee bars are great for meal prep or as a quick dessert when unexpected guests arrive. By following these tips on storing and reheating your delicious creation, you can keep them fresh and tasting amazing for days and weeks to come!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the perfect Easy English Butter Toffee Bars, it’s essential to follow the recipe closely and pay attention to detail. Here are some tips that can help you achieve perfect results every time:
1. Use Quality Ingredients
One of the secrets to making delicious toffee bars is using quality ingredients. Make sure to use unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and high-quality chocolate chips or chocolate bars. Using cheap or old ingredients can affect the taste and texture of your toffee bars.
2. Accurate Measurements
Measuring ingredients accurately is crucial when making English Butter Toffee Bars – too much or too little of any ingredient can significantly impact the final product. To ensure accuracy, use measuring cups and spoons for dry and liquid ingredients separately.
3. Parchment Paper
When baking these bars, use parchment paper instead of greasing the baking pan. This prevents the bars from sticking to the pan and makes the cleanup process much more manageable.
4. Properly Mix Ingredients
Be sure to cream the softened butter with sugars well before adding in other dry ingredients in order to mix thoroughly.
5. Watch Your Timing
Cooking times can be tricky when it comes to candy-making, don’t get distracted because it will go from just right to burnt very easily.
6. Chill Before Cutting
Allowing your finished treats to cool completely before cutting them will result in a uniform slice, thus sticking your baked bars for 20-30 minutes prior fully cooling down can help create cleaner edges.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious English Butter Toffee Bars that will impress everyone, whether you’re serving them as a sweet treat after dinner or bringing them as a gift for someone special.
FAQ
As with any recipe, doubts and questions may arise. In this section, I will address some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the easy English Butter Toffee Bars Recipe. From ingredient substitutions to portion sizing, these answers will help you make the most of your baking experience, ensuring that your toffee bars come out perfect every time. So without further ado, let’s dive into the FAQ section.
What is the difference between English toffee and butter toffee?
The toffee regularly consumed in the United States, known as buttercrunch, has a slight variation in ingredients when compared to the toffee made in Britain. The British toffee is made using brown sugar, while buttercrunch is made using white granulated sugar.
Why is my English toffee chewy?
When making English toffee, it is important to take your time and allow the syrup to simmer at a low temperature until it reaches the desired 300°F temperature. Rushing this step can result in bland and unappealing candy with a chewy texture instead of the desired satisfying crunch. A gradual transformation is necessary for achieving the best flavor and texture.
Why won t chocolate stick to toffee?
Finding that the chocolate did not stick to the toffee is a common experience when making the confection. This is typically due to the toffee having cooled down before the melted chocolate was added. One possible solution to avoid this is to place small chocolate pieces or chips on top of the warm toffee, allowing the heat to melt the chocolate and form a cohesive bond.
How do you get chocolate to stick to English toffee?
In case you miss the window to add chocolate while the toffee is still pliable, a useful trick is to sprinkle cocoa powder on the toffee before applying the chocolate layer. This will help to prevent any separation between the chocolate and toffee once it has solidified.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, English Butter Toffee Bars are the perfect indulgent treat for any occasion. Its buttery texture combined with the crunchiness of pecan halves and the sweetness of chocolate chips will leave you wanting more. With its straightforward recipe, you can easily whip it up in no time, and it’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, English Butter Toffee Bars are a must-try recipe. So, gather your ingredients today and get started on making this classic English treat. Trust me; it’s worth every step of the process!
With our tips on substitutions and variations, serving and pairing recommendations, make-ahead and storing instructions, and FAQ section, you’ll be able to make the perfect batch of English Butter Toffee Bars every single time.
So go forth with confidence and create the best possible outcome with our easy-to-follow recipe. You’ll be rewarded with delicious buttery toffee bars that will impress your friends and family alike!
Easy English Butter Toffee Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 unsalted saltine crackers
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (6 ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels
- pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Butter a 13x9 baking pan.
- Arrange saltines right side up in a single layer in pan.
- Melt butter and sugar over medium heat.
- Bring to boil, boil 3 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Pour over crackers, spread evenly with spatula.
- Bake for 5 minutes, if crackers move, rearrange with a fork.
- Cool for about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle chocolate morsels over top.
- Let stand about 5 minutes the evenly spread over top.
- Cool completely, then cut in 2x1 inch bars.
- Place a pecan half over each piece.
- Store in refrigerator.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.