Toffee Brittle

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I really enjoy this toffee brittle because it hits that perfect balance between sweet and salty. The rich buttery toffee hardens into a beautiful crunch, the chocolate layer adds a silky finish, and the salted peanuts bring everything together with just the right amount of texture and flavor. I like that it doesn’t require any special candy-making skills—just a watchful eye while the sugar cooks. It’s great for gift-giving or storing in the fridge for when I want a little something sweet.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
2¼ cups roasted sea salt peanuts
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. I line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spread 2 cups of peanuts evenly across the bottom.

2. In a medium saucepan, I add the butter, sugar, and vanilla. I stir over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture begins to simmer.

3. I let the mixture simmer for about 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, watching closely to make sure it doesn’t burn. It gradually darkens and thickens, turning into a caramel-colored syrup.

4. When it reaches a rich caramel shade and flows smoothly from the spoon, I pour it evenly over the peanuts in the pan.

5. I use an offset spatula to spread the toffee mixture so it coats the peanuts evenly.

6. I immediately pour the chocolate chips over the hot toffee and let them sit for 2–3 minutes to melt.

7. Once melted, I spread the chocolate into a smooth layer using the spatula.

8. I chop the remaining ¼ cup of peanuts and sprinkle them over the melted chocolate.

9. I let the toffee brittle sit at room temperature for about 2 hours until it cools completely, then I refrigerate it until firm and ready to break into pieces.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 30 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare, 30 minutes to cook, and about 2 hours and 40 minutes in total (including cooling time). Each piece has roughly 209 calories, making it an indulgent yet perfectly portioned sweet treat.

Variations

I sometimes switch up the toppings depending on what I have on hand. Chopped almonds, cashews, or pecans work beautifully instead of peanuts. For a festive touch, I’ve added a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed candy canes over the chocolate layer. If I want a darker, richer flavor, I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. White chocolate also makes a delicious twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store my toffee brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It stays crunchy and fresh when kept in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, I freeze it in layers separated by parchment paper and thaw it at room temperature before serving. I never reheat it—it’s best enjoyed cold and crunchy.

FAQs

How do I know when the toffee is ready to pour?

I look for a rich golden caramel color and a thick, ribbon-like consistency that flows off the spoon. It usually takes about 7–8 minutes of simmering.

Can I use unsalted peanuts?

Yes, but I prefer roasted salted peanuts because the salt balances the sweetness perfectly. If using unsalted, I sometimes add a pinch of sea salt on top.

Why did my toffee separate?

If the butter separates from the sugar, it’s usually because the heat was too high or it wasn’t stirred enough early on. I keep the temperature moderate and stir gently until the mixture combines.

Can I make this without nuts?

Definitely. I sometimes replace the peanuts with pretzels or sprinkle toffee bits for a nut-free version that’s still crunchy and delicious.

How should I cut or break the toffee?

Once it’s completely cooled and firm, I lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper and break it into pieces with my hands or tap it gently with a knife handle.

Conclusion

This Toffee Brittle is a simple, satisfying recipe I love making for both gifts and gatherings. It’s rich, buttery, and perfectly crunchy, with a layer of smooth chocolate that makes it irresistible. I like that it comes together quickly with pantry staples and delivers that homemade candy flavor every time. Whether for the holidays or an everyday treat, this brittle always disappears fast.

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