Toffee Bars
Toffee Bars Recipe | American Dessert | Ingredients
Introduction
Toffee bars are a delicious and indulgent treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. These bars are a combination of buttery toffee, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans, making them a favorite among dessert lovers.
History
Toffee bars have been a popular dessert for many years, with variations of the recipe appearing in cookbooks and on baking blogs. The combination of butter, sugar, and chocolate has been a classic flavor profile for desserts, and toffee bars are a perfect example of this delicious combination.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup softened butter
- 0.75 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 0.5 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.13 tsp salt
- 0.75 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
- 0.33 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 0.33 cup chocolate-covered toffee pieces
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
- Add the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Beat until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Beat in the flour and salt until combined.
- Spread the dough evenly in an ungreased 13x9x2 inch baking pan.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges begin to brown and the surface is dry.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chocolate pieces.
- Let it stand for about 2 minutes or until the chocolate is softened; spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle with walnuts and toffee pieces.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes.
- Cut into bars.
Variations
- Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
- Swap out the pecans for almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate for a different twist on the classic recipe.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use softened butter for the best texture in the dough.
- Be sure to spread the dough evenly in the baking pan to ensure even baking.
- Allow the chocolate to soften on the warm bars before spreading it for a smooth finish.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
Serving Suggestions
Toffee bars are delicious on their own, but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making perfect toffee bars is to bake the dough until the edges are golden brown and the chocolate is melted. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully for the best results.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have pecans on hand, you can use any other type of nut, such as walnuts or almonds. You can also use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a sweeter flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Toffee bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Presentation Ideas
Toffee bars can be served on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Toffee bars pair well with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a classic dessert combination.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Toffee bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of toffee bars contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of toffee bars contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of toffee bars contains approximately 12 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of toffee bars contains approximately 2 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Toffee bars are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Toffee bars contain dairy, eggs, and nuts.
Summary
Toffee bars are a delicious treat that are high in carbohydrates and fats. They are a sweet indulgence that should be enjoyed in moderation.
Summary
Toffee bars are a delicious and indulgent treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a buttery toffee base, rich chocolate topping, and crunchy pecans, these bars are sure to be a hit with dessert lovers. Enjoy them on their own or with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent treat.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a sunny afternoon in the summer of '62 when I stumbled upon a small, tattered cookbook at a rummage sale. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Toffee Bars that immediately caught my attention.
The recipe called for a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a layer of rich, gooey toffee and sprinkled with crunchy almonds. It seemed like the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and I knew I had to try it out.
I purchased the cookbook for a mere quarter and rushed home to gather the ingredients. I followed the recipe to a tee, carefully measuring out each ingredient and mixing them together with precision. As I poured the toffee mixture over the baked crust, the smell of caramelized sugar filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.
After letting the bars cool and cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces, I took my first bite. The buttery crust melted in my mouth, followed by the rich, decadent toffee and crunchy almonds. It was a symphony of flavors, and I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a favorite in my kitchen.
Over the years, I have made these Toffee Bars countless times, perfecting the recipe with each batch. I have shared them with friends and family, who have all raved about their deliciousness. They have become a staple at family gatherings and holiday events, with everyone clamoring for the recipe.
But the true beauty of these Toffee Bars lies not just in their flavors, but in the memories they hold. Every time I make them, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in '62 when I first discovered the recipe. I can still feel the excitement and anticipation I felt as I baked them for the first time, and it brings a smile to my face every time.
I have since learned that the recipe for these Toffee Bars has a long and storied history. It was passed down through generations in a small town in England, where it was a favorite at tea time gatherings. The original recipe was handwritten on a yellowed piece of parchment, stained with years of use and love.
As the story goes, the recipe was brought to America by a young woman who immigrated to start a new life. She shared it with her neighbors, who in turn passed it on to their friends and family. And so, the recipe for these Toffee Bars spread far and wide, becoming a beloved treat for all who tasted them.
I feel honored to be a part of this rich tradition, carrying on the legacy of a recipe that has brought joy and comfort to so many. I take pride in knowing that my Toffee Bars will continue to be enjoyed for years to come, creating new memories and traditions for generations to come.
So as I stand in my kitchen, mixing together the buttery shortbread crust and pouring the toffee mixture over the top, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and contentment. I am grateful for the simple pleasures of baking and sharing delicious treats with those I love, and I am grateful for the legacy of this recipe that has brought so much joy into my life.
As I take the first bite of a freshly baked Toffee Bar, I close my eyes and savor the flavors that have captured my heart all those years ago. And in that moment, I am reminded of the power of a simple recipe to bring people together and create lasting memories. And for that, I am truly grateful.