Want to make recipe for butter toffee almonds at home? This recipe is just what you need. I first tried them while babysitting. They were so tasty that I couldn’t stop!
The almonds in this recipe get a soft, non-sticky coating. They taste sweet and buttery, with a crunchy almond bite. And, you don’t need a candy thermometer to make the toffee.
Ready to make these toffee almonds? In a few easy steps, you’ll have a treat everyone will love. Let’s get started!
Irresistible Butter Toffee Almonds
The recipe for these recipe for butter toffee almonds almonds comes from my mom’s special caramel popcorn. When I was young, my sisters and I loved snacking on them at our family’s Christmas events. Those caramelized nuts were a holiday staple that we just couldn’t resist.
A Nostalgic Treat from Childhood
Making this recipe takes me back to the fun times at Christmas. The sweet, buttery taste of the almonds makes me feel like a kid again. This nutty toffee delight is now our own holiday custom.
Buttery, Crunchy Perfection
The combination of the almonds and the caramelized nuts is amazing. The toffee makes everything better with its buttery flavor. Eating this holiday candy is a real joy, and I bet your family will love it too.
The Difference Between Toffee and Brittle
At first look, butter toffee and almond brittle seem alike. But they differ a lot in texture. Butter is also known as “English Toffee” in the U.S. It has lots of butter, which makes it taste soft and like caramel. But, it reaches a stage where the sugar is super hard. This makes it crunchy but easy to chew.
Understanding Butter Toffee’s Unique Texture
Now, let’s talk about brittles. They are hard candies with sugar that gets very crispy. Nuts are often added to brittles. But, unlike butter toffee, they don’t have as much butter. This makes them more of a hard treat. Butter toffee, however, is crunchy at first. Then, it turns into a rich, buttery delight, especially when combined with toffee almonds or other caramelized nuts.
recipe for butter toffee almonds
This recipe is for butter almonds. They have a soft coating that isn’t sticky. The mix of sweet, deep, buttery flavor with almonds is like sponge toffee. The best part? You won’t need a candy thermometer to make this!
Simple Ingredients, Addictive Flavor
For these butter almonds, you mainly need brown sugar and butter. You’ll also use corn syrup, baking soda, and vanilla. Even with these simple ingredients, you get an addictive snack. It has the same taste as toffee candy but the added crunch of almonds.
No Candy Thermometer Required
Here’s a cool fact: this butter recipe skips the candy thermometer. Instead, you check with a cold water test. This approach is easy for everyone. So, whether you’re a new cook or just looking for a fun project, you can make these toffee almonds at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make these tasty butter toffee almonds, just follow these step-by-step instructions:
Preparing the Baking Sheet
First, ready a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to avoid stickiness.
Cooking the Toffee Mixture
In a saucepan, mix brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Warm on medium, stir until smooth and let it boil for 2 minutes. Watch the pan closely to avoid spillage.
Adding the Almonds
After boiling for 2 minutes, take it off the heat. Add baking soda and vanilla, then the almonds. Start with half and add more for the perfect coating.
Baking and Cooling
Spread the toffee almonds on the sheet. Nab your spatula and evenly distribute them. Then, bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. As they bake, the coating gets crisp and perfect. Let them cool, and you’ve got a scrumptious and crunchy snack!
Preventing Toffee Crystallization
When making tasty butter or toffee almonds, keeping the sugar smooth is key. If the sugar forms crystals, your toffee candy will feel grainy instead of creamy. Luckily, a few simple steps can help keep your caramelized nuts perfect.
The Role of Corn Syrup
Adding a type of sugar called invert sugar, like corn syrup or honey, can keep things smooth. Regular sugar has fructose and glucose locked into sucrose. But invert sugars have fructose and glucose free, like mixing up your sugar ‘blocks’. This makes it hard for regular sugar to crystalize smoothly.
Proper Cooking Technique
To start, placing the sugar in the pot’s middle and then adding a lid while it heats helps. This way, the sugar doesn’t spread and stick to the pan. If it sticks, it can make your toffee grainy. Once it’s mostly melted, take off the lid and stir gently so it all browns evenly.
Variations and Customizations
Butter almonds are amazing because you can change them up easily. With a few tweaks, you can make many different versions. This makes them perfect for anyone’s favorite flavors.
Seasoning with Spices
Adding some spices can really bring out the nutty toffee taste. Just a little ground cinnamon or a hint of cayenne pepper, with vanilla and baking soda, makes a big difference. Your caramelized nuts will have a special, tasty kick.
Adding Dried Fruits or Popcorn
Want more than just toffee almonds? Try adding dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or apricots. You can also mix in some freshly popped popcorn with the nuts. This combines crunchy, sweet nut treats, adding a fun twist.
Trying Different Nut Varieties
Don’t be afraid to try other nuts besides almonds in your toffee. Pecans, walnuts, or a mix can be great alternatives. Each nut brings a new taste and texture to the nutty toffee coating.
Ingredient Substitutions
When you’re making butter, there are many ways to swap ingredients. A big change you can make is using alternatives to cow’s milk for the butter.
Dairy-Free Options
For a dairy-free version, I tried Melt brand margarine in my dairy-free toffee. It turned out just as tasty. My family couldn’t tell the difference between this and regular butter in our toffee candy.
Swapping Corn Syrup
It’s easy to switch out corn syrup in the recipe. You can use golden syrup made from sugarcane instead. This gives the same texture and nutty toffee taste in your toffee.
Presentation and Gifting Ideas
The butter almonds are great for gifts or holiday sweets. After baking, you can shape them into small bites. Then, dip them in chocolate ganache once they’ve cooled for a fancy touch.
These toffee almonds are perfect for holiday sweet nut treats. They have a caramelized outside and a buttery taste. Your loved ones will enjoy them. You can wrap them in cellophane or put them in pretty tins for a special gift.
Storage and Shelf Life
Keep your butter almonds in a cool, dry spot for best results. They’ll be good for a couple of weeks this way. But let’s be real, they’re so tasty that they probably won’t last that long! The sweet butter and caramelized nuts are too good to resist.
Room Temperature vs. Refrigeration
At room temperature is fine for your toffee almonds, just avoid sunlight and heat. This keeps their crunch and stops the butter from melting. In hot places, putting them in the fridge is a good way to keep them crisp.
Freezing for Longer-Term Storage
Want to keep your butter almonds longer? Freeze them for up to 6 months. Store them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag first. Thaw them at room temperature before eating. They’ll still be crunchy and sweet, perfect for any time of year.
Troubleshooting Tips
You might face a problem when making toffee. Sometimes, the sugar crystals turn grainy before the butter melts. I’ve changed the classic butter toffee recipe to avoid this.
Fixing Separated Butter
If you don’t have a candy thermometer, there’s another way. Use the cold-water test. It’s a technique I learned from my grandma, and it works well. I check the temperature with a thermometer, but I trust the cold water test more.
Using the Cold Water Test
To know if the toffee candy is done, use cold water. Just put a bit of the caramelized nuts in cold water. If it hardens into a brittle ball, the toffee is ready. If it’s soft or chewy, keep cooking.
Nutritional Information
Eating butter toffee almonds is pure joy, but watch the nutritional numbers. One serving has 331 calories. It has 28g carbs, 3g protein, and 23g fat. Among the fats, you’ll find 11g are saturated. It also contains 36mg cholesterol and 56mg sodium.
Though they’re a tasty treat, enjoy toffee almonds in moderation. They’re part of a balanced diet if you watch your intake. They offer 415 IU of Vitamin A, 46mg calcium, and 1.5mg iron.
If you’re enjoying these nuts with loved ones or alone, keep portion sizes in mind. Eating them as part of a healthy routine is key. This way, you can savor the taste of these delicious butter toffee almonds.
Conclusion
I always make this recipe around the holidays. It makes me think of my dad. He would get buttercrunch candy from Laura Secord’s at the mall here in Canada. It was our thing, a special treat we enjoyed together. Now, I make extra almond crunch as holiday gifts. People really love it, and it’s not hard to make more.
A Beloved Holiday Treat
The butter toffee almonds are a favorite at holiday time. They bring back great memories. Their rich, buttery taste and crispy bite make them perfect for the season. I enjoy them with my loved ones, turning this recipe into a holiday tradition.
Sharing the Joy of Homemade Candy
Making toffee almonds by hand is something I’m proud of. They’re not just treats; they’re heartfelt holiday gifts. Crafting these sweet nut treats is fun and fulfilling. It lets me spread the happiness of homemade candy. The smiles and compliments I get are the best rewards.
FAQ
What is the main difference between butter toffee and almond brittle?
Butter toffee is soft and almost caramel-like. It will melt in your mouth. Almond brittle, on the other hand, is very hard and crunchy.
Does this recipe require a candy thermometer?
No, this recipe doesn’t need a candy thermometer. You cook the toffee mixture to a hard crack stage. You test this by dropping some in cold water.
Can I use different types of nuts besides almonds?
Yes, you can use other nuts too. Pecans, walnuts, or cashews make great alternatives to almonds.
How long will the butter toffee almonds last?
Storing them in a cool, dry place keeps them fresh for up to 2 weeks. They can be frozen for 6 months in an airtight container.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can have a dairy-free version. Use a dairy-free margarine or butter-like Melt instead of butter.
How can I prevent the toffee from crystallizing?
To avoid crystallization, the recipe uses corn syrup. Adding sugar in the pot’s center without stirring also helps.
Can I add any additional flavors or ingredients to this recipe?
You can add your twists to this recipe. Try including spices, dried fruit, or popcorn with the almonds.
How should I store the butter toffee almonds?
Store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. They are good for 6 months in the freezer.
What is the nutritional information for this recipe?
Here is the nutrition info: Calories 331kcal, Carbohydrates 28g, Protein 3g, Fat 23g, Saturated Fat 11g, Cholesterol 36mg, Sodium 56mg, Potassium 157mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 24g, Vitamin A 415IU, Calcium 46mg, Iron 1.5mg.
