Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch Recipe
Bold, buttery, and utterly irresistible, Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch is the treat you’ll want to sneak from the candy jar all year long! Imagine the satisfying sound of toffee breaking under your fingers, the golden shards melting in your mouth, punctuated with bursts of creamy chocolate and the rich, nutty crunch of roasted cashews. Whether you need a festive holiday gift, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a homemade dessert worthy of sharing, Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch delights every sense—and it’s surprisingly simple to whip up in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy tools or laundry lists of ingredients to create this show-stopping candy. Each piece of Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch is built on just a handful of kitchen staples, each playing a starring role in flavor, texture, or color. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why they matter:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup): The heart and soul of rich toffee, it creates depth, silkiness, and that signature golden crunch.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Essential for classic candy sweetness and the beautiful caramelization that makes the toffee snap.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to sharpen the buttery and sweet flavors—the secret to balanced, craveable candy.
- Light Corn Syrup (1 tablespoon): A splash of corn syrup prevents sugar from crystallizing and ensures a snappy, glossy finish.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Helps the sugar melt evenly, starting the toffee off on a smooth note.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a hint of sweetness that brings all the components together.
- Roasted Salted Cashews, coarsely chopped (1 and 1/2 cups): The star crunch factor—roasted cashews add buttery richness and a wonderful texture.
- Semi-sweet or Milk Chocolate Chips (1 cup, optional, for topping): Melts luxuriously over the warm toffee for extra decadence—choose your favorite!
How to Make Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this will ensure your toffee releases easily and breaks into those beautiful, shiny slabs of Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch. Have your chopped cashews and chocolate chips ready nearby, since the process moves quickly once the toffee reaches temperature.
Step 2: Make the Toffee Base
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan set over medium heat, combine the butter, granulated sugar, salt, corn syrup, and water. Stir constantly—the mixture will look creamy and light at first, then slowly darken to a gorgeous, rich caramel. The butter and sugar blend create the crisp foundation for the Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch you’re about to enjoy.
Step 3: Cook to Perfect Candy Stage
Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Keep stirring as the mixture simmers and bubbles, making sure nothing sticks or scorches. You’re aiming for the “hard crack” stage, which is 300°F, typically after 10–12 minutes. Patience here rewards you with toffee that breaks cleanly and won’t stick to your teeth!
Step 4: Stir in Vanilla and Cashews
Once you’ve reached 300°F, remove the pan from the heat. Quickly stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant hit, plus half of your chopped roasted cashews. Work fast here—the mixture will start to set almost immediately!
Step 5: Pour, Top, and Set
Carefully pour the hot toffee onto your prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer (aim for about 1/4-inch thick). Sprinkle the rest of the cashews on top for extra crunch and visual appeal. If you’re going for a chocolatey Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch, immediately scatter chocolate chips over the hot toffee, let them soften for a couple minutes, then spread into a thin, glossy blanket. Let the candy cool and harden completely at room temperature—this takes about an hour. Once set, break it into gloriously jagged pieces!
How to Serve Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on still-warm chocolate takes Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch over the top, balancing sweetness and adding sparkle. Drizzle melted white chocolate if you want drama, or toss extra chopped cashews for that irresistible bakery look.
Side Dishes
For a party platter or dessert tray, pair your Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch with fresh berries, juicy orange segments, or bowls of creamy vanilla ice cream. The buttery, nutty candy complements fruit and ice cream beautifully, making for a show-stopping treat spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Package Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch in pretty jars or cellophane bags for sweet gifts during the holidays or as a just-because surprise. Layer pieces in a vintage tin lined with parchment, or pile shards in a wide-mouthed glass jar for an irresistible edible centerpiece. At parties, arrange it in small, rustic bowls alongside espresso or hot cocoa for chic, effortless snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature. As long as it stays sealed, it’ll stay crisp, glossy, and fresh for up to two weeks, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for gifts or snacking.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later (or stock up for sudden cravings), layer cooled pieces between sheets of wax or parchment paper and seal them in a freezer-safe container. Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch freezes beautifully for up to two months—just make sure to bring it to room temperature before enjoying so it doesn’t get sticky.
Reheating
This treat is meant to be enjoyed just as it is, with all its delightful snap. If your chocolate topping looks dull from refrigeration, a minute or two at room temperature will bring the shine right back. No reheating required—just grab a piece and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of cashews?
Absolutely! While cashews give this treat its signature buttery crunch, almonds, pecans, or macadamias would all be delicious in this recipe. Just be sure to use roasted, salted nuts for maximum flavor.
Why did my toffee turn out grainy?
Grainy toffee usually means the sugar started to crystallize during cooking. Be sure to add the corn syrup and keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and reaches temperature—don’t rush the process!
Can I make Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch without a candy thermometer?
While a candy thermometer gives the most reliable results, you can test for the hard crack stage by dropping a bit of the toffee mixture into ice water. If it hardens into brittle threads, it’s ready to pour.
How long does Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch stay fresh?
Stored in a sealed container at room temperature, it keeps well for up to two weeks. The texture and flavor are best in the first week, but it’s still perfectly tasty after that!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the base ingredients in Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch are naturally gluten-free, making it a wonderful homemade candy option for many dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Life always needs a little extra crunch and sweetness, and Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch delivers in every bite. If you’ve never tried making homemade candy before, this recipe will win you over with its simplicity and wow factor. I hope you give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite treat to share and savor!
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Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, buttery sweetness of this irresistible Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch. With a perfect balance of crunchy cashews, smooth toffee, and optional chocolate topping, this treat is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups roasted salted cashews, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Toffee: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar, salt, corn syrup, and water. Stir until boiling.
- Cook the Toffee: Attach a candy thermometer and cook to 300°F. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and cashews.
- Spread and Cool: Pour mixture onto the baking sheet, spread, top with remaining cashews. Add chocolate if desired. Let cool.
- Finish: Break into pieces once set and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Do not leave unattended.
- For extra flair, add white chocolate drizzle or sea salt.
- Store in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
