If there’s one homemade treat guaranteed to have people peeking into your kitchen for “just a taste,” it’s Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch. Think golden, buttery shards studded with salty roasted cashews and blanketed in a dreamy layer of chocolate — this is the ultimate union of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Whether you’re gifting it during the holidays, looking for a crowd-pleasing party snack, or craving something a little more special with your afternoon coffee, Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch is joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch is in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a leading role, from the meltingly rich butter to the punchy roasted cashews and luscious chocolate. Here’s what you need, plus why it matters.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): The heart and soul of the toffee — choose a good-quality butter for that deep, caramelized flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): This is what gives the toffee its signature snap and golden color.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Just enough to help the sugar and butter blend and melt smoothly.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and balances the sweetness with a touch of savoriness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a glossy finish to the toffee.
- Roasted salted cashews (2 cups): Buttery, crunchy, and already seasoned — cashews bring the crunch and a hint of salt that takes this treat over the top.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The finishing touch: a silky layer of chocolate that ties every flavor together.
How to Make Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet
Before things get sticky and exciting, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch lifts away effortlessly once it sets. You’ll want to keep everything within arm’s reach, because the process moves fast once the toffee is ready!
Step 2: Cook the Toffee Base
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the butter, sugar, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly — you’re looking for everything to melt and meld into a bubbling mix. As the sugar starts to boil, be mindful not to over-stir, which can cause the toffee to crystallize. Keep cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer; that’s your cue for crispy perfection.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Cashews
As soon as you hit that 300°F sweet spot, remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract. It will sizzle and bloom immediately, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Rapidly fold in the roasted cashews, making sure they get coated in the luscious toffee before it starts to set.
Step 4: Spread and Shape the Toffee
Without missing a beat, pour the hot toffee mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a heatproof spatula to spread it into an even layer — don’t worry too much about the edges being perfect. The toffee will begin to firm up almost right away, so work quickly for your best results.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Layer
Let the toffee sit for about five minutes, just until it’s no longer scorching hot but still pliable. Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips over the surface. Give them a minute to melt in the residual heat, then gently spread the glossy chocolate over the toffee with your spatula, creating an enticing, smooth finish.
Step 6: Cool and Break Into Pieces
Allow the Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch to cool completely at room temperature, or speed up the process in the refrigerator. Once it’s hardened and the chocolate is set, break the slab into rustic pieces. Store your golden shards in an airtight container and get ready to watch them disappear.
How to Serve Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch
Garnishes
A dusting of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of dark chocolate, or even a handful of crushed freeze-dried raspberries scattered on top before the chocolate sets turns each piece of Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch into a little work of art. These simple touches make your homemade candy feel extra special and elegant.
Side Dishes
Pair your Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch with a strong cup of coffee, a mug of rich hot cocoa, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. If you’re serving it at a party, try adding a cheese plate for a wonderful contrast — the saltiness of cheese balances beautifully with the toffee’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Gift Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a perfect holiday treat or hostess gift. Arrange the shards in a mason jar for a rustic look, or layer them on a pretty platter with fresh berries and nuts for a festive party centerpiece. You can even stack pieces in cupcake liners to make them easy for guests to grab.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch stores beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep it out of direct sunlight or heat to make sure the chocolate stays firm and your toffee retains its signature crunch.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead on your holiday baking or simply think you’ll need to stash some away, Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch freezes well for up to two months. Place pieces in a single layer between sheets of parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container, and remember to let them come to room temperature before serving to prevent condensation.
Reheating
This treat doesn’t need reheating — its magic is best enjoyed at room temperature, where the chocolate is snappy and the toffee is perfectly crisp. If you pull it straight from the freezer, just let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Absolutely! While roasted salted cashews are classic in Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch, you can easily swap in almonds, pecans, or even peanuts for a different flavor profile. Just pick nuts that are roasted and salted for the best balance.
Why did my toffee turn out grainy?
Grainy toffee usually happens if the sugar crystallizes during cooking. Make sure you only stir constantly until everything has melted and the sugar is dissolved. Once it starts to boil, stir gently and avoid scraping the sides of the pan.
How do I know when the toffee is ready?
The best way to know the toffee is done is by using a candy thermometer. When the mixture reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage), it’s ready to be removed from the heat. The color should be a deep golden caramel.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch recipe, but you’ll need to work especially quickly when spreading and topping with chocolate, as the toffee sets fast. Make sure to use a large enough baking sheet to avoid a super thick layer.
How do I make the chocolate layer extra smooth?
After sprinkling the chocolate chips onto the hot toffee, let them sit for a minute or two to melt, then use an offset spatula to spread out the chocolate in even strokes. For a glossier finish, you can even swirl in a touch of coconut oil with the chocolate as it melts.
Final Thoughts
If you love the combination of buttery, caramelized crunch and silky chocolate, you’re going to adore making (and sharing) Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch. Each batch is a little celebration in itself — simple to make, endlessly giftable, and guaranteed to put a smile on every face. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it disappears before you can reach for a second piece!
Print
Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, buttery sweetness of this irresistible Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch. A perfect balance of crunchy cashews, velvety toffee, and a layer of decadent chocolate, this homemade candy is a must-have for holiday treats or anytime you crave a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Butter Toffee:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups roasted salted cashews
Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Toffee: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar, water, and salt. Cook to 300°F, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Mix in cashews and spread on the baking sheet.
- Add the Chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the toffee. Once melted, spread into a smooth layer.
- Cool and Serve: Let the toffee cool, then break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Be cautious when working with hot toffee.
- Substitute cashews with almonds or pecans for a different flavor.
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