Toffee bars combine a buttery, thick shortbread base with melted chocolate and chopped nuts. They’re an easy, crowd-pleasing holiday treat and make a lovely gift.
25 Days of Baking: Day 3
Candy appears everywhere during the holidays, and toffee is one of my favorites. It’s simple to make in large batches, so I gave this classic candy a twist by turning it into bars that are easy to slice, share, and package for gifts.
Why this recipe works: The crust is a tender, buttery shortbread flavored with brown sugar for that toffee-like richness. The warm crust is topped with chocolate that melts smoothly, then finished with chopped nuts for crunch—simple steps that yield a delicious, giftable bar.
Table of Contents
Step by step instructions
- Make the crust: Beat the shortbread crust ingredients with an electric mixer until combined and smooth.
- Bake the crust: Spread the dough into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add chocolate and nuts: While the crust is hot, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the surface. Let the chips sit a few minutes to melt, then spread the chocolate into a smooth layer. Top with chopped nuts. Cool completely so the chocolate sets, then cut into bars or triangles. Serve or package for gifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to store toffee bars: Keep bars in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate.
How to freeze toffee bars: Once fully cooled and cut, layer bars between parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
How to gift toffee bars: Arrange bars in a holiday tin or a small paper box, add a ribbon or bow, and they’re ready to give. Lightweight packaging with a tight seal helps keep the bars fresh during transport.
Related recipes
If you enjoy the rich toffee flavor, try other desserts that pair caramel, chocolate, and banana or popcorn for sweet-and-salty fun. These flavor combinations disappear quickly at gatherings—perfect for holiday entertaining.
Packaged in a decorative tin or cellophane bag and tied with a bow, these bars make an inviting movie-night snack or a thoughtful homemade gift. They’re rich and addictive, so consider wrapping securely if you plan to mail or transport them—your friends will likely ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Toffee Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 11 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans, (or peanuts)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350° F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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In a large bowl, beat the butter with baking powder and salt until blended. Gradually add the flour, then beat in the brown sugar and vanilla. Scrape the bowl as needed, then add the egg and mix until combined.
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Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan—use a knife or spatula to smooth the surface. Bake 12–15 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the top feels dry.
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Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot crust. Let them sit about 5 minutes to melt, then spread the chocolate evenly. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and allow the bars to cool completely so the chocolate sets.
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Cut into squares and then in half to form triangles if desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place.
Adapted from Taste of Home
