How to make toffee

It's easier than you think.

Toffee-close-up

Toffee is making a comeback this year – and we’re very happy to see the return of this classic childhood favourite.

While this simple treat is great on its own, you can also use toffee in a range of other sweets and desserts. Whether it’s cracked into shards, stretched into strands or used to coat nuts or fruit, toffee offers unlimited fun for cooks of all ages.

Toffee might taste decadent, but you only need one ingredient to make it – and you probably already have it in your pantry.

How to make toffee

It only takes 35 minutes to make our Easiest Hard Toffee Recipe and all you need is caster sugar and water. 

Simply stir the water and sugar in a saucepan over a low heat until the sugar is dissolved. You then turn the heat up until the mixture turns golden and thickens to become liquid toffee.

How To Make Toffee

Then you can use it to coat nuts, spin it or leave it to harden and be cracked into shards.

What can go wrong when making toffee?

A common problem when making toffee is crystallisation. The sugar clumps together into a white and grainy syrup that turns into a messy solid mass. To avoid starting again, try these tips.

• Dissolve the sugar completely before increasing the heat and bringing the mixture to the boil. You’ll know when it’s dissolved – there won’t be any crystals on your spoon.
• Brush any sugar crystals from the side of the pan with a wet pastry brush during the toffee-making process. Undissolved sugar on the side of the pan causes crystallisation.
• Don’t stir the toffee mixture once it comes to the boil – this also leads to crystallisation.

How to make hard toffee shards

Toffee shards are a great way to dress up any dessert, making an ordinary dish look extraordinary. Plus, the toffee shards will add texture and sweetness. Simply line a tray with baking paper, and use a wooden spoon to drizzle the melted toffee over the tray. Once the toffee is fully cooled and set, you can break it into pieces.

How to store toffee

Toffee is easy to keep, and store, and needs no special treatment. Just place it in an airtight container, and store it in a cool, dry place. Toffee can generally last up to two months if stored correctly, and away from heat.

How to make toffee apples

Whether you’re raising funds or fun, sweet and sticky toffee apples are classic fete winners. Learn to make toffee apples with this easy recipe.

Originally published as How to make toffee