Growing up, my grandmother had a special way of making our family gatherings feel magical. Every holiday season, the aroma of rich toffee wafted through her cozy kitchen, mingling with the scent of pine from the Christmas tree in the corner. Toffee was her signature treat, and as kids, we would eagerly wait for the moment she would pull the shimmering golden sheets from the oven, crack them apart, and shower them with toppings.

This Maple Pecan Toffee Delight transforms that cherished memory into a modern twist, using the warm flavor of maple syrup and crunchy pecans to create an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring alone.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • Sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  • Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will ensure easy removal of the toffee once it’s set.
  • In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Stir gently until the butter has melted and the sugars are combined.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, and cook until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This should take about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn!
  • Once at temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and half of the chopped pecans. Quickly pour the toffee mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  • While the toffee is still hot, sprinkle the chopped chocolate over the surface. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly across the toffee.
  • Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the chocolate, followed by a light sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweetness of the toffee.
  • Allow the toffee to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or until completely set. Once hardened, break it into pieces.
  • Store the Maple Pecan Toffee Delight in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or simply indulging in a sweet moment of nostalgia.

Every bite of this Maple Pecan Toffee Delight is a reminder of those joyful family gatherings, where laughter and love mingled with the sweet tastes of the season. Enjoy this treat and share the love it brings!