The BEST Toffee Recipe (Vegan + Nut Free)

The best vegan Toffee bar recipe EVER! Rich, buttery toffee, notes of deep caramel, crunchy pretzels and lush chocolate – need I say more! Perfect for holiday parties or gift giving any time of year.

This post is sponsored by Wolfgang Puck Home who provided the cookware set used to create this recipe. All opinions and recipe are my own.

Holiday Toffee 

Holiday baking is in full swing and during this time, I’m usually looking for easy festive chocolate recipes that I can bring to a party, make with the kids or give as a gift, and these toffee bars are perfect for all of those!

This toffee recipe reminds me of the classic HEATH candy bar I loved as a child. It’s smooth, crunchy, sweet, chocolatey, full of caramel flavor with a delightfully crisp bits in ever bite! Best of all, its vegan, nut free and anyone can make it! I promise!!!

A Foolproof Toffee Recipe with 6 Ingredients

You only need 6 simple ingredients (which you probably already have), a candy thermometer and a heavy-bottomed pot like this one. It’s simple, quick, and ultra delicious. So let’s get to it!

• Vegan Chocolate Chips: I use Enjoy Life Foods semi-sweet mini chips or their ricemilk chocolate but feel free to use dark chocolate if you prefer.
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar is recommended. No corn syrup is needed!
• Butter: Unsalted is best because there’s salt on the pretzels and we’re also adding a little pinch to the toffee. Thankfully there are vegan brands that work well, but I’d recommend using a stick variety as the ones in a tub contain more water.  
• Vanilla Extract: Quality vanilla adds such a nice flavor to this toffee recipe but the key is to add it in after the toffee is removed from the heat to preserve its flavor.
• Salt: a pinch of salt is used in toffee itself while cooking which elevates the flavor and then I also use a little sprinkle of Maldon salt at the end to top it off. Trust me, this will make your mouth sing!
• Pretzels: Traditionally, pecans or almonds are used but since we’re doing this nut-free, I love to use crushed gluten-free pretzels in its place. Regular pretzels also work, but there’s something magical about how light and airy a good gluten-free pretzel can be.
• Water: If you count water as an ingredient, then I guess this would bring it up to #7. The addition of water helps the sugar dissolve as well as keep the toffee from separating.

Step by Step Instructions on How to Make Toffee

This is probably one of the easiest and most delicious treat recipes ever! You’ll need about 30 minutes of active time in the kitchen then the rest is waiting for it to cool down!

1. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper then spread an even layer of chopped pretzels on the bottom and set aside.

2. Combine the sugar, salt, water, and butter in a heavy-bottomed pot.

3. Place over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture comes to a boil, stir frequently until a candy thermometer reads 300°F. Note that the mixture will thicken and turn a pretty golden brown color. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla.

4. Immediately pour over the pretzels and use an offset spatula to spread to the edges. Set aside for 2-3 minutes to cool slightly.

5. Sprinkle vegan chocolate chips over the surface then cover with foil for about 4 minutes and then use an offset spatula to smooth into a thin even layer.

6. Top with a very light sprinkle of finely chopped pretzels and dust with flaked sea salt if desired. Then refrigerate for at least an hour to set then break into pieces and enjoy. (You may need a knife for this part).

And there you have it! Easy and simple vegan toffee. Doesn’t it look amazing?

Homemade Toffee Tips and Recommendations

Whether you are a skilled baker or a novice, here are a few tips to ensure you have fabulous results.

• A candy thermometer makes recipe so much easier to make. 
• Toffee is best stored in an airtight container in a cool area.
• The bottom layer of chopped pretzels is optional. You can leave it out and spread a thin layer of hot toffee directionally onto of parchment paper then cover with chocolate.
• Using a HEAVY-BOTTOMED, non-stick pot like this 3QT saucepot from Wolfgang Puck is highly recommended and will help your sugar heat evenly while making it an ease to clean up.
• Use parchment paper to line your baking pan to prevent the toffee from sticking. I like this better than aluminum foil.
• Using a larger baking sheet instead of a 9×9 square pan will create thinner toffee bars.
• No nut allergy? Then try using toasted chopped pecans instead of pretzels.

Frequently Asked Questions When Making Toffee

WHY IS TOFFEE COOKED AT 300°?

300°F is considered the hardball stage which gives us toffee. The higher cook temperature allows the sugar caramelizes more, giving it an increased depth of flavor and that beautiful crackle. A lower temp of 240°F is the softball stage which gives you caramel.

WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?

Toffee has a deep, sweet caramel flavor and the richness of butter that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

CAN I USE BROWN SUGAR INSTEAD OF GRANULATED SUGAR WHEN MAKING TOFFEE?

Yes!  Actually, English toffee uses brown sugar instead, omit the nuts (we used pretzels) and just cover with a thin layer of melted chocolate.

HOW DO YOU STORE HOMEMADE TOFFEE?

Once cooled, layer cut bars between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. 

HOW DO I GIFT TOFFEE BARS?

Place bars in a holiday tin or paper box. Tie with a bow and gift away!.

Make This Vegan Toffee Today

Seriously…these vegan toffee bars are amazing! Here’s why I love them so much:

• The homemade toffee is extra crunchy and sweet, plus so easy to make.
• The addition of crushed pretzels and sea salt is divine!
• Bonus: they taste even better and crunchier if you keep them in the fridge!

If you haven’t made these, then run to the kitchen and do it ASAP! Because I promise these will become your next holiday treat obsession.

Thank you again to Wolfgang Puck for sponsoring this post. Wanting to revitalize your kitchen with Wolfgang’s stainless-steel cookware set too? This set has all the pieces Wolfgang suggests you will need for everyday cooking, baking and serving. This versatile set is perfect for preparing everyday fare but also provides the tools for you to expand your culinary horizons. Click here to learn more.