Indulge in the irresistible decadence of English Toffee Bars, a delightful treat that combines a buttery, crisp base, a luscious layer of melted semisweet chocolate, and a luxurious sprinkle of crunchy chopped pecans or almonds. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners looking for a quick and impressive dessert. These bars capture the classic flavors of English toffee with a simplified approach—featuring pantry staples like brown sugar, vanilla, and all-purpose flour that come together to create a rich, caramel-like foundation. Ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet snack, these toffee bars offer an irresistible blend of textures and flavors. Bonus: they can be made ahead and stored, making them a convenient choice for any occasion!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough just comes together and is smooth.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base layer. Use your hands or the flat-bottom of a glass to ensure the dough is evenly packed.
Bake the base for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot base. Allow the chocolate chips to sit for 5 minutes so they can soften.
Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the entire surface of the toffee base.
While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the chopped pecans (or almonds) evenly over the chocolate layer, pressing them down gently to adhere.
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets.
Once fully cooled and set, cut into 24 bars. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Calories |
5793 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 274.7 g | 352% | |
| Saturated Fat | 123.6 g | 618% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 248 mg | 83% | |
| Sodium | 1251 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 838.8 g | 305% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 43.3 g | 155% | |
| Total Sugars | 597.4 g | ||
| Protein | 64.7 g | 129% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 507 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 27.8 mg | 154% | |
| Potassium | 2241 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.