If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with a treat that perfectly balances deep, buttery sweetness, a satisfying cashew crunch, and a dreamy layer of chocolate, look no further than Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch. This irresistible homemade candy delivers layer upon layer of texture and rich flavor, and the best part? It comes together in less than half an hour, making it a no-brainer for festive gifts, holiday dessert tables, or anytime you’re craving a sweet with serious personality. Every bite brings you buttery, nutty, and chocolatey bliss!

Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch is all about quality ingredients, each one playing a starring role in flavor and texture. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll end up with a truly show-stopping treat. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each ingredient matters:

Unsalted butter: Gives the toffee its rich, melt-in-your-mouth base and classic buttery flavor.
Granulated sugar: Forms the crunchy toffee and provides the perfect sweet finish.
Water: Helps melt the sugar smoothly and kickstarts the caramelization process.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the flavors of both the nuts and chocolate.
Vanilla extract: Adds fragrant warmth and a homemade touch to the finished toffee.
Roasted salted cashews: Give a crave-worthy, buttery crunch and a pop of savory flavor in every bite.
Semisweet chocolate chips: A glossy, melty chocolate layer that ties the whole dessert together.

How to Make Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch

Step 1: Get Ready

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and setting it nearby—you’ll need to work quickly once the toffee is cooked. Gather all your measured ingredients before you begin, since timing is everything with Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch, and a little advance prep makes the whole process a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Toffee

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, water, and salt. Turn the heat to medium and stir gently and constantly as the butter melts and everything begins to combine. Once the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts bubbling, attach a candy thermometer and cook, watching carefully, until it reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage). Keeping a steady hand and a close eye will help your toffee develop that shiny snap and deep caramel flavor.

Step 3: Flavor and Add the Cashews

Immediately take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, enjoying that puff of rich aroma. Quickly fold in all the roasted salted cashews, making sure they’re evenly coated in the golden toffee. The window for this step is brief, so work confidently—every nut deserves a glossy coating!

Step 4: Pour and Spread

Pour the hot cashew toffee mixture onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a heatproof spatula to spread it out into an even layer. It will start to firm up right away, so don’t dawdle. The more evenly you spread it, the better every Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch piece will look and taste.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate

Let the toffee sit for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips in a single layer over the warm toffee. Give them a minute or two to get glossy and melty from the residual heat before using a spatula to smooth the chocolate into a luscious blanket over the cashew crunch.

Step 6: Let It Set and Break Apart

Allow the whole pan to cool completely at room temperature, or speed things along by popping it into the fridge. Once the chocolate is completely set and the toffee is firm, use clean hands to break it into big, ragged pieces. Every shard of Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch is a celebration of textures!

How to Serve Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect platter, you might want to sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt, some extra chopped roasted cashews, or even a dusting of edible gold powder on top. Each adds an extra layer of interest and makes the presentation even more irresistible—because when a treat looks this good, people can’t wait to try it!

Side Dishes

Since Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch is rich and decadent, it pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, robust black tea, or even a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream. A fresh fruit platter is another great choice, offering a refreshing contrast to all that sweet crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Break the candy into shards and tuck them into cellophane bags or decorative tins for festive gifts. Arrange pieces upright in mason jars as edible centerpieces, or crumble a handful over ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes for an unexpected crunch. Sometimes I even use Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch as a luxe cookie swap treat that never fails to get rave reviews.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. Choose a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight; the toffee will stay snappy and delicious for up to two weeks. Layer pieces between parchment to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch in advance or just need to stash some away for emergencies (because trust me, cravings happen), you can freeze Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch. Wrap individual pieces or layers in parchment and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw uncovered at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Reheating

This treat is best enjoyed as is, straight from the container, with all its satisfying crunch. If you’re taking it out of the fridge or freezer and want it a bit less cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes—no microwave required! Avoid reheating in the oven or microwave, as this may melt the chocolate or soften the candy’s signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts besides cashews?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in roasted almonds, pecans, or even peanuts for a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure to use roasted and salted varieties for that balance of savory and sweet Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch is known for.

Do I really need a candy thermometer?

While you could attempt to judge the hard crack stage by sight, a candy thermometer makes the process foolproof and ensures you hit that magic 300°F mark. The right temperature is what gives Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch its signature snap, so it’s well worth the investment.

My toffee turned out grainy—what happened?

Grainy toffee is usually caused by over-stirring once the sugar comes to a boil or by sugar crystals on the sides of the pan. For perfect Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch, gently stir only until the sugar melts, then avoid vigorous stirring for a smooth, glassy finish.

Can I add extras like spices or extract flavors?

Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon, a hint of espresso powder, or even a little almond extract can bring an exciting twist to your Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch. Just add flavorings after removing the toffee from the heat, right before mixing in the nuts.

What’s the best way to package Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch for gifts?

To keep it looking fantastic, tie shards or chunks into cellophane bags with a ribbon, stack them in festive tins with parchment between layers, or fill a glass jar and finish with a homemade label. Everyone loves receiving a homemade treat, especially something as special as Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch!

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a treat that’s buttery, nutty, chocolatey, and crowd-pleasing, Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch is it. Every step yields big rewards, and the first bite always gets a chorus of “wow!” Give it a try and don’t be surprised if your kitchen becomes everyone’s new favorite stop for homemade sweetness.

Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 20 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, buttery sweetness of this irresistible Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch. A perfect balance of crunchy cashews, velvety toffee, and a layer of decadent chocolate, this homemade candy is a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Butter Toffee:

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cashew Crunch:

2 cups roasted salted cashews
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Prepare the Toffee: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar, water, and salt. Cook to 300°F, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Form the Crunch: Mix in cashews and spread the mixture on the baking sheet. After 5 minutes, sprinkle with chocolate chips and spread once melted.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the toffee cool, then break into pieces once set.