Coffee Toffee Crunch
Although it was developed as a topping and filling for our spice cake, this candy tastes great with a cup of joe too. Prep and Cook Time: about 45 minutes.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Butter a 12- by 17-in. rimmed baking pan. Measure out vanilla and set aside.
Step 2
2
In a 2- to 3-qt. saucepan over medium-low heat, stir sugar, butter, 1/4 cup water, corn syrup, and espresso powder until butter is melted and you no longer see sugar crystals. Increase heat to high and boil, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 300° on a candy thermometer, 4 to 5 minutes. Quickly remove from heat and carefully stir in vanilla (mixture will bubble up). Immediately spread thinly in prepared baking pan and let cool until hard, about 20 minutes.
Step 3
3
Flex pan to release toffee. If using for topping cake, finely chop enough to make 1 1/4 cups. Break remaining toffee into small chunks and reserve for garnish. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Step 4
4
Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, cut in chunks, plus more for pan
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
Directions
Step 1
1
Butter a 12- by 17-in. rimmed baking pan. Measure out vanilla and set aside.
Step 2
2
In a 2- to 3-qt. saucepan over medium-low heat, stir sugar, butter, 1/4 cup water, corn syrup, and espresso powder until butter is melted and you no longer see sugar crystals. Increase heat to high and boil, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 300° on a candy thermometer, 4 to 5 minutes. Quickly remove from heat and carefully stir in vanilla (mixture will bubble up). Immediately spread thinly in prepared baking pan and let cool until hard, about 20 minutes.
Step 3
3
Flex pan to release toffee. If using for topping cake, finely chop enough to make 1 1/4 cups. Break remaining toffee into small chunks and reserve for garnish. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Step 4
4
Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.
