Sea Salt Pecan Toffee is the answer to your snacking and sweet tooth dreams. The end. Do I exaggerate? Sometimes, yes. But right now? Not really.
There aren’t a whole lot of foods that I label as “The Best Ever” or “crazy insane amazingly delicious” but this toffee recipe is exactly that. All of those things. It is EVERYTHING.
TOFFEE RECIPE
If you have never made candy or toffee or any hot sugary boiled treat, do not fear it. Because I have a wicked easy toffee recipe making tip that you’re going to love. No candy thermometers are needed.
Want the toffee-making tip that you’ll never forget? Set a brown paper bag near the stove and let the mixture boil until it matches the bag in color. (You can also use a jar of peanut butter for color reference.)
I have never used a thermometer for making toffee. (Admittedly, at this point, I don’t need the paper bag any longer. I just eyeball it.) This takes between 18-20 minutes and I ALWAYS set a timer for 17 minutes.
Just in case I find myself distracted, the timer prevents me from letting the candy burn. It will go from perfectly amber colored to burnt in about 30 seconds, as soon as it turns light brown, pull it off the heat.
Once you’ve made this a few times, you’ll be able to smell when it’s done too.
SEA SALT PECAN TOFFEE
We’ve made this toffee at least six times since Christmas because everyone I shared it with has requested it again and again.
Three different people have called or texted to ask what the heck was in the toffee because they could not stop eating it.
I have already emailed the recipe out twice with promises that I would get it on the blog soon. One friend had me laughing with her text, “Is there ACTUAL crack in this? Drugs? What did you put in it? I can’t stop eating it!”
I have yet to meet anyone who can resist the salty-sweet combination in this Sea Salt Pecan Toffee.
If you love salty-sweet combinations, like in The Ultimate Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie, this toffee is going to make you very happy.
I have a fairly well-known love for toffee. This Chocolate Covered Pretzel Toffee is an annual favorite, as is the Dark Chocolate Toffee Ice Cream that I make as often as possible.
As I was writing this recipe out to share with you, I looked around for some more toffee recipes to share with you and I found Brown Butter Toffee Shortbread, Almond Club Cracker Toffee, and Salted Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Seriously? I LOVE the blogging world. The creativity that surrounds me inspires so many delicious things. And don’t forget to Check out all of our Gluten Free Dessert Recipes here!
Maldon Salt
The finishing salt is really important in this recipe. There aren’t a lot of fancy spices and ingredients in my kitchen, but Maldon flaked sea salt is a key ingredient in this toffee.
You can buy it in some grocery stores, but I found the best prices by far on Amazon. (I promise that if you buy it, you’ll use it for more than just this recipe!)
However, if you don’t want to buy a fancy salt, coarse sea salt or even kosher salt will work. Just be extra careful when sprinkling the salt on the toffee, as the smaller grains of salt can quickly turn something “salty” instead of giving just a hint of salt with the sweet toffee.
SEA SALT PECAN TOFFEE
- In a heavy bottomed stainless skillet, over medium heat, combine the butter, sugar, water and salt. As the butter melts, stir a few times with a wooden spoon or spatula to combine. Bring to a boil and then don’t stir or touch the mixture again until it is caramel colored.
- While the toffee is boiling, prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silpat mat. (Do not use waxed paper, it will melt.) Scatter the pecans across the prepared baking sheet.
- Once the toffee is caramel colored, remove from the heat and add the vanilla. Stir to combine. Quickly pour the toffee over the pecans. Sprinkle with Maldon salt. Let cool completely. I often set the pan in the refrigerator to speed up the process, but it will also cool at room temperature.
- When the toffee is cool, break into pieces. (I find that flipping the toffee over and hitting it a few times with a wooden spoon works quite well.) Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Sea Salt Pecan Toffee
Ingredients
- 2 cups butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups whole pecans
- Maldon salt for topping
Instructions
- In a heavy bottomed stainless skillet, over medium heat, combine the butter, sugar, water and salt. As the butter melts, stir a few times with a wooden spoon or spatula to combine. Bring to a boil and then don’t stir or touch the mixture again until it is caramel colored.
- While the toffee is boiling, prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silpat mat. (Do not use waxed paper, it will melt.) Scatter the pecans across the prepared baking sheet.
- Once the toffee is caramel colored, remove from the heat and add the vanilla. Stir to combine. Quickly pour the toffee over the pecans. Sprinkle with Maldon salt. Cool completely.
- When the toffee is cool, break into pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
{originally published 2/26/17 – recipe notes and photos updated 12/14/20}
Linda says
Would it be possible to 1/2 the recipe?
Mary Younkin says
Sure thing, Linda.
Berlena Gullett says
Can you substitute the sugar for a sugar alternative like Swerve?
Mary Younkin says
I have no idea how that will work in this recipe, Berlena.
Cheryl Pryor says
You should open a sweet shop as you make the most enticing sweet things!! This recipe brought wonderful memories to mind of my grandfather who just loved toffee.
Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Mary Younkin says
While I have no desire to ever sell the foods, I do love sharing the recipes. I hope you like the toffee, Cheryl!
Shirley says
Do you think it. would work to put chocolate bars on top before it cools? I like toffee with chocolate!
Mary Younkin says
Yes, it will work, Shirley. I do that with this recipe too: https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/chocolate-covered-pretzel-toffee-recipe/
Kim Henrichs says
This looks so good oh my gosh!
Mary Younkin says
Thanks, Kim! I hope you love it as much as we do.
Connie Janke says
Mary, we LOVE this toffee. I have made it twice even though I am terrified of cooking too long or too little even with your detailed directions. I have made it in a skillet, as you directed, and also in a saucepan since that is what the link takes me to. Which do you prefer, skillet or saucepan? I often go straight to Amazon so I can get the exact utensil you recommend!
Mary Younkin says
Hi Connie! I made it in a skillet for years and recently switched to a saucepan. Honestly, I can’t even tell you when or why I did. I don’t think the pan makes a big difference here, as long as the sides are high enough. If you have a heavy stainless skillet or a saucepan, you’ll be set. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the toffee!
David Stroud says
Can you add baking soda to this recipe to get it fluffy?
Mary Younkin says
I’ve never tried that, David.
Mary says
By stainless pot, you mean you cant use a teflon pan?
Mary Younkin says
Yes, that’s exactly what it means. Do not use a nonstick pan.
Patty says
Hi Mary. I made this recipe last year and again this year. Iris delicious. However this year my butter separated do u know what went wrong?
Mary Younkin says
Hi Patty, if the heat is too high, butter might melt too quickly and can separate from the sugar. Different saucepans can also affect things.
Angela says
What am I doing wrong? Only the top thin layer hardens, underneath is sugary. Am I not cooking long enough or too long? I succeeded once but have had 2 fails. It is yummy even with my fails though. I salvaged by reheating and adding a tablespoon of water, then it was like a chewy pecan candy.
Mary Younkin says
My guess is not quite long enough, but without being in your kitchen, it’s hard to know for sure. If it turned out perfect once, it could be an issue with the stove or the timing. I’m glad it’s still tasty for you!
Cindy says
Why can’t u use a nonstick skillet.
Mary Younkin says
Cindy – I find it just isn’t necessary.
Sally Fedus says
Is it possible to freeze this recipe? I was hoping to get ahead of my Christmas cookie baking.
Mary Younkin says
I have not tried that Sally.