Indulge in the exquisite blend of toasted hazelnuts, rich toffee, and decadent chocolate in this Hazelnut Toffee Crunch. This delightful confection offers a delightful balance of nuttiness and sweetness, making it a perfect treat for any occasion or a delightful homemade gift.
Who Will Love This Recipe?
This recipe is crafted for those who appreciate the delightful combination of crunchy nuts, buttery toffee, and smooth chocolate. If you’re a fan of sweet treats with a delightful nutty twist, Hazelnut Toffee Crunch will surely captivate your taste buds.
Why It’s a Mouthwatering Delight
The charm of this treat lies in its combination of textures and flavors. The roasted hazelnuts add a delightful crunch, complemented by the buttery richness of the toffee and the luxuriousness of the chocolate coating. It’s an irresistible blend that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients for Hazelnut Toffee Crunch
- Raw Hazelnuts: 1 cup
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Dark Chocolate: 8 ounces, chopped (for coating)
Recipe Directions
Step 1: Toast the Hazelnuts
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Toast the hazelnuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once toasted, remove the hazelnuts from the oven and let them cool. Rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins.
Step 2: Prepare the Toffee
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and salt over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts.
- Once the mixture starts boiling, insert a candy thermometer and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it reaches around 300°F (150°C) or the hard crack stage.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and toasted hazelnuts.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture
- Pour the hot toffee mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a silicone mat, spreading it into an even layer using a heatproof spatula.
- Allow the toffee to cool and harden completely at room temperature for about 1-2 hours.
Step 4: Coat with Chocolate
- Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- Break the cooled toffee into pieces and dip each piece into the melted chocolate, coating it entirely.
- Place the chocolate-coated toffee pieces on a parchment-lined tray or baking sheet.
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until firm.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Heatproof spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
Storing Hazelnut Toffee Crunch
Store the Hazelnut Toffee Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these delightful toffee crunches as a standalone treat or serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make excellent gifts for friends and family.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts? A: Absolutely! You can substitute hazelnuts with almonds, pecans, or cashews for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I use milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for coating? A: Yes, feel free to use your preferred chocolate for coating based on your taste preferences.
Q: Can I make this without a candy thermometer? A: While a candy thermometer ensures accuracy, you can test the toffee by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should harden immediately.
Conclusion
Savor the delightful crunch and nutty sweetness of Hazelnut Toffee Crunch—a treat that brings together the irresistible combination of toffee, roasted hazelnuts, and chocolate. Share this delightful confection with friends and enjoy every delightful bite!