Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients – Made with basic pantry staples like butter, sugar, and cashews.
Crunchy and Addictive – The perfect blend of crunchy toffee and roasted cashews.
Great for Gifting – A wonderful homemade gift for family and friends.
Customizable – Can be adapted with different nuts or toppings like chocolate.
Long Shelf Life – Stays fresh for weeks when stored properly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Light corn syrup
Water
Salt
Roasted cashews
Vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare a Baking Sheet – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Make the Toffee – In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt, stirring until combined.
Cook to Hard Crack Stage – Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
Add Cashews and Vanilla – Stir in roasted cashews and vanilla extract quickly, ensuring the nuts are evenly coated.
Pour and Spread – Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Cool Completely – Allow the toffee to cool at room temperature until fully hardened.
Break into Pieces – Once set, break into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the toffee before breaking it into pieces.
Nut Varieties – Swap cashews for almonds, pecans, or peanuts.
Salted Toffee – Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the toffee before it sets for a sweet-salty contrast.
Spiced Toffee – Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for extra warmth and heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: This treat doesn’t require reheating, but if it softens due to humidity, place it in a cool, dry place to crisp up again.

FAQs

How do I prevent my toffee from becoming grainy?

Use a clean, dry saucepan and avoid stirring once the sugar has dissolved to prevent crystallization.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to avoid an overly salty flavor.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

You can use the cold water test—drop a small amount of the mixture into ice water. If it hardens into brittle strands, it’s ready.

Why did my toffee turn out chewy instead of crunchy?

It likely didn’t reach the hard crack stage (300°F). Be sure to use a thermometer for accuracy.

Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?

Yes, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor. Light corn syrup helps prevent crystallization.

Can I add chocolate chips directly to the hot toffee?

Yes! Sprinkle chocolate chips over the toffee right after pouring it onto the baking sheet. Let them melt, then spread evenly.

How do I break the toffee into even pieces?

Once cooled, use a sharp knife or gently tap it with a rolling pin for more uniform pieces.

Will humidity affect my toffee?

Yes, high humidity can make toffee sticky. Store it in an airtight container with a silica gel packet if needed.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a larger pan and work quickly to spread the mixture before it hardens.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure all ingredients, including vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch is a delightful, crunchy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gift, a party snack, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy every bite of this buttery, nutty confection!

Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch is a buttery, nutty, and sweet treat made with caramelized toffee and roasted cashews. Perfect for holiday gifts, snacking, or a dessert topping, this easy homemade candy recipe is irresistibly crunchy and full of rich flavors.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups
Category: Candy, Snacks
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups roasted cashews
½ teaspoon baking soda

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Melt Butter – In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Make the Toffee – Add sugar, corn syrup, and salt to the melted butter. Stir constantly and bring to a boil.
Cook the Mixture – Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
Add Vanilla & Baking Soda – Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and baking soda (it will bubble slightly).
Mix in Cashews – Stir in the roasted cashews until evenly coated.
Spread the Toffee – Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out.
Cool & Break into Pieces – Let the toffee cool completely, then break it into bite-sized pieces.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Use a candy thermometer to ensure the perfect texture.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before it cools.