This Cashew Toffee is one of those treats that disappears faster than you can say "just one more piece please!" It's crunchy, buttery, and loaded with roasted cashews and melted chocolate.
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What makes this recipe irresistible
If you love homemade candy that's ridiculously easy and totally crave-worthy, this one's for you. I've made this recipe more times than I can count, especially around the holidays! It always gets rave reviews!
Cashew Toffee
Equipment
- 13 x 9" baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Large frying pan
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole cashews divided
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips divided
- 1 cups salted butter + 1-2 Tbsp. for greasing the pan
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet, set aside.
- In a large, dry pan over medium heat, toast the cashews for 4-5 minutes until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent the nuts from burning. Pour the nuts onto a chopping board. Roughly chop 1 cup of cashews. Reserve the remaining nuts, keep whole.
- Evenly spread the chopped, toasted cashews onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle ½ cup mini chocolate chips over the chopped cashews in the baking dish. Set aside.
- Butter the inside of a large microwave-safe bowl. I used about 1 ½ Tbsp. to generously cover the inside of the bowl, stopping about ½ inch from the rim. Add the butter, sugar, and water to the prepared bowl. DO NOT STIR. Microwave on high for 10 minutes or until the mixture has been at a steady, rolling boil for three minutes and begins to turn a light golden-brown color.
- Using oven mitts (the toffee will be VERY HOT), remove the toffee from the microwave. DO NOT STIR. Carefully pour the mixture over the chopped cashews and mini chocolate chips on the baking sheet. Tilt the pan or use a spatula to spread. Work quickly, top the toffee with the remaining whole cashews and mini chocolate chips.
- Allow the candy to cool for several minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to set and once the toffee is hardened, remove from the refrigerator and break into chunks.
Notes
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Nutrition
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements for this recipe.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
No, this recipe doesn't call for a thermometer, but do watch the microwave carefully so the candy doesn't scorch. If you want to use one, you're looking for a temperature of 290-310 degrees Fahrenheit.
You don't have to, but trust me... it takes this homemade candy recipe to a whole new level!
It's soft because it didn't boil in the microwave for three minutes. Unfortunately at this point it can't be fixed. It's a sticky mess.
Deb's top tips
Be sure to prep everything before getting started. This comes together so quickly, there's not time to prep as you go.
- Don't walk away from the microwave once the toffee is goes in. Remember, it's basically boiling sugar and needs your full attention while it's cooking!
- Keep your oven mits handy to remove the bowl from the microwave.
Related recipes
If you're as hooked on homemade sweets as I am, you'll want to check out a few more of my favorite easy candy recipes. Mom's recipe for Chocolate Covered Cashews are the ultimate salty-sweet snack and come together in minutes!
Grandma's recipe for Microwave Peanut Brittle brings old-fashioned flavor without the fuss-just quick, crunchy, and totally addictive! And don't miss my Gingersnap Truffles, loaded with marshmallows and chocolatey goodness.
These treats are perfect for sharing, gifting, or adding to your holiday cookie tray (if they last that long!).
Wrapping it up
Whether you're making a batch for yourself or wrapping it up for gifts, this Cashew Toffee is a treat everyone will love. It's crunchy, chocolatey, and downright addictive.
Give it a try and let me know what you think! And be sure and pin it so you'll have the recipe handy at Christmas time. Don't be surprised if it disappears in a flash!
Colleen-Tx. says
Not going to rate this recipe just yet, cause I haven't made it, but it sure does look very appealing.
I do need to find a Good substitute in place of using the nuts. Any good ideas that I could use instead of nuts?
Debra Clark says
If you’d rather skip the nuts, use broken pretzels. They add a salty crunch that pairs beautifully with the toffee. Just break them into small pieces. And be sure you add some crushed pretzels to the top as well.
Colleen-Tx. says
thank You Debra. I was thinking about using pretzels but was uncertain.
Sherri Rochester says
Cashew toffee, what a perfect gift idea for my daughter! I have never thought about making toffee in the microwave. I have made brittle in the past, so why not? What a great idea!
Debra Clark says
Wonderful, I can't wait to hear what you think Sherri. Crispy, buttery, rich - I'm drooling just thinking about it!
MaryB says
What a terrific idea using much loved cashews. I like the idea of using the microwave. Thank you for sharing.
Debra Clark says
No candy thermometer required, love that!! Let me know what you think of this yummy treat Mary!
Kesha says
Oh these look heavenly! I will be making this recipe! My daddy love toffee and cashews! What a great mix! Thank you for sharing! 💕
Debra Clark says
Keesha, that's awesome!! I always associate food with memories and family too - you enjoy this recipe!
Carol says
I remember when I was a kid my aunt would make something similar and wrap them for gifts to neighbors and teachers at Christmas time. Cashews are my favorite nut so she would always make sure I was on the receiving end. Memories!!
Debra Clark says
Foodie memories are the best Carol! Thanks for sharing!
Karen says
Can't wait to try this recipe!
Debra Clark says
Wonderful, swing back and let me know what you think Karen! I hope you really enjoy it!
Jean M says
THIS sounds and looks AWESOME! I love anything with nuts in it. Definitely going to make Cashew Toffee!
Debra Clark says
Fantastic Jean, I think you'll love the recipe! This is tasty!!!