Christmas Toffee Crunch

Do you have a food that reminds you of Christmas?! I remember going to the Mall at Christmas time to visit Santa, see the lights, do Christmas shopping, and see the decorations. It was one of the ways that I knew the Christmas season had officially arrived. I loved all the decorations and lights.

The other thing I loved was Frango mints from the Bon Marche and Almond Roca. Almond Roca is still one of my favorite holiday treats. I absolutely love it, and CANNOT eat just one! Seriously it is so addictive and delicious. The toffee flavor mixed with chocolate and nuts, is the perfect combo.

This version is more similar to what has come to be known as Christmas Crack, a name that I do not personally love a whole lot! 😛 Anyhow- this Toffee bark Crunch is so good! You will love it.

Begin by greasing a 9×13 pan. You can also put parchment paper on the bottom of your pan if you prefer. Coat the bottom of your pan with crushed nuts. The traditional nut to use is almonds. But it is also delicious with hazelnuts (what I usually use) and peanuts too!

Make sure to coat the base of your pan well. Before you begin your toffee you will need to prepare your crackers Take them out of the wrappers and make sure that you have 12 crackers that are not broken! Set them aside for later

Prepare your chocolate next. Melt your chocolate (I used dark, but you can use milk or a combo of both) in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second intervals until it is smooth without any chunks. Set aside, but be sure to keep it warm so that it stays liquid and doesn’t begin to harden.

Now you can finally make your toffee! you will need to make your toffee. I use a candy thermometer, but you can try without as well. You want the temperature of your toffee to reach 300°F so that it will harden when poured. Do not let it go over 320°F or it will not harden!!

Melt 1 cup of butter in a large saucepan. When your butter is melted add 1 cup of brown sugar. Stir CONSTANTLY until your toffee reaches 300°F.

When your toffee reaches 300°F remove it from the heat and pour it over your nut base. Spread it evenly around the pan, try not to bring it all the way out to the edges (it will make it easier to remove later). Next gently press your crackers down into the toffee mix while it is still hot and liquid. You want the toffee to come up around the sides of the crackers and through the holes, coating it well.

Spread your melted chocolate evenly over the top of your crackers. Try not to go all the way to the edges of the pan. Make sure to coat the whole pan. Then add your red and green mini M&Ms to make it a little more festive!

Allow the bars to set completely before trying to cut them! These toffee crunch bars will make a perfect addition to your Christmas cookie plate! And they won’t last long! They are THAT GOOD.

Enjoy!! And happy Holiday baking!