Soft toffee is a beloved treat in South Africa, with its rich and buttery flavor making it a staple in many households. This indulgent confection is surprisingly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. Whether you're looking for a tasty treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or a unique homemade gift for friends and family, this soft toffee South African recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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To make soft toffee, you will need butter, which is the key ingredient that gives this treat its rich and creamy texture. It is recommended to use unsalted butter for a more balanced flavor, but you can also use salted butter if that's what you have on hand.
Sugar is another essential ingredient in this recipe, as it provides the sweetness and helps to create the soft and chewy texture of the toffee. You can use regular white sugar or brown sugar, depending on your preference.
Golden syrup is a thick and sticky syrup made from sugar cane and is commonly used in South African cooking. It adds a deep caramel flavor to the toffee and helps to keep it soft and easy to chew.
Condensed milk is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it helps to thicken the toffee and gives it a smooth and creamy consistency. Make sure to use sweetened condensed milk, as the sugar content is crucial for the overall flavor of the toffee.
Vanilla extract adds a delicious hint of vanilla flavor to the toffee, making it even more irresistible. You can use either pure vanilla extract or imitation vanilla extract, depending on your preference and budget.
Start by lining a 9x9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the toffee once it has cooled.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add sugar, golden syrup, and condensed milk, and stir until well combined.
Stir the mixture constantly, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent burning. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a deep golden color. To test if the toffee is ready, drop a small amount into a cup of cold water. If it forms a soft ball, then it is ready.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the hot toffee mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely.
Once the toffee has cooled and hardened, use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut it into small squares or rectangles and serve. You can also wrap the toffee in wax paper and give it as a gift.
There you have it, a delicious and easy soft toffee South African recipe that will surely become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy a piece with a cup of tea or coffee, or share it with your loved ones for a sweet treat. This recipe is also a great starting point for adding your own twist, such as adding chopped nuts or drizzling melted chocolate on top. The possibilities are endless with this versatile and irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
