Adapted from my friend Kelcie Morgan Cantrell, this butter toffee recipe is the best. It’s rich, crunchy, and tastes just as good (if not better!) than unhealthy versions.
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Is Butter Good for You?
In years past, diet culture eschewed butter in favor of margarine. Considering research, this is an alarming trend! Margarine is made of trans fats, which cause cardiovascular disease and increase your chances of developing diabetes. (1) The components of margarine (canola, corn, sunflower, peanuts, and soybeans) are all genetically modified.
Margarine has no health benefits, and you should avoid it at all costs!
This doesn’t mean that every butter is top-notch. Many are made with dairy from cows pumped full of hormone-filled feed and antibiotics. These chemicals leech into dairy products and, subsequently, the bodies of those who consume these ingredients. While this amps up dairy production, it’s not humane for the animals! Studies have proven that consumers are at a higher risk of cancer and obesity. (2)
To avoid unnecessary fillers, choose non-GMO, grass-fed, and organic butter.
The saying “There is too much of a good thing!” is true in this case, as you should consume butter in moderation. A little here and there goes a long way! Butter tends to get mixed reviews, but overall it’s a great healthy fat for your body.
Candy and a Healthy Diet
The best part about following a balanced diet is that you can still have all your old standbys. If you have a sweet tooth, you may have found it challenging to stick with healthy eating in the past. Typical diet culture has a restriction mentality that leads to “cheat” days. The problem is, cheat days turn into cheat weeks, and for some, cheat years.
Approach healthy eating with an abundance mindset. There’s no reason life shouldn’t include appetizers, salads, fruit, and candy! You should enjoy God’s gifts and use them to benefit your body.
These things can be a part of your daily life, but you have to make a few tweaks. Replace your old sugary standbys with a healthier substitute. Making this recipe is a great way to start.
Healthy Dessert Ingredients 101
This simple recipe calls for just six ingredients. The best part? You can use leftovers to create even more healthy treats!
Grass-Fed Butter: Quality butter is a must-have for any chef! I find grass-fed butter tastes richer and creates better candies. This toffee is silky smooth and heavenly! I prefer salted butter as it gives the toffee that perfect balance of salty-sweet. If you don’t have salted butter on hand, you can always use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of sea salt to get the same effect.
Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar is one of our favorite low-glycemic sweeteners. It has a deep flavor similar to brown sugar and creates a unique culinary experience. You can find coconut sugar at most well-stocked grocery stores or purchase it online.
English Toffee Liquid Stevia: Stevia is another excellent natural sweetener that’s delicious and cost-effective. I love collecting different flavors to enhance my smoothies, desserts, and coffee! For this recipe, I recommend using English toffee-flavored stevia. A little goes a long way! You don’t need to use a lot to get great flavor.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Imitation vanilla may be cheaper, but this is one area where you get what you pay for! Pure vanilla contains vanilla beans and alcohol to extract the flavoring, whereas imitation is full of caramel coloring and fillers. Try the real deal. You’ll never go back!
Organic Cacao Nibs: Traditional toffee uses sugary chocolate chips, but this recipe utilizes a healthy alternative. Cacao nibs come from the cacao bean and are chock-full of benefits!
Cacao contains antioxidants that fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals. (3) Inflammation can lead to aches, pains, and chronic illness if left unchecked. Cacao nibs are one of the tastiest ways to fight back!
Pecans: I love the delicate crunch pecans give this toffee! Recent studies show that eating pecans can keep your brain sharp. (4) I recommend purchasing raw pecans to experience all this nut has to offer.
Supplies: Aside from these ingredients, you’ll also need a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. There’s nothing worse than trying to clean a sticky mess! This method makes it easy to remove your candy from the tray.
Make My Butter Toffee Recipe
Friends and family love getting this gourmet dessert as a present. My butter toffee recipe is an excellent treat for yourself, but it also makes any holiday tray look gorgeous! There’s nothing better than giving the gift of health.
Bonus: This recipe requires just 20 minutes of prep work before going in the freezer. Freezing your candy is the fastest way to harden it! Plus, your toffee will last for months in the ice chest.
- 1 cup grass-fed butter
- 1 cup organic coconut sugar
- 15 drops English toffee liquid stevia
- 1 tablespoon organic pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup raw organic cacao nibs
- ¼ cup raw organic pecans
- Freshly ground pink Himalayan salt or sea salt(optional)
- Saucepan
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper
- Ziploc freezer bags
- Place a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
- Once the butter is melted, add coconut sugar, stevia, and vanilla.
- Stir all ingredients for 10-15 minutes until smooth and well combined. Your mixture should be golden brown.
- Pour the toffee onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with cocoa nibs, pecans, and sea salt (if using), and freeze for one hour. Take out of the freezer and break into pieces. Store in a Ziploc bag placed in the freezer. Enjoy!
Step One: Melt the Butter
Place a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt.
Step Two: Add Sweeteners
Once the butter is fully melted, add the coconut sugar, stevia, and vanilla. Stir the toffee mixture for 10-15 minutes until smooth and well combined. Your mixture should be golden brown.
Step Three: Freeze the Toffee
Pour the toffee mixture onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with cacao nibs and chopped pecans. You can also add a tiny pinch of sea salt if you wish. Freeze the toffee for 1 hour, then serve.
When done, break the candy into pieces and keep it in a Ziploc bag or glass container in the freezer. This treat keeps for a long time when stored properly..perfect for holiday baking prep!
