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Pumpkin Spice Toffee

A delightful treat capturing the essence of fall with warm pumpkin spice flavors, perfect for cozy evenings or as a special gift.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fall
Calories: 100

Ingredients
  

Toffee Base
  • 1.5 cups chopped unsalted pecans Reserve some for garnishing.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces Use unsalted for better flavor control.
  • 0.5 cups warm water
  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
  • 1.25 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided
Topping
  • 6 ounces quality white chocolate, coarsely chopped Melt for topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Spread the chopped pecans over the baking sheet and toast them for 7-8 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside 1 cup for the toffee and the rest for topping.
Cooking
  1. In a heavy-duty 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring continuously.
  2. Once melted, add warm water, 1 cup granulated sugar, salt, and light corn syrup. Stir until sugar dissolves, brushing down the sides with a moistened pastry brush.
  3. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and bring to a boil, stirring every minute until it thickens and reaches 240°F (116°C).
  4. Continue cooking until it reaches 290°F (143°C) for soft crack stage, watching closely to prevent burning.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and 1 cup of toasted pecans.
  6. Pour the toffee onto the baking sheet, smoothing it into an even layer, and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Topping and Setting
  1. While cooling, combine remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar with remaining 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
  2. Melt white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
  3. Spread melted chocolate over the toffee, then sprinkle with leftover pecans and sugar-pumpkin spice mixture.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or until chocolate sets.
Serving
  1. Once firm, peel from the mat and break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

For an extra flavor layer, use roasted pecans. Experiment with other nuts and adjust the pumpkin pie spice to taste for a personalized treat.