Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (2024)

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This homemade Almond Roca recipe is crunchy, sweet, super easy to make and perfect for wrapping up and gifting to friends and family. This buttery toffee with crunchy almonds and rich chocolate puts all other toffee recipes to shame!

Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (1)

Table of Contents

  • Why You’ll Love This Crunchy, Chocolatey Almond Roca Recipe
  • What Is Almond Roca?
  • What You’ll Need
  • How to Make Almond Roca Candy
  • Helpful Tips
  • Storing Almond Roca
  • Can I Freeze This?
  • More Indulgent Homemade Candy Recipes
  • Get the Recipe

    Why You’ll Love This Crunchy, Chocolatey Almond Roca Recipe

    It’s finally candy-makin’ time! At my house, December is all about the cookies and candies. Here’s why you’ll love this Almond Roca:

    • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness: This candy is absolutely luscious. There’s nothing like rich, buttery toffee and crunchy almonds!
    • Easy and Simple: Some desserts are a bit challenging to whip up, but not this! Almond Roca is a breeze to make.
    • Share the Love: If you love giving away cookies and candy, seriously, you need to make this! It’s a fantastic gift.
    • Can’t-Stop-Eating Delicious: One warning: this chocolatey treat is also addictively delicious. One piece is never enough!
    • Get Creative: While it’s perfectly yummy as-is, feel free to add whatever finishing touches you like. Drizzle dark chocolate, sprinkle some sea salt, or add a few edible gold-leaf flakes for a beautiful presentation.

    If you love this easy chocolate bark, you will also probably enjoy this classic pecan Christmas crack and this chocolate peanut butter bark.

    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (2)

    What Is Almond Roca?

    If you’ve never had Almond Roca, it’s so good! Made with almond butter toffee, almonds, and chocolate, it’s a bit like your favorite chocolate-covered English toffee. You’ll find all of the flavors of fresh, crunchy almonds, creamy chocolate, and sugary-sweet, buttery toffee in this easy Almond Roca recipe.

    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (3)

    What You’ll Need

    • Unsalted Butter: This is the base of the toffee mixture, and provides the rich, buttery flavor.
    • Granulated Sugar: Sugar caramelizes during cooking, giving the toffee layer that classic caramel-y crunch.
    • Water
    • Molasses: Adds depth of flavor and helps with the texture. I use regular molasses here.
    • Chopped Toasted Almonds, Divided: Some almonds are mixed into the toffee, while others are sprinkled on top for texture.
    • Milk Chocolate Bars, Unwrapped: Milk chocolate adds a creamy, melting contrast, but feel free to use dark chocolate if you prefer!
    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (4)

    How to Make Almond Roca Candy

    This process is simple, but it does take a little bit of time, so make sure you budget enough time to make the toffee, assemble the bark, and let it cool down. It’s also helpful to read the directions once or twice, so that you have an idea of the process before you get started.

    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (5)
    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (6)
    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (7)
    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (8)
    • Prepare: Line a 9×13 inch cookie sheet (or a 9×13 cake pan) with parchment paper or waxed paper and set it aside.
    • Toffee: In a nonstick saucepan, combine your butter, sugar, water, and molasses. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil, stirring with a wooden or silicone spoon. Use a candy thermometer to cook it until it reaches 295°F, stirring regularly. (This should take about 20 minutes. Don’t turn up the heat or the toffee will burn!)
    • Assemble: Once the toffee reaches 295°F, remove it from the heat and stir in a cup of almonds. Pour the candy into your pan, and line up the chocolate bars on top so that they melt over the candy. Use a spatula to swirl the melted chocolate to the edges, and then sprinkle the rest of the almonds on top.
    • Cool: Let the candy cool and harden. You can let it sit overnight, or pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes or so.
    • Enjoy! Break the bark into pieces and store or serve.
    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (9)

    Helpful Tips

    These helpful recipe tips are tried-and-true lessons that I learned while developing this recipe. I’m sharing them here so your Almond Roca turns out just right. Read on, and happy cooking!

    • Know Your Recipe: You might have heard that candy can be hard to make, but in this case, it’s only difficult if you don’t follow directions. (I know from experience! When I was learning to make toffee and caramel, there were definitely times where I decided to wing it without a candy thermometer… and wound up with a big pan of burnt toffee in my sink.) Make sure to measure and follow the instructions as written, and you’ll be golden.
    • Stir, Stir, Stir: Make sure that you use a wooden spoon or spatula, not a whisk. You have to keep slowly stirring the toffee as it cooks, which makes this a good recipe to make with a friend. That way, you have someone to chat with while you stand there stirring – and they can take a turn stirring, too!
    • Make Ahead: This recipe holds up great for about a week, which is great if you want to give it as a gift. Just wrap it up in your favorite tin with some parchment or wax paper. Make sure to cool it completely before packaging it.
    • Chocolate Chips: I used Hershey’s chocolate bars because they work perfectly to lay right on top of the toffee layer, but chocolate chips will work just as well! Just scatter them evenly, let them melt, and spread into an even layer.
    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (10)

    Storing Almond Roca

    This easy candy does not need to be refrigerated – how cool is that? Just keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can use a cookie tin, a plastic food storage container, or just a zip-top bag.

    Can I Freeze This?

    Yes! You can freeze Almond Roca for up to three months. Place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate, and freeze until solid (this should only take an hour or two). Once frozen, transfer the candy to an airtight container or freezer bag, using parchment paper between layers if needed. When you’re ready to serve, let the bark thaw for a few minutes at room temperature, and enjoy!

    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (11)

    More Indulgent Homemade Candy Recipes

    • Almond Joy Truffles
    • Mazapan Candy
    • Soft Rum Caramels
    • Cocadas (Mexican Coconut Candy)
    • Caramel Pecan Clusters
    • Sponge Candy
    • Peanut Butter Pretzel Crockpot Candy

    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (12)

    4.7 from 10 votes

    Print Pin Recipe

    Yield: 16

    Almond Roca Recipe

    This buttery toffee with chocolate and almonds puts all other toffee recipes to shame! Homemade Almond Roca is perfect for Christmas or any occasion.

    Prep Time5 minutes minutes

    Cook Time20 minutes minutes

    Cool Time20 minutes minutes

    Total Time45 minutes minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup water
    • 1 tablespoon molasses
    • 1 ½ cup chopped toasted almonds, divided
    • 6 (1.55 oz) milk chocolate bars, unwrapped, or dark chocolate

    Instructions

    • Line a 9×13 inch cookie sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper. Set aside.

    • In a medium saucepan, mix together butter, sugar, water and molasses. Bring mixture to a slow boil, stirring with a wooden or silicone spoon. Do not use a whisk, as overstirring will ruin the toffee and make it separate.

    • Attach a clip-on candy thermometer and continue cooking until the thermometer reaches 295°F, stirring often to prevent burning or sticking. Slow and steady will win this race. I kept my burner at medium-low heat, with a steady, slow boil, and it took me 20 minutes. If you try turning up the heat to speed it up, it will burn before it reaches the correct temperature.

    • As soon as you reach 295°F, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the almonds and immediately pour toffee mixture onto prepared pan.

    • Lay unwrapped chocolate bars evenly on top of the toffee. Wait a few minutes to let the heat melt the chocolate and then, using a spatula, swirl the melted chocolate to the edges of the candy. Sprinkle the remaining almonds along the top and gently press into the melted chocolate.

    • Let candy cool and harden completely and then break candy into pieces and serve. (To speed up the cooling time, you can place the pan in the fridge for 20 minutes.)

    Notes

    Store: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can use a cookie tin, a plastic food storage container, or just a zip-top bag.

    Freeze: Place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate, and freeze until solid (this should only take an hour or two). Once frozen, transfer the candy to an airtight container or freezer bag, using parchment paper between layers if needed. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, let the bark thaw for a few minutes at room temperature, and enjoy!

    Know Your Recipe: You might have heard that candy can be hard to make, but in this case, it’s only difficult if you don’t follow directions. (I know from experience! When I was learning to make toffee and caramel, there were definitely times where I decided to wing it without a candy thermometer… and wound up with a big pan of burnt toffee in my sink.) Make sure to measure and follow the instructions as written, and you’ll be golden.

    Stir, Stir, Stir: Make sure that you use a wooden spoon or spatula, not a whisk. You have to keep slowly stirring the toffee as it cooks, which makes this a good recipe to make with a friend. That way, you have someone to chat with while you stand there stirring – and they can take a turn stirring, too!

    Chocolate Chips: I used Hershey’s chocolate bars because they work perfectly to lay right on top of the toffee layer, but chocolate chips will work just as well! Just scatter them evenly, let them melt, and spread into an even layer.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1, Calories: 312kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 31mg, Sodium: 5mg, Potassium: 166mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 22g, Vitamin A: 355IU, Calcium: 46mg, Iron: 1mg

    © Jessica – The Novice Chef

    Cuisine: American

    Category: Desserts

    Categories:

    • Candy
    • Chocolate
    • Christmas
    • Desserts
    • Fall
    • Gluten Free
    • Holidays
    • No Bake
    • Recipes
    • Thanksgiving

    Post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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    • Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles

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    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the difference between Almond Roca and almond toffee? ›

    They are pretty much the same thing. English toffee is a buttery, crunchy candy that you can make with or without nuts, and almond roca is basically just a brand name for the same candy.

    How do you get chocolate to stick to toffee? ›

    Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly, just above room temperature. Chocolate that is too hot will not adhere well to the toffee while chocolate that is too cool will be thick and difficult to work with. As the chocolate is cooling, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or waxed paper.

    Why put baking soda in toffee? ›

    This toffee is cooked initially to 310°F (154°C), then the salt and baking soda are added, creating carbon dioxide. The foaming and bubbling aerate the candy somewhat, making the texture lighter and the candy easier to bite into.

    What is the difference between toffee and English toffee? ›

    English toffee and American toffee diverged with the preferred use of sugar type. English toffee is made with brown sugar, while American-style toffee, known as buttercrunch is made with white table sugar (granulated sugar). Buttercrunch is typically dusted with crushed almonds or other nuts.

    Why does butter separate when making Almond Roca? ›

    Whenever you are cooking butter and sugar together for a candy (like this almond roca recipe) and it undergoes any drastic temperature changes, the fat from the butter can separate out—whether the change is hot or cold. While cooking, keep the mixture at a consistent temperature, and stir to distribute the heat evenly.

    Does almond toffee need to be refrigerated? ›

    Our almond toffee is best served cold and refrigeration is recommended in order to maintain the soft crunch. Short durations of up to 1 week at room temperature is safe. At proper storage temperature Brandini Toffee has a 1 year shelf life, naturally! Sweet-tip: Try serving our toffee popcorn cold.

    What can go wrong when making toffee? ›

    Stirring too quickly or too often can cause the toffee to separate. Moderate the heat as needed – turn it down if the toffee is boiling or cooking too fast so it doesn't burn.

    Do you stir toffee constantly? ›

    Once boiling, cook, stirring only 2 to 3 times, until it turns a dark amber color and the temperature reaches 285 degrees F (137 degrees C) on a candy thermometer, 20 to 30 minutes. Immediately pour toffee into the prepared baking dish.

    Why do you add vinegar to toffee? ›

    Made with just sugar and a little water, toffee is easy to make and is an easy introduction to the world of confectionary. This recipe includes a dash of vinegar which will help keep the colour of the toffee clear and bright and banish any cloudiness.

    Why is my toffee chewy and not crunchy? ›

    Don't hurry this gradual transformation; syrup that doesn't reach 300°F, or close to it, will make candy with timid flavor and chewy (not crunchy) texture. Think you can save time by bringing the syrup to a full rolling, popping boil in order for it to darken more quickly? Think again.

    What does cream of tartar do in toffee? ›

    Cream of tartar is a white powder sold in the baking aisle that's commonly used to stabilize whipped egg whites in meringues and cakes, prevent sugar crystallization in candies and caramel, and act as the activating ingredient in baking powder.

    Why did a toffee fail to set despite using the correct ingredients? ›

    This usually happens when the toffee mixture is heated too quickly or at too high of a temperature. Make sure to use medium heat (or medium-low) and go SLOW! Have patience and don't crank up the heat.

    What's the difference between Almond Roca and toffee? ›

    Almond Roca and English toffee are similar. As mentioned above, Almond Roca is a name brand that mixes the toffee with the almonds. Our version of English toffee has a layer of chocolate between the toffee and the nuts, but it's very similar in flavor to Almond Roca.

    What is toffee called in America? ›

    The English toffee eaten with regularity in America is also called buttercrunch. What's the difference? Primarily, the difference rests in the ingredients. Toffee in Britain is made with brown sugar, whereas buttercrunch is made with white granulated sugar.

    Are taffy and toffee the same thing? ›

    The difference is mainly in the candy-making process: taffy is pulled and stretched until it's soft and chewy. Toffee, on the other hand, won't stick in your teeth like taffy, because it is boiled, shaped, and allowed to harden into a delicious, glossy slab.

    What is the difference between almond brittle and toffee? ›

    Brittles are typically composed mostly of sugar, while toffees contain a fair amount of butter and in some cases milk. This makes toffees fuller and richer in taste, while brittles are more purely sweet and sugary. Brittles are also much thinner than most toffees.

    Is there any difference between candy and toffee? ›

    Toffee is a candy made by caramelizing sugar or molasses along with butter. Candy is a sugar based flavoured and coloured sweet.

    What does Roca mean in Almond Roca? ›

    Almond Roca was invented in 1912 by Harry Brown and J. C. Haley, founders of Brown & Haley Company. The candy's name is said to have been inspired by Tacoma's head librarian, Jacqueline Noel, who chose the Spanish word roca, meaning 'rock' in English, to describe the hard, log-shaped confection.

    What's the difference between toffee and butter crunch? ›

    What's the difference? Primarily, the difference rests in the ingredients. Toffee in Britain is made with brown sugar, whereas buttercrunch is made with white granulated sugar. The differences do not stop there, however, since the delectable buttercrunch is usually made with a nice variety of nuts and other flavorings.

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