Welcome to a delightful journey where rich, buttery toffee meets the invigorating kick of espresso. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a gourmet experience, perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply treating yourself when you need that extra sparkle in your day.

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Homemade Espresso Toffee: A Rich & Buttery Delight with a Coffee Kick

Good Monday morning, everyone! I hope you all enjoyed a truly wonderful weekend. Today, I’m finding myself in need of a dual boost – a little “pick me up” for energy and a little “perk me up” for the soul. Fortunately, I’ve got the first part absolutely covered with my ultimate comfort food: this incredible homemade Espresso Toffee. The second part, well, that’s a bit more personal, but I’m hoping this sweet treat can work its magic there too!

A Wonderful Weekend in Historic Charleston

Let’s rewind to the beginning of this delightful conundrum. I just returned from an absolutely fantastic weekend getaway in Charleston, South Carolina. My husband and I journeyed south to visit our eldest son, Sean, who is currently a senior at the venerable College of Charleston. Seeing Sean, whom we hadn’t seen since Christmas, was an immense joy in itself. But Charleston… oh, Charleston! What an utterly captivating city!

From its cobblestone streets to its historic architecture, vibrant culinary scene, charming boutiques, and the undeniable warmth of its people, Charleston is truly a dream destination. Every corner turned reveals a new layer of history and beauty, making it one of my absolute favorite places to visit. The air hums with a unique blend of Southern charm and vibrant energy.

This past weekend was particularly lively, as the city hosted the annual Cooper River Bridge 10K Run, an event that attracts a staggering 32,000 runners. The energy was palpable, the streets alive with participants and spectators alike. My husband, Tom, joined the race and declared it one of the best he’s ever experienced – and trust me, he’s run his fair share of races!

Our time with Sean was precious. Not only did we get to reconnect and catch up on everything, but we also got to treat him to some of Charleston’s legendary cuisine. Halls Chophouse was, of course, at the top of his list for a memorable meal, courtesy of Mom and Dad! We also made sure to stock his apartment with plenty of good food (and perhaps a few adult beverages) to tide him over for a while. These simple moments of family connection, sharing meals and laughter, are truly what make life sweet.

The Perfect Pick-Me-Up: Why Espresso Toffee?

Now, let’s address that much-needed “pick me up” and “perk me up.” First, for the energy boost. While the weekend itself was fantastic, the journey home was another story entirely. We typically make the drive from Charleston in about 10 to 10.5 hours. Yesterday, however, stretched into a grueling 12.5-hour odyssey! No accidents, thankfully, just an incredible volume of traffic that seemed to stretch endlessly. It was, to put it mildly, absolutely exhausting.

So, after such a long and draining journey, I knew exactly what I needed: a generous serving of this exquisite Espresso Toffee. This isn’t just any candy; it’s one of my absolute favorite confections, right up there with chocolate-covered espresso beans. The rich, deep flavor of coffee infused into a buttery, crunchy toffee base provides the perfect invigorating kick. A few pieces are precisely what I need to banish the last vestiges of travel fatigue and inject a much-needed surge of energy into my Monday.

This recipe, I promise you, is incredibly simple to follow, yielding a deliciously buttery toffee with a truly outstanding espresso flavor that I am confident you will adore. Don’t let the mention of a candy thermometer deter you; they are remarkably easy to use, and this recipe is straightforward enough for even novice candy makers. The reward is a homemade treat that tastes gourmet, offering that perfect balance of sweetness and coffee intensity. It’s also an exceptional treat for holiday gifting, special occasions, or simply to elevate an ordinary afternoon.

Bittersweet Moments: Embracing Change

Now, onto the “perk me up” part – the more emotional aspect of my current state. Sean is graduating from college in just a few short weeks. Yikes! Where on earth did the time go? It feels like just yesterday he was a little boy, and now he’s preparing to embark on the next grand chapter of his life. As parents, we all strive to raise our children to be happy, independent, and self-sufficient individuals. We encourage them to explore, to learn, and to dream big. Yet, the reality of “letting go” and watching them spread their wings is an entirely different story.

I am slowly but surely coming to grips with the fact that I need to allow Sean (and eventually his younger sibling, Casey) to leave the nest, as the saying goes. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that he is completely ready for this transition. He possesses the intelligence, resilience, and spirit to navigate whatever comes his way. Knowing this, however, doesn’t necessarily make the emotional process any easier. There’s a bittersweet ache that accompanies this monumental milestone, a mix of immense pride, excitement for his future, and a pang of nostalgia for the years gone by.

So, as I navigate these big changes and sentimental feelings, I’m thinking I might need to schedule in a funny movie or two over the next few days to lighten the mood around the house. Perhaps I’ll even dive into a truly hilarious book. Do any of you have suggestions for a good laugh-out-loud read or film? Until then, I think I’ll simply indulge in another generous helping of this delicious espresso toffee. It seems to be working its magic, offering a comforting sweetness that helps smooth out the edges of these big, emotional moments. Enjoy your Monday, and remember to savor both the sweet treats and the precious moments!

Espresso Toffee

Author: Mary Ann Dwyer

Servings: 8 servings

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Buttery Toffee with an espresso kick is such a treat! Perfect for gifting!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 2 hrs

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter cubed
2 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp. salt
4 1/2 tsp. instant espresso powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
8 ounces semisweet chocolate finely chopped (I use Ghirardelli semisweet baking bars)
1/3 cup espresso beans finely ground for sprinkling

Instructions

Lightly butter the bottom of a large jelly roll pan. Set aside.
In a large, heavy-duty saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the corn syrup, water, sugar, and salt, then increase the heat to medium. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugar is dissolved. Attach your candy thermometer to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue to cook, stirring slowly and constantly, until the candy thermometer measures 290 degrees F (about 15 minutes).
Remove the thermometer and take the mixture off the heat. Quickly add the espresso powder and baking soda. Mix well, then pour onto your prepared jelly roll pan. The mixture will not fill the pan to the sides; spread it evenly on the pan (a rubber spatula works well for this). Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with the finely chopped chocolate. Allow the chocolate to melt for a minute or two, then spread it evenly over the toffee with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle with finely grated espresso beans. Allow the toffee to set in a cool place for about 1.5 hours. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Keyword: Candy, Christmas, espresso, holiday, toffee

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert, Snack

Before your first bite, snap a photo and share!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Be sure to follow thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram and tag or mention @thebeachhousekitchen or use the hashtag #thebeachhousekitchen!