If you’ve ever made toffee before, you’ll know that it sometimes won’t set. This can be frustrating and discouraging. But why doesn’t toffee set sometimes? And are there ways to salvage a batch that just won’t set?
Toffee shouldn’t be a difficult recipe to master. There are many ways to set toffee, with the most efficient method being the freezer method. The two most common reasons for toffee not setting correctly are inconsistent temperatures and insufficient cooking time. Luckily, a batch of toffee that has not set can be saved.
If you want to know more about getting your toffee to set well every time, you’re in the right place. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about making perfect toffee.
Why Does My Toffee Not Set?
If your toffee won’t set, or you want to avoid making any mistakes, take a look at the list below of common mistakes that people make when they make toffee that may prevent the toffee from setting correctly.
1 – Not Boiling the Toffee At an Appropriate Temperature
If you do not boil the toffee mixture on a high enough heat setting, it will not set. The recommended temperature for boiling toffee is around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The secret to perfectly set toffee is how long you boil it and the temperature you heat it to.
2 – Not Keeping the Toffee on the Heated Stove for Long Enough
Perfectly set toffee should be easy to break in half. If it does not have this firm texture, you did not cook the mixture for long enough before removing it from the heat. The recommended time to cook toffee is five minutes, but this is only a guideline.
When the toffee is properly cooked, the consistency of the mixture will change. Use your own discretion to decide how long to keep the toffee boiling. This process is very much trial and error. It would be best if you allowed the toffee mixture to boil until the color of a brown bag is achieved.
How Long Does Toffee Take to Set?
Toffee does not take that long to set compared to other candies and sweet treats. There are three ways you can set toffee. The method you use to set your toffee will determine how long the process takes.
Setting Toffee By Leaving It Out on the Counter
The first method you can use to set toffee is simply leaving it out on the counter overnight. Your toffee should take somewhere between eight to twelve hours to set.
Setting Toffee By Placing It in the Fridge
The second method you can use to set your toffee is to place it in the fridge. This will significantly speed up the setting process. If you use this method, it will take the toffee approximately fifty minutes to cool and harden.
Setting Toffee By Placing It in the Freezer
You can also place the toffee in the freezer to get it to set faster. This is by far the most time-efficient setting method. By placing the toffee in the freezer, you will reduce the setting time to about twenty minutes.
How to Save Toffee That Did Not Set Correctly
If you’re reading this because you’ve already made a batch of toffee that did not set correctly, don’t rush to throw it away and start a new batch! Instead, try one of these tricks to get that batch to set properly. It might take a bit more of your time, but it’s well worth it, and it’s a great learning curve for beginners.
- Place the toffee mixture into a large pot and add one and a half cups of water to the pot.
- Stir the toffee over low heat until it dissolves. This may dilute the flavor, but taste the mixture and add what you feel is missing.
- Increase the heat, and bring the toffee mixture to a boil. During this step, you must scrape the excess mixture off the sides of the pot as you stir. This will prevent burning and ensure an even mixture.
- Once the consistency has become thicker, and the color of the toffee is similar to that of a brown paper bag, remove the pot from the heat. Then, follow your recipe’s instructions for cooling and serving.
Tips for Making Tasty Toffee Every Time
We’ve got you covered if you’re tired of countless failed batches of toffee. The following tips will ensure that your toffee turns out flawless every time.
Avoid Drastic Changes in Temperature
No matter how short you are of time, you should never try and speed up the process of boiling your toffee by increasing the temperature. This will make the butter separate from the sugar, and your toffee will essentially be ruined.
Stir the Mixture Constantly
While your toffee is still cooking over the heat, you should keep stirring it slowly and methodically. This will prevent the toffee (specifically the sugar) from burning. It is essential to stir as slowly as possible without letting the toffee mixture sit idly in the pot for too long.
Avoid Making Toffee in Humid Climates
If the humidity in the air is too high, your toffee will not set properly. It will be chewy and soggy rather than being firm and easy to break. Try and check the humidity levels before you decide to spend your afternoon making toffee.
Use a Candy Thermometer to Keep the Temperature Constant
The boiling point of toffee is around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a candy thermometer to measure the mixture’s temperature will ensure that you don’t accidentally overcook or undercook your toffee. This is essential to allow your toffee to set correctly.
Final Thoughts
Toffee can be a fun, rewarding treat to make, though the process of ensuring everything is perfect can be quite difficult and stressful. If you follow the tips listed above and avoid making mistakes, you’ll have a tasty toffee treat for the whole family to enjoy.
The two essential ingredients for making toffee are constant temperature and perfect timing.
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.