Delicious Traditional Bonfire Toffee Recipe UK
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Halloween
Servings
20
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Calories
120
As Bonfire Night approaches, the classic taste of homemade toffee brings back memories of crisp autumn evenings and glowing fires.
This traditional bonfire toffee offers a deep, smoky sweetness from treacle and golden syrup, with a hard crunch that snaps like firewood.
Dark brown sugar and butter create its rich base, making it a staple treat to enjoy amid the fireworks.
This straightforward recipe calls for basic pantry staples and requires around 1 hour 30 minutes total, including cooling time.
It yields about 20 pieces, ideal to share at gatherings or wrap as small gifts. The sticky texture and bold flavour make it a favourite on cold nights.
Ingredients
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450g dark brown sugar
-
125ml water
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115g golden syrup
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115g black treacle
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115g unsalted butter
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Pinch of cream of tartar (optional, helps prevent crystallisation)
Directions
Prepare the tin
Grease and line a 20cm square tin (use baking parchment and lightly oil it).
Heat ingredients
Place sugar and water in a large, heavy-based saucepan.
Heat gently until sugar dissolves.
Add golden syrup, treacle, butter, and cream of tartar (if using).
Stir until combined.
Boil
Increase heat and bring to the boil. Use a sugar thermometer — cook until it reaches 150°C (hard crack stage).
If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a little into cold water — it should crack hard, not bend.
Set
Carefully pour mixture into the prepared tin (CAUTION: extremely hot).
Leave to cool and harden completely.
Break into pieces
Once set, crack into shards using a toffee hammer or rolling pin.
Recipe Notes
If you have any questions about how to make this recipe, please post a comment below and we will get back to you.
Servings: The recipe typically yields 20 delicious portions of bonfire night toffee.
Calories per serving:120 calories.
Remember: Please tag #whitakerschocolates with photos of your homemade traditional bonfire toffee.
Bonfire Night Toffee Serving Suggestions
Wrap pieces of this sticky bonfire toffee in parchment paper and tie with string to make nostalgic party favours for guests at autumn gatherings.
Enjoy a few shards with a mug of hot chocolate as fireworks light up the sky on Bonfire Night.
Sprinkle small broken pieces over vanilla ice cream or popcorn to create a simple bonfire-themed dessert with extra crunch.
Break the toffee into bits and add to trays of mixed sweets, like parkin or ginger nuts, for a varied treat selection at family events.
Serve alongside warm drinks such as mulled wine or spiced apple juice during outdoor celebrations on cool evenings.
Use crushed toffee as a topping on cakes or brownies to add a rich, treacle flavour and texture contrast.
How to Store Your Homemade Toffee for Bonefire Night
Keep this homemade bonfire toffee fresh by storing it in an airtight tin at room temperature.
Layer pieces with baking paper to stop them from sticking together. It stays good for up to two weeks this way.
Place the tin in a cool, dry spot away from humidity, as moisture causes the toffee to become sticky and lose its crunch.
For longer storage, wrap portions in parchment and freeze in a sealed bag.
The toffee lasts up to three months frozen. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Once thawed, eat within a few days to keep the best texture. Do not refreeze, as it affects the snap.
Some Simple Tips for Better Results
Warm golden syrup or treacle in a pan of barely simmering water for a few minutes to make it easier to pour and measure.
Use a sugar thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the hard crack stage at around 140-150°C for the perfect snap.
Add a pinch of cream of tartar to help prevent sugar crystallisation and achieve a smoother texture.
Stir the mixture constantly once it starts boiling to avoid burning or uneven cooking.
Grease and line your tin well with oiled baking parchment to make removal easy once set.
Avoid walking away from the stove, as the mixture can heat quickly and needs close monitoring.
If no thermometer is available, test by dropping a bit into cold water—it should harden and crack immediately.
Score the toffee with a knife while still warm and soft to make breaking into pieces simpler later.
Nutritional Information for This Recipe
| Nutrient | Amount per Piece (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Sugars | 24g |
| Protein | <1g |
A Brief History of Bonfire Night Toffee
Bonfire toffee, also known as treacle toffee or plot toffee, is a hard, brittle candy linked to Guy Fawkes Night celebrations on November 5 in the UK.
Its origins connect to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and conspirators tried to blow up Parliament, leading to annual bonfires and fireworks where this smoky, sweet treat became a tradition.
