Description
Mary Berry’s Cinder Toffee is a traditional British candy made by boiling sugar and golden syrup, then adding baking soda to create an airy, honeycomb-like texture. Known for its crispy, slightly chewy texture and caramelized taste, this toffee is often enjoyed plain or dipped in chocolate.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crunchy treat:
- Caster sugar (200g): Sweetens and caramelizes to create the toffee.
- Golden syrup (5 tbsp): Adds depth of flavor and a sticky texture to the toffee.
- Baking soda (2 tsp): Creates the bubbly, honeycomb texture.
- Butter (for greasing): Prevents the toffee from sticking to the pan.
Optional Add-Ins
- Chocolate (for dipping): Adds a sweet coating if desired.
- Sea salt flakes: A sprinkle on top adds a salty contrast.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Tray
- Grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper, making sure it’s ready for the hot toffee.
Step 2: Heat the Sugar and Golden Syrup
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the caster sugar and golden syrup.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently until the sugar has dissolved. Be careful not to let the mixture stick or burn.
Step 3: Boil the Mixture
- Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and increase the heat to medium. Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches 150°C (300°F), or a rich amber color. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, look for a deep caramel color and bubbling.
Step 4: Add the Baking Soda
- Remove the pan from heat and immediately add the baking soda, whisking quickly. The mixture will foam and bubble up due to the reaction, creating an airy texture.
- Pour the bubbly mixture onto the prepared baking tray, spreading it out slightly but avoiding any stirring.
Step 5: Let the Toffee Set
- Allow the cinder toffee to cool and harden for about 1 hour at room temperature. Do not place it in the fridge, as moisture will make it sticky.
Step 6: Break and Serve
- Once set, break the cinder toffee into bite-sized pieces.
- For an optional finishing touch, dip pieces in melted chocolate and let them set on parchment paper, or sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.