Toffee Bars with Walnuts are a delightful layered treat featuring a crisp buttery base, a rich caramelised toffee centre, and a smooth chocolate topping sprinkled with crunchy walnuts. These bars are easy to prepare yet deliver exceptional flavour, making them ideal for holidays, gatherings, or everyday indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together contrasting textures and flavours in perfect harmony. The shortbread-style crust provides a sturdy foundation, while the toffee layer melts in your mouth with its caramel sweetness. The chocolate topping adds richness, and the walnuts introduce a pleasant crunch. These bars cut cleanly, store well, and present beautifully, making them a reliable favourite for dessert trays or gifting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
unsalted butter
brown sugar
sweetened condensed milk
vanilla extract
semi-sweet chocolate chips
chopped walnuts
salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring overhangs for easy removal.
Prepare the crust by combining flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly set.
In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and condensed milk. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a light caramel colour.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pour the toffee mixture over the baked crust and spread evenly.
Bake for an additional 12–15 minutes until bubbling around the edges.
Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee layer. Allow them to soften for a few minutes, then spread into a smooth layer.
Top with chopped walnuts and gently press them into the chocolate to adhere.
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for easier slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–27 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Replace walnuts with pecans for a softer nut profile.
Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a deeper flavour.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a salted-toffee version.
Stir shredded coconut into the toffee for added texture.
Add a layer of graham cracker crumbs between the crust and toffee for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, wrap each bar individually and store for up to 2 months. These bars require no reheating and are best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

What kind of walnuts work best for this recipe?

Chopped raw or lightly toasted walnuts both work well, depending on your preference.

Why is my toffee layer grainy?

This can occur if the mixture is not stirred consistently or if the heat is too high.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavour and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch.

How do I prevent the chocolate from separating?

Allow the chocolate to melt gently from the heat of the toffee and avoid overheating.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, but the bars will be noticeably sweeter.

How do I cut the bars cleanly?

Chill the bars fully, then slice with a sharp knife warmed under hot water.

Can I add oats to the crust?

Yes, replace part of the flour with rolled oats for a rustic texture.

Can I mix the walnuts into the toffee layer?

Yes, adding nuts inside the toffee adds additional crunch.

Can I double this recipe?

Certainly. Use a larger pan and increase cooking times slightly.

Are these bars suitable for gifting?

Yes, they package well and maintain their flavour and texture during transport.

Conclusion

Toffee Bars with Walnuts offer a memorable blend of buttery crust, smooth caramelised toffee, and rich chocolate, enhanced by the satisfying crunch of walnuts. Easy to prepare, visually appealing, and crowd-pleasing, they make an excellent addition to dessert tables and gift assortments. This classic treat is sure to become a go-to favourite for any occasion.