Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (2024)

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This homemade Almond Roca recipe is crunchy, sweet, super easy to make and perfect for wrapping up and gifting to friends and family. This buttery toffee with crunchy almonds and rich chocolate puts all other toffee recipes to shame!

Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (1)

Table of Contents

  • Why You’ll Love This Crunchy, Chocolatey Almond Roca Recipe
  • What Is Almond Roca?
  • What You’ll Need
  • How to Make Almond Roca Candy
  • Helpful Tips
  • Storing Almond Roca
  • Can I Freeze This?
  • More Indulgent Homemade Candy Recipes
  • Get the Recipe

    Why You’ll Love This Crunchy, Chocolatey Almond Roca Recipe

    It’s finally candy-makin’ time! At my house, December is all about the cookies and candies. Here’s why you’ll love this Almond Roca:

    • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness: This candy is absolutely luscious. There’s nothing like rich, buttery toffee and crunchy almonds!
    • Easy and Simple: Some desserts are a bit challenging to whip up, but not this! Almond Roca is a breeze to make.
    • Share the Love: If you love giving away cookies and candy, seriously, you need to make this! It’s a fantastic gift.
    • Can’t-Stop-Eating Delicious: One warning: this chocolatey treat is also addictively delicious. One piece is never enough!
    • Get Creative: While it’s perfectly yummy as-is, feel free to add whatever finishing touches you like. Drizzle dark chocolate, sprinkle some sea salt, or add a few edible gold-leaf flakes for a beautiful presentation.

    If you love this easy chocolate bark, you will also probably enjoy this classic pecan Christmas crack and this chocolate peanut butter bark.

    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (2)

    What Is Almond Roca?

    If you’ve never had Almond Roca, it’s so good! Made with almond butter toffee, almonds, and chocolate, it’s a bit like your favorite chocolate-covered English toffee. You’ll find all of the flavors of fresh, crunchy almonds, creamy chocolate, and sugary-sweet, buttery toffee in this easy Almond Roca recipe.

    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (3)

    What You’ll Need

    • Unsalted Butter: This is the base of the toffee mixture, and provides the rich, buttery flavor.
    • Granulated Sugar: Sugar caramelizes during cooking, giving the toffee layer that classic caramel-y crunch.
    • Water
    • Molasses: Adds depth of flavor and helps with the texture. I use regular molasses here.
    • Chopped Toasted Almonds, Divided: Some almonds are mixed into the toffee, while others are sprinkled on top for texture.
    • Milk Chocolate Bars, Unwrapped: Milk chocolate adds a creamy, melting contrast, but feel free to use dark chocolate if you prefer!
    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (4)

    How to Make Almond Roca Candy

    This process is simple, but it does take a little bit of time, so make sure you budget enough time to make the toffee, assemble the bark, and let it cool down. It’s also helpful to read the directions once or twice, so that you have an idea of the process before you get started.

    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (5)
    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (6)
    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (7)
    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (8)
    • Prepare: Line a 9×13 inch cookie sheet (or a 9×13 cake pan) with parchment paper or waxed paper and set it aside.
    • Toffee: In a nonstick saucepan, combine your butter, sugar, water, and molasses. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil, stirring with a wooden or silicone spoon. Use a candy thermometer to cook it until it reaches 295°F, stirring regularly. (This should take about 20 minutes. Don’t turn up the heat or the toffee will burn!)
    • Assemble: Once the toffee reaches 295°F, remove it from the heat and stir in a cup of almonds. Pour the candy into your pan, and line up the chocolate bars on top so that they melt over the candy. Use a spatula to swirl the melted chocolate to the edges, and then sprinkle the rest of the almonds on top.
    • Cool: Let the candy cool and harden. You can let it sit overnight, or pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes or so.
    • Enjoy! Break the bark into pieces and store or serve.
    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (9)

    Helpful Tips

    These helpful recipe tips are tried-and-true lessons that I learned while developing this recipe. I’m sharing them here so your Almond Roca turns out just right. Read on, and happy cooking!

    • Know Your Recipe: You might have heard that candy can be hard to make, but in this case, it’s only difficult if you don’t follow directions. (I know from experience! When I was learning to make toffee and caramel, there were definitely times where I decided to wing it without a candy thermometer… and wound up with a big pan of burnt toffee in my sink.) Make sure to measure and follow the instructions as written, and you’ll be golden.
    • Stir, Stir, Stir: Make sure that you use a wooden spoon or spatula, not a whisk. You have to keep slowly stirring the toffee as it cooks, which makes this a good recipe to make with a friend. That way, you have someone to chat with while you stand there stirring – and they can take a turn stirring, too!
    • Make Ahead: This recipe holds up great for about a week, which is great if you want to give it as a gift. Just wrap it up in your favorite tin with some parchment or wax paper. Make sure to cool it completely before packaging it.
    • Chocolate Chips: I used Hershey’s chocolate bars because they work perfectly to lay right on top of the toffee layer, but chocolate chips will work just as well! Just scatter them evenly, let them melt, and spread into an even layer.
    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (10)

    Storing Almond Roca

    This easy candy does not need to be refrigerated – how cool is that? Just keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can use a cookie tin, a plastic food storage container, or just a zip-top bag.

    Can I Freeze This?

    Yes! You can freeze Almond Roca for up to three months. Place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate, and freeze until solid (this should only take an hour or two). Once frozen, transfer the candy to an airtight container or freezer bag, using parchment paper between layers if needed. When you’re ready to serve, let the bark thaw for a few minutes at room temperature, and enjoy!

    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (11)

    More Indulgent Homemade Candy Recipes

    • Almond Joy Truffles
    • Mazapan Candy
    • Soft Rum Caramels
    • Cocadas (Mexican Coconut Candy)
    • Caramel Pecan Clusters
    • Sponge Candy
    • Peanut Butter Pretzel Crockpot Candy

    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (12)

    4.7 from 10 votes

    Print Pin Recipe

    Yield: 16

    Almond Roca Recipe

    This buttery toffee with chocolate and almonds puts all other toffee recipes to shame! Homemade Almond Roca is perfect for Christmas or any occasion.

    Prep Time5 minutes minutes

    Cook Time20 minutes minutes

    Cool Time20 minutes minutes

    Total Time45 minutes minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup water
    • 1 tablespoon molasses
    • 1 ½ cup chopped toasted almonds, divided
    • 6 (1.55 oz) milk chocolate bars, unwrapped, or dark chocolate

    Instructions

    • Line a 9×13 inch cookie sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper. Set aside.

    • In a medium saucepan, mix together butter, sugar, water and molasses. Bring mixture to a slow boil, stirring with a wooden or silicone spoon. Do not use a whisk, as overstirring will ruin the toffee and make it separate.

    • Attach a clip-on candy thermometer and continue cooking until the thermometer reaches 295°F, stirring often to prevent burning or sticking. Slow and steady will win this race. I kept my burner at medium-low heat, with a steady, slow boil, and it took me 20 minutes. If you try turning up the heat to speed it up, it will burn before it reaches the correct temperature.

    • As soon as you reach 295°F, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the almonds and immediately pour toffee mixture onto prepared pan.

    • Lay unwrapped chocolate bars evenly on top of the toffee. Wait a few minutes to let the heat melt the chocolate and then, using a spatula, swirl the melted chocolate to the edges of the candy. Sprinkle the remaining almonds along the top and gently press into the melted chocolate.

    • Let candy cool and harden completely and then break candy into pieces and serve. (To speed up the cooling time, you can place the pan in the fridge for 20 minutes.)

    Notes

    Store: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can use a cookie tin, a plastic food storage container, or just a zip-top bag.

    Freeze: Place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate, and freeze until solid (this should only take an hour or two). Once frozen, transfer the candy to an airtight container or freezer bag, using parchment paper between layers if needed. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, let the bark thaw for a few minutes at room temperature, and enjoy!

    Know Your Recipe: You might have heard that candy can be hard to make, but in this case, it’s only difficult if you don’t follow directions. (I know from experience! When I was learning to make toffee and caramel, there were definitely times where I decided to wing it without a candy thermometer… and wound up with a big pan of burnt toffee in my sink.) Make sure to measure and follow the instructions as written, and you’ll be golden.

    Stir, Stir, Stir: Make sure that you use a wooden spoon or spatula, not a whisk. You have to keep slowly stirring the toffee as it cooks, which makes this a good recipe to make with a friend. That way, you have someone to chat with while you stand there stirring – and they can take a turn stirring, too!

    Chocolate Chips: I used Hershey’s chocolate bars because they work perfectly to lay right on top of the toffee layer, but chocolate chips will work just as well! Just scatter them evenly, let them melt, and spread into an even layer.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1, Calories: 312kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 31mg, Sodium: 5mg, Potassium: 166mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 22g, Vitamin A: 355IU, Calcium: 46mg, Iron: 1mg

    © Jessica – The Novice Chef

    Cuisine: American

    Category: Desserts

    Categories:

    • Candy
    • Chocolate
    • Christmas
    • Desserts
    • Fall
    • Gluten Free
    • Holidays
    • No Bake
    • Recipes
    • Thanksgiving

    Post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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    Homemade Almond Roca Recipe | Buttery Toffee with Almonds & Chocolate! (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the difference between Almond Roca and toffee? ›

    So, is there a difference between English toffee and almond roca? They are pretty much the same thing. English toffee is a buttery, crunchy candy that you can make with or without nuts, and almond roca is basically just a brand name for the same candy.

    What is inside Almond Roca? ›

    Ingredients. Almond Roca contains sugar, almonds, butter, palm oil, palm kernel oil, cocoa powder, whey, skim milk powder, soya lecithin, chocolate, and vanilla. By company tradition, a small amount of the original 1923 batch of toffee is carried over into each subsequent batch of candy.

    Did Almond Roca change their recipe? ›

    “It's printed on every piece of packaging and on every case that gets shipped out.” Harry Brown and J.C. Haley established their company in Tacoma more than 100 years ago, and came up with their Almond Roca creation in 1923. While the recipe and ingredients haven't changed over the years, the process has.

    Why is my almond Roca grainy? ›

    When the candy is ready, it should register between 295°F and 305°F. If the toffee is coming out grainy, it's because the sugar isn't dissolving.

    What is the original Almond Roca? ›

    In 1923, the company struck gold with a crunchy, log-shaped candy piece infused with butter and coated with chocolate and diced almonds. This delicious confection was dubbed ALMOND ROCA® by a Tacoma librarian.

    How do you keep Almond Roca from separating? ›

    Whenever you are cooking butter and sugar together for a candy (like this almond roca recipe) and it undergoes any drastic temperature changes, the fat from the butter can separate out—whether the change is hot or cold. While cooking, keep the mixture at a consistent temperature, and stir to distribute the heat evenly.

    Why is it called Almond Roca? ›

    Brown & Haley

    Company lore holds that Jacqueline Noel chose the components of the candy's name because its relatively hard crunch was somewhat rock-like. At the time, many almonds were imported from Spain and "roca" is a Spanish word for rock.

    Why is my almond roca chewy? ›

    If you are using a candy thermometer you will be pretty safe from this happening. Trust the temperature guys. If your almond toffee ends up being on the chewy side it means it hasn't come up to the right temperature. Don't panic if it is chewy, it will still be delicious.

    How old is Almond Roca? ›

    Post: World War One. J. C. Haley and Harry Brown decided that the key to success was to innovate. In 1923, the company struck gold with a crunchy, log-shaped candy piece infused with butter and coated with chocolate and diced almonds. This delicious confection was dubbed Almond ROCA by a Tacoma librarian.

    Is Almond Roca made in the USA? ›

    All ROCA Buttercrunch pieces and MOUNTAIN Bars are made exclusively in our one and only factory, located in Tacoma, WA. How many locations do you have? Two. Our Factory store located in Tacoma, Washington, and our Outlet store located in Fife, Washington.

    What brand is Almond Roca in the USA? ›

    The third-largest manufacturer of boxed chocolates in the United States, Brown & Haley makes a variety of confection products but is most widely known for its Mountain Bars and Almond Roca candies.

    What does Roca mean in Almond Roca? ›

    Almond Rocca. I first tasted Almond Roca when visiting my brother in Japan, funny, since it is an American candy. It was first invented in 1923 by Brown and Haley. It gets its name from the Spanish word 'roca' which means 'rock' – as the bite size treats resemble shards of rock.

    How do you keep butter and sugar from separating when making toffee? ›

    Rub the cube of butter around the sides of the pan before adding sugar. This will help keep sugar crystals from clinging to the sides. When adding the sugar, place it in the center of the pan to keep sugar crystals off the pan sides. During cooking, occasionally wash the sides of the pan with a brush dipped in water.

    What is the difference between English toffee and regular toffee? ›

    English Toffee is a nationwide favorite that is easily made with only a few ingredients. The difference between regular toffee and English Toffee is one important ingredient – butter! I make English Toffee throughout the year for special occasions and it's always a big hit.

    Why is my toffee chewy? ›

    Low and slow. Simmering the syrup for English toffee to the requisite 300°F temperature can (and should) be a slow process — up to 20 minutes or so. Don't hurry this gradual transformation; syrup that doesn't reach 300°F, or close to it, will make candy with timid flavor and chewy (not crunchy) texture.

    What's the difference between hard candy and toffee? ›

    Candy and toffee are different because candy is made from boiled sugar syrup, while toffee is made from caramelized sugar with butter and sometimes nuts. Both have been enjoyed for centuries and have various cultural histories.

    What is the difference between butter crunch and toffee? ›

    What's the difference? Primarily, the difference rests in the ingredients. Toffee in Britain is made with brown sugar, whereas buttercrunch is made with white granulated sugar. The differences do not stop there, however, since the delectable buttercrunch is usually made with a nice variety of nuts and other flavorings.

    Is peanut brittle the same as toffee? ›

    English toffee and peanut brittle are both candies made with butter and sugar, but there a significant differences. Toffee has a much higher proportion of butter than brittle and that is what gives it a more pliable texture than that of brittle.

    What's the difference between English toffee and peanut brittle? ›

    Brittles are typically composed mostly of sugar, while toffees contain a fair amount of butter and in some cases milk. This makes toffees fuller and richer in taste, while brittles are more purely sweet and sugary. Brittles are also much thinner than most toffees.

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