Toffee Bars are a rich and chewy dessert layered with chocolate and optionally topped with chopped nuts. This vintage recipe reflects classic mid-century American baking—simple ingredients, handwritten directions, and the unmistakable flavor of melted Hershey bars. Beloved for its buttery base and gooey chocolate top, these bars strike the perfect balance between cookie and candy, ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 bar Hershey chocolate (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking sheet.
Step 2: Mix Dough
- In a bowl, cream together shortening and brown sugar.
- Add egg yolk, salt, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually stir in flour and baking soda.
Step 3: Bake the Base
- Press dough evenly into prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Topping
- Remove from oven and immediately lay large Hershey chocolate bar pieces over hot crust.
- Return to oven for 1–2 minutes until chocolate is soft enough to spread.
Step 5: Finish and Cool
- Spread melted chocolate evenly over crust.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips
- Substitute butter for shortening for a richer flavor.
- Use semi-sweet chocolate chips if Hershey bars are unavailable.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance sweetness.
- For a crunchier base, bake 3–5 minutes longer.
Nutrition
Calories: 39611kcalCarbohydrates: 4936gProtein: 594gFat: 2374gSaturated Fat: 1380gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 2017mgSodium: 6961mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 201gSugar: 4527gVitamin A: 24IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 15891mgIron: 77mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!