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–+ servings
Toffee Bars
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 bars
Calories 155 kcal

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 9x13-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

  • Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top for crunch (handwritten card suggests nuts).
  • Swap shortening for butter for richer flavor.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for warmth.
  • Use chocolate chips if you don’t have a full Hershey bar.
  • Drizzle caramel over the chocolate before spreading for extra toffee flavor.
  • Add flaky sea salt on top for a modern sweet-salty twist.
  • Press dough slightly thinner for crisper bars, thicker for softer bars.
  • Use parchment paper for easy lifting and cutting.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1.8gFat: 7.5gSaturated Fat: 3.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 88mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.6gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 55IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.7mg
Keyword chocolate toffee, cookie bars, easy dessert, handwritten recipe, heirloom baking, old fashioned, retro sweets, vintage recipe
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