Best Copycat Almond Roca Candy
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If you love Almond Roca, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make a homemade version with simple pantry ingredients. This buttery toffee candy is coated in rich chocolate and crunchy almonds, making it perfect for holiday gift boxes, cookie exchanges, or anytime you’re cra
I love packing homemade almond roca candy in small tissue-lined boxes or mason jars for a fun and unique homemade candy gift during the holiday season. Be sure to check out our time-saving tips following the recipe.
Like my Rocky Road fudge, my Chocolate Peanut Clusters and my Easy Homemade Fudge , and my Pecan pie bark this is an easy and delicious candy recipe!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients
- Easy homemade candy
- Perfect for any occasion
- Great idea for homemade gifts
- Irresistible buttery toffee flavor
- Crunchy almonds add texture
- It’s a huge hit at gatherings
I have made this recipe for Christmas, birthdays and Father’s Day as a great edible gift!
Ingredients for this homemade almond roca recipe
- Brown sugar – I used light brown sugar, but you can use dark if you want.
- Butter – Use real butter, margarine won’t work well.
- Sliced almonds – I like buying my almonds in bulk from the big box stores. It is much more economical and you can store the almonds in the freezer. Be sure to pick up sliced almonds.
- Chocolate chips – I use semi-sweet baking chips, but milk chocolate chips work well too! Your choice.
- Shortening
Equipment and kitchen tools
- Instant-read thermometer
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line a baking sheet or 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Measure and chop the almonds before you begin, since the candy sets quickly once it’s cooked.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
Toast almonds in a skillet over medium-high heat, constantly stirring. Sprinkle ½ cup of the toasted almonds in a 13″ x 9″ pan.
Step 3 – In a medium saucepan, combine butter and sugar over medium-high heat. Cook until the mixture reaches 280°F, stirring often.
Step 4 – Once it reaches 280°, pour the sugar caramel mixture over the almonds in an even layer.
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Step 5- Heat chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl at 30-second intervals until melted. Stir well. Pour a single layer of chocolate over the caramel layer.
Step 6 –Top with additional almonds and allow to set for at least 3-4 hours.
Step 7 – Once the candy is set, break it apart carefully with a butterknife or spatula.
The Secret to Perfect Butter Toffee Every Time
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Stir gently until the butter and sugar dissolve.
- Use a candy thermometer for consistent results.
- Cook until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (300°F).
- Work quickly once the candy is poured.
- Allow the chocolate to soften before spreading.
- Let the candy cool completely before breaking into pieces
Time Saving Tips
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Stir the butter and sugar mixture continuously to prevent burning.
- Ensure the toffee reaches 280°F for the perfect texture.
- Allow the almond roca to cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
- Store it in an airtight container in a cool place for up to a couple of weeks.
- You can use salted or unsalted almonds for this recipe.
- You can pre-toast the almonds ahead of time so that they are ready when you are ready to make the candy.
- Make an extra batch and give some away to neighbors or friends.
- Keep almonds in the freezer to stay fresh.
- Store in an airtight container or sealed container.
Substitutions and Variations
- Substitute milk chocolate or white chocolate for the semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract to the toffee mixture for extra flavor.
- Use chopped pecans or walnuts instead of almonds for a variation on the classic recipe.
- Dark Chocolate Almond Roca – Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- Sea Salt Almond Roca – Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate.
- White Chocolate Version – Replace milk chocolate with white chocolate.
- Add some sprinkles or extra chopped almonds to the top of the candy. You could also sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped pieces of chocolate bars on top.
FAQs About This Recipe
Yes, you can substitute your favorite nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for the sliced almonds.
When stored in a sealed container in a cool place, homemade almond roca can last for up to a couple of weeks. You can also store it in the fridge for up to 2 months.
While a candy thermometer ensures the toffee reaches the correct temperature, you can also perform a cold water test by dropping a small amount of the toffee mixture into cold water. If it hardens into brittle threads, it’s ready.
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.
Refrigerator
Keeps fresh for about 1 month.
More Candy Recipes
- Christmas Fudge – the creamiest fudge for Christmas!
- Peppermint Fudge – Delicious peppermint meets creamy chocolate in this simple fudge recipe.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate Fudge – A delicious twist on chocolate fudge.
- Homemade Fudge – A basic fudge recipe for any time of year.
- Milk Chocolate Bark – This delicious milk chocolate bark makes a great dessert or gift idea.
- Homemade Salted Peanut Clusters – this is the best peanut clusters recipe ever and so so easy to make!
Almond Roca Recipe
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet or cookie sheet with edge
- 1 saucepan
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Microwave Safe bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 12 oz package chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening
Instructions
- Toast almonds in a skillet or oven.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the toasted almonds in a 13″ x 9″ pan.
- In a medium saucepan, combine butter and sugar over medium heat.
- Cook until mixture reaches 280°F, stirring often.
- Once it reaches 280°, pour sugar caramel mixture over almonds.
- Heat chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl at 30-second intervals until melted. Stir well.
- Pour chocolate over the caramel layer.
- Top with additional almonds and allow to set at least 3-4 hours.
- Once the candy is set, break apart carefully with a butterknife or spatula.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for the most accurate results.
- Chop almonds before starting since the candy sets quickly.
- Line your pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Allow the candy to cool completely before breaking into pieces
Nutrition
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Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever had Almond Roca, or really knew what it was. Something tells me I’d love it, and I’d love this copycat version even more!
Looks and sounds amazing, I adore almond roca!
This definitely looks so yummy and delicious. Pinned. I can’t wait to try it out. #HomeMattersParty