Homemade candy always looks impressive because everybody knows that making candy is hard. It requires special equipment like candy thermometers, plus lots of time and patience. It doesn't have to be an impossible task, though. This chocolate pecan toffee recipe does require a little bit of patience to let the toffee set, but the actual prep time is fast and easy. Take your homemade pecan toffee to holiday parties and bake sales, or keep it all to yourself for a special treat.

All you need for pecan toffee ingredients are sugar, unsalted butter, dark chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and a little bit of water. For equipment, it's just a heavy-bottomed saucepan, a baking sheet, and a good spatula. If you have a candy thermometer, you can use it to check the temperature of the sugar, butter, and water mix. If you don't, it's not a problem. Simply drop a little bit of the toffee mixture into a glass or small bowl of water; if the toffee breaks up into brittle threads, it's done cooking.

Heat the sugar, butter, and water on medium heat in the saucepan and stir constantly until the mixture reaches 300ºF, about 15 minutes total time. While it's still hot, carefully pour the toffee onto an ungreased baking sheet and use the spatula to spread the toffee around. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top and let the chocolate melt, about 1-2 minutes. Spread the melted chocolate over the toffee and then top with the chopped pecans. Let sit at room temperature for about an hour to harden, or you can place the baking sheet in the fridge. When firm, break into pieces and serve. Keep your pecan toffee in an airtight container, If it lasts that long.

Watch: Cinnamon Whiskey Pecan Pie