This easy potato chip toffee recipe uses only 5 ingredients and is baked in under 20 minutes. Pop it in the fridge to set up for that perfect crisp toffee snap. Sweet meets salty in the most amazing way!
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This recipe is SO easy to make. You can whip it up in under 20 minutes. Then pop it in the fridge to set up for a few hours. You can even pop it in the freezer if you’re short on time.
It’s essentially an easy toffee recipe. Many people know what Cracker Toffee is. This is the same thing, only it uses Lays Wavy potato chips as it’s base instead.
Another name many people know this types of recipe as would be “Christmas Crack”. I hate that name but it’s what people call it for some reason. Not a fan of the name but definitely a fan of this treat.
After developing various versions I fell in love with this one. This sweet and salty combination was one of my favourite recipes. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s perfect for entertaining. It also makes a great gift.
You can eat it as a dessert, or a snack. You can serve it at potlucks, picnics, or even make it for bake sales. I love the versatility of it. It’s a perfect “hack” style recipe. Take something simple and make it even easier.
I love that idea. I’m all about easy recipes. Especially in summer when the weather is gorgeous and I want to be outside playing with the horses. I don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking or baking.
Another issue in summer is not having the stove on for very long. If you’re like me you’re house heats up super fast. I have a 20 minute rule in summer. My stove can only be on for 20 minutes or less, or it doesn’t go on.
This recipe went over SO well with our family and friends. If you’re like most people you probably love the combination of sweet and salty. There’s something about that flavour combination that rocks my world.
So if sweet and salty recipes are your jam too you MUST try this Potato Chip Toffee. I will stress right now that you MUST use Lays Wavy potato chips for this recipe. The thickness of that particular chip is essential.
You need a thick chip to hold up to the toffee. It’s really important. The Lays Wavy potato chips are absolute perfection for this particular recipe. The taste is stellar and the thick chip is perfection for the toffee to grab on to.
I know everyone is always looking for easy recipes they can make quickly before heading out to a friends house, or before their friends come by for dinner. This recipe is for YOU! It’s the perfect easy dessert recipe.
Be sure to keep this toffee cold to ensure the summer heat doesn’t melt it. Do not leave it outside in the sweltering heat, it will melt the chocolate and soften the toffee. You’ll end up with liquid toffee. Never a good thing.
Pick up a bag of Lays Wavy potato chips today, make this tomorrow. You’re family and friends will thank you.
How to make Potato Chip Toffee
- Pick up some Lays Wavy potato chips.
- Place a layer of Lays Wavy potato chips in a pan.
- Make some toffee in a saucepan.
- Pour the toffee coating over the chips.
- Spread out toffee, then place in oven.
- Remove from oven, then add chocolate chips. Place pan back in oven.
- Remove pan from the oven again, then smooth out the chocolate.
- Sprinkle crushed Lays Wavy potato chips over the chocolate.
- Let the candy set up, then dig in!
- Then dig into a second helping!
How to store
- This candy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks. Personally, I try to use it up within 4 to 5 days so the consistency doesn’t change.
- It can also be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. I recommend defrosting it in the fridge as opposed to the counter so the temperature changes slowly otherwise it could affect the texture.
Step by Step Photos Below
Pick up some Lays Wavy potato chips.
Place a layer of Lays Wavy potato chips in a pan.
Make some toffee in a saucepan.
Pour the toffee coating over the chips.
Spread out toffee, then place in oven.
Remove from oven, then add chocolate chips. Place pan back in oven.
Remove pan from the oven again, then smooth out the chocolate.
Sprinkle crushed Lays Wavy potato chips over the chocolate.
Let the candy set up, then dig in!
Then dig into a second helping!
Hope you enjoy this Potato Chip Toffee!
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Potato Chip Toffee
Ingredients
- 2 cups Lays Wavy potato chips
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed Lays Wavy potato chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray an 11 x 7 pan with non-stick spray, Line the bottom with Lays Wavy potato chips. Overlap them a little bit so you have a nice thick layer of them on the bottom of the pan. Set the pan aside.
- Combine sugar and butter in a medium saucepan, cook over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the butter to melt, and the sugar to dissolve, the mixture will turn an amber colour. It's going to bubble up and thicken a bit. Use a whisk to stir the mixture until it comes together perfectly. Then pour the mixture over the potato chips in the pan you set aside earlier.
- Place pan in the oven for about 7 minutes, remove from the oven but leave the oven ON. Toss the chocolate chips over top of the toffee layer and pop the pan back in the oven for about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and smooth out the chocolate right away. I spray the back of a tablespoon with non-stick spray prior to smoothing the chocolate. That way it glides along the chocolate with sticking and making a mess. It's the perfect way to smooth out chocolate.
- Once the chocolate is smooth you can toss the crushed Lays Wavy potato chips on top of the chocolate.
- Allow the pan to cool completely before placing in the fridge. You can score the candy once it's completely cooled. Or score it after about 20 to 30 minutes in the fridge. Scoring will just make it easier to cut later. If you score too soon the toffee will just stick back together. If you wait too long it won't cut properly. Scoring is only needed if you want perfect squares. I rarely score my candy. But thought I'd offer this information to anyone who wanted to.
- Pop it in the fridge to let the toffee harden and "set up". I usually try to let mine set up for at least 2 to 4 hours. But overnight works too. That way when you're ready to snap the toffee it works perfectly.
- If you didn't score the candy you can just break it with a toffee hammer or cut with a knife. Or just smack it to break it, that's always fun too.
- Store the toffee in the fridge for up to a week. If it lasts that long.
- Enjoy with a big old Lays Wavy potato chips loving smile!
Nutrition
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Recipe was originally posted on
Updated on May 2, 2020.
Patti says
This looks so good, but most things topped with chocolate do. I can’t believe that I never heard of salting toffee before now. I think the potato chips would be much better than crackers. I was wondering if you thought that boiling the sugar and butter mixture a little longer might make the toffee part more stable at room temperature.
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much Patti. It’s very similar to Saltine Cracker Toffee, which is also known as Christmas Crack. I personally hate the use of the word “crack” in recipes, but unfortunately so many know these types of desserts as that. Very odd to me. It’s basically a crunchy base, then a toffee layer, followed by a chocolate layer. Very easy to make.
I think you could certainly cook the sugar mixture a few minutes longer. Just be careful not to take it to the point of becoming hard like a brittle.
Use this guide if you’re using a candy thermometer and want to follow the temperature guidelines. http://whatscookingamerica.net/Candy/candytemp.htm
It does harden more once it sets up. I had to take the photos before it was completely set so I could get it submitted in time for the deadline. It hardens up very nicely in the fridge. I actually took a few more pics but still need to post them.
Okay, that turned into a novel. Sorry. It’s late, and I start to ramble when I get tired.
Kristen says
All I can say is WATCH OUT! these things would be dangerous in my vicinity!
Lucy says
Oh my gosh, this toffee has Father’s Day gift written all over it…if I don’t eat it all first. Yum!
Kim Beaulieu says
Ha, I wouldn’t blame you if you did Lucy. Lol! Thanks so much.
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
You just completely won my heart over with this toffee!! The sweet and salty combo is my weakness!
Kim Beaulieu says
Awe, thanks so much Ashley. That makes me so happy. I’m a sucker for sweet and salty snacks and desserts too. So good.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Love your pix and I’m totally drooling! Sweet and salty (and welcome, chocolate!) is the perfect treat for me. These would be perfect, as you say, to take to a picnic or any gathering!
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much Patricia. I really had a blast making this recipe. This went over so well with my taste testing crew. They went nuts for it.
Sabrina says
What a great way to add salty crunch to toffee! Thanks for the recipe!
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much Sabrina. I had a blast working on this recipe. The taste is stellar.
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says
I love that there are chips in the toffee base AND on top – perfection! I’m always a sucker for the salty-sweet combo, so I must try these.
Kim Beaulieu says
I had so much fun making this. It’s so over the top and yummy. Like Saltine Toffee but a million times better. Ha
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
Those layers are awesome. I can’t believe that I haven’t had this yet! I need to come visit! hahaha
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much. I had a blast making recipes with chips. Not a bad gig. You totally need to come visit. I’d love that. I have no foodie friends here.
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
Oh my gosh nooo! I wish my eyes hadn’t seen this. Now it’ll be on my mind all day. This looks like something that you make and then eat the entire batch of and then feel really sad because you just consumed a million calories. Haha. I so wish I could have just a single piece of this! 😉
Kim Beaulieu says
Ha, I’m one of those weirdos that never feels guilty over things I eat. I don’t know why, or how, but I honestly just don’t care very much. I should. It would be good if I did. I lack the guilt gene.
I always tell people if you close your eyes while you eat something the calories don’t count. Bah ha ha ha!
Rose | The Clean Dish says
I had to read the title three times, then scroll down to make sure I’m getting it — yes, you are using potato chips in this recipe!! What a terrific, unexpected twist! I bet this toffee tastes amazing. I know I want me some!! 🙂
Nutmeg Nanny says
Ok so I know it’s late but I want to eat this whole tray RIGHT NOW!
Matt says
Love everything about this, especially with the Lays on top!
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks Matt. I had so much fun working on this. I love sweet and salty snacks so I just had to do something a bit different and fun.
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
Oh gosh Kim, I was already a hopeless chip-a-holic, now look what you’ve gone and done!
Kim Beaulieu says
Ha, so happy to have another chip-a-holic to join me in my obsession. You have to try these immediately. SO good.
[email protected] gracious says
All of my favs here, sweet and salty and crunchy!!!
Shawn @ I Wash You Dry says
Wow! This looks fabulous! I would have never thought to put potato chips into toffee!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
That is one crazy awesome way to make toffee! Love the sweet and salty mixture for sure!!!!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
WOW! I would have never thought to use potato chips. This is the PERFECT sweat and salty treat. Now I want this for breakfast LOL
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
HOW did I never think about using potato chips as the toffee base??!! IT IS INGENIOUS! Lovelovelove it
Linda Bass says
KIm, thanks for sharing. Looks delish. I would love for you to come join us on Share the Love Blog Party some time. Promise to promote your blog. 🙂 Have a great week. http://homecookingrecipebox.blogspot.com/
Craftgossip says
Oh my gosh have to try this one.
Kim Beaulieu says
It’s so good. Hope you love it.
Caroline says
Kids loved it. very good and easy recipe, i tried it last night
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much Caroline. I’m so happy the kids liked it. I’m a potato chip fanatic so this is one of my favourite recipes.
Laura says
Awesome recipe. I’ll definatelly try it!
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much. Enjoy!