Cleta Bailey’s Toffee Squares: A Classic, Irresistible Sweet Treat
A buttery dessert bar with a fudgy cocoa layer and pecan crunch to delight every palate.
Cleta Bailey’s Toffee Squares: The Ultimate Chewy-Chocolate Classic
If you love buttery, chocolatey baked goods with a nostalgic twist, few treats are as universally loved as Cleta Bailey’s Toffee Squares. Originating from cherished family recipes and popularized by home cooks everywhere, this classic dessert combines the simple goodness of brown sugar and butter with a decadent chocolate topping and a crunchy finish of toasted pecans. With an ease and speed that makes them perfect for last-minute gatherings or quiet moments at home, these bar cookies have earned their place in the pantheon of easy, crowd-pleasing desserts.
What Are Cleta Bailey’s Toffee Squares?
Cleta Bailey’s Toffee Squares are a simple, rich bar cookie consisting of a brown sugar-butter base, topped immediately after baking with semi-melted chocolate, and finished with finely chopped toasted pecans. They evoke all the flavors of classic toffee in a chewy, cookie-bar format that’s easy to make and share. Considered an antipasto, snack, starter, or appetizer in some collections, they’re versatile enough to suit nearly any occasion and take under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Key Characteristics
- Buttery, rich base: The cookie crust has deep caramel notes from the brown sugar.
- Layered chocolate top: Melted chocolate covers the baked base for fudgy satisfaction.
- Nutty crunch: A generous layer of chopped pecans gives contrast in texture and flavor.
- Quick prep: Mix, spread, bake, top—done in about 25 minutes.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
One of the virtues of this recipe is its simplicity: a short list of accessible pantry staples comes together into something special. Here’s what goes into the classic version:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Brown sugar (packed) | 1 cup |
| Butter | 2 sticks (1 cup) |
| Egg | 1 whole |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet) | 2 cups |
| Pecans, finely chopped | 0.8 cups (about 3/4 cup) |
You’ll also need a baking sheet, offset spatula or knife for spreading, and a preheated oven.
Step-By-Step: How To Make Cleta Bailey’s Toffee Squares
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake right from the start.
- Cream butter and brown sugar:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. - Add egg and vanilla:
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. - Add flour:
Gradually stir in the flour until a soft, cohesive dough forms. - Spread the dough:
Transfer the dough to a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Using an offset spatula, spread it evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness. The dough should cover most of the surface in a thin, even layer. - Bake:
Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and set at the edges. - Add chocolate:
Straight from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the surface. - Melt and spread:
Return the pan to the oven for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the chocolate softens. Remove and spread the chocolate gently with a spatula to cover the surface. - Top with nuts:
Immediately sprinkle the chopped pecans generously over the warm chocolate. Press lightly so they stick. - Cool and cut:
Allow to cool so the chocolate sets. Once firm, cut into squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Expert Tips for Success
- Spread the dough thinly and evenly so the base bakes uniformly and retains a chewy texture rather than becoming cakey.
- Use parchment paper for effortless removal and cleanup.
- If the chocolate isn’t melting enough, microwave it briefly before spreading or cover the pan with foil for a minute to trap the heat.
- Chop pecans finely: This lets them adhere better and gives an even crunch.
- Try not to overbake: Remove promptly when golden to avoid a dry or hard base.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheet (with low sides preferred)
- Offset spatula or spreading knife
- Cutting board and knife for nuts
- Parchment paper (for easiest release)
- Pizza cutter (optional, for cutting into perfect squares)
History and Origin: Family Recipes Passed Down
The legacy of Cleta Bailey’s Toffee Squares stretches back to family gatherings and neighborhood potlucks. As recounted by Ree Drummond and numerous home bakers, the recipe is both a nod to old-fashioned desserts and an adaptable canvas for personal touches. Its continued popularity stems from:
- Approachability: Anyone can bake these, from kids to seasoned pros.
- Shareability: Yields a big batch, easily sliced for sharing.
- Flavor nostalgia: Rich, buttery, and reminiscent of old-school toffee bars or candy.
The recipe has evolved from its first version (which used whole Hershey bars as the topping) to today’s more common usage of chocolate chips, making it even easier and more accessible.
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Variations and Creative Twists
While the classic recipe is beloved, you can personalize your batch in creative ways:
- Nuts: Substitute walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for pecans; or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Chocolate: Try white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or swirl in peanut butter chips.
- Eggless version: Omit the egg and use a bit of milk for structure, as in some eggless adaptations.
- Mix-ins: Scatter toffee bits, coconut flakes, or dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins) over the chocolate before finishing with nuts.
- Holiday twist: Sprinkle festive candies or colored sprinkles for special occasions.
Serving Suggestions & Occasions
- Serve as an afternoon snack with coffee, tea, or cold milk.
- Perfect addition to holiday dessert platters or cookie exchanges.
- Cut smaller for party finger food at gatherings or potlucks.
- Gift in decorative tins for birthdays or as a homemade thank-you treat.
Nutritional Information
| Per Serving (approx. 1 bar) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 242 kcal |
| Fat | 53.35% |
| Carbohydrates | 43.88% |
| Protein | 2.77% |
This is a rich dessert, so a small piece is satisfying!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: Yes, Cleta Bailey’s Toffee Squares keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze pre-cut squares between sheets of parchment for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I use different types of chocolate?
A: Absolutely. Semi-sweet, milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips all work beautifully. You can even blend types for a custom flavor.
Q: Is there an eggless or dairy-free version?
A: For eggless, adapt by omitting the egg and adding milk or a plant-based substitute to help the dough spread and set. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Q: My chocolate isn’t melting enough to spread—what do I do?
A: If the pan isn’t hot enough, return it to the oven for 30-60 seconds, watching closely. Alternatively, gently microwave the chips and spread quickly over the warm base.
Q: What’s the best way to cut the squares?
A: Wait until fully cooled and chocolate has set, then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for neat, clean squares.
Baking Troubleshooting and Tips
- Dough is too thick to spread: Let it warm up until soft and use a spatula or roll between parchment sheets.
- Bars crumble or flake apart: Ensure not to overbake and use enough butter for moisture.
- Chocolate layer separates: Spread while both base and chocolate are warm for best adhesion.
- No pecans? Try other nuts or leave the bars plain—they’re still delicious.
Why Cleta Bailey’s Toffee Squares Stand the Test of Time
The enduring appeal of this recipe comes from its balance of simplicity and decadence. Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, while the combination of chewy base, luscious chocolate, and nutty crunch brings back memories of family get-togethers and childhood baking. Adaptable to changing tastes and dietary preferences, Cleta Bailey’s Toffee Squares truly are a treat for all generations.
Join the Tradition: Make, Share, and Enjoy
Whether you’re making them for a family reunion, a holiday treat platter, or simply to brighten your week, this recipe is an invitation to take part in something special. Have fun with your own adaptations, and savor everything these timeless toffee squares have to offer!
References
- https://whatsheate.com/cleta-baileys-toffee-squares-10186
- https://my192recipes.weebly.com/blog/eggless-cleta-bailey-toffee-square
- http://jttk.blogspot.com/2011/10/cleta-baileys-toffee-squares.html
- https://thewickedchicken.net/2014/05/27/toffee-squares/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11624/cleta-baileys-toffee-squares/
- https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/desserts/cleta-baileye28099s-toffee-squares/
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