Skip to content

How To Make Bonfire Toffee

I'm on a diet at the moment, so in the spirit of the season, let us talk about sweet stuff! It's more of a treat when its rationed, as well - so something to think about for the 5th of November - Bonfire Toffee!

In England, its usually Bonfire Toffee, sometimes the rather odd sounding Cinder Toffee - although to me, Cinder toffee tends to be less dense, and a touch more crunchy - like the inside of a Crunchy Bar. In Scotland it can be Claggum or Clack, and Wales calls it Loshin Du. I also understand that in the late 19th century it was described as "Tom Trott," although the name seemed rather outdated even back then.

Essentially, bonfire toffee is a thick, sugary dark sweet, hard enough to chew and bite, and sticky enough to - leave a mess! Tradition probably says that it should be cut from a big sheet, and served in chunks, although I think it now comes in lolly-pop form as well. But I'd go for the homemade style - sugar, molasses, Treacle and butter! Proper Northern Bonfire Food. And Southern, too, probably.

Here is a recipe if anyone fancies trying it!

Ingredients:

300g / 12oz Demerarar sugar
100g / 4oz butter
2 level tablespoons of golden syrup
1 level tablespoon of black treacle
4 tablespoons of water

Method

(1) Put all the ingredients into a pan.

(2) Heat slowly, stirring until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.

(3) Bring to the boil. Cover the pan, and boil gently for 2 minutes.

(4) Uncover the pan, and continue to boil for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

(5) Test by dropping a little of the mixture into a cup of cold water. It should separate into brittle threads.

(6) Pour into a buttered 15cm / 6in square tin, and leave to set.

(7) Turn out on a board, and break up with a small hammer.
Makes about 500g / 1LB of Toffee.

Love Fireworks?

Sign up to our monthly newsletter to keep up-to-date on all the latest arrivals, explosive news and special offers from Epic Fireworks.

Thank you for subscribing! Keep an eye on your inbox for all of the latest updates and news from the Epic Team.
Previous article Top Bonfire Night Events in the South East of England for 2024