Indulge in an extraordinary dessert experience with these decadent Symphony Toffee Brownies. Imagine a rich, fudgy brownie base, generously studded and layered with creamy milk chocolate, crunchy almonds, and buttery toffee pieces from beloved Symphony bars. This isn’t just a brownie; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors designed to deliver pure bliss in every bite, making it an unforgettable treat that will leave everyone craving more. Perfect for gatherings, a special indulgence, or simply to brighten an ordinary day, these brownies promise a truly gourmet experience that’s surprisingly approachable to create.
The genesis of these incredible brownies came from a spontaneous road trip. I was preparing for a girls’ getaway to Colorado with five of my closest friends, and the buzz was already high. An email popped into my inbox, asking the quintessential question: “Are you bringing any baked goods?” Coincidentally, a batch of these glorious brownies with toffee was already perfuming my kitchen, fresh out of the oven! Needless to say, they were the star of our journey. Not a single crumb made it back home, a testament to their irresistible deliciousness and the sheer joy they brought to our trip. Sharing homemade treats is always a delight, and these Symphony Toffee Brownies certainly delivered on that front, creating sweet memories alongside great company.
Why Symphony Toffee Brownies are a Must-Bake Dessert
- The Magic of Symphony Bars: Are you acquainted with Hershey’s Symphony Bars? These aren’t just any milk chocolate bars. They’re crafted with a unique blend of ingredients, resulting in an exceptionally creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets them apart. While a plain version exists, it’s the Symphony bar with milk chocolate, almonds, and toffee chips that truly elevates these brownies. The combination of sweet milk chocolate, the delicate crunch of almonds, and the buttery chew of toffee provides a complex flavor profile and delightful textural contrast that transforms a simple brownie into a gourmet confection. This specific bar is the secret weapon, ensuring every bite is packed with surprise and satisfaction.
- A Recipe Born from Friendship and Culinary Expertise: This cherished recipe comes from my dear friend, Diane Morrissey, whose culinary talents are truly exceptional. You can often find her inspiring others with her creations on Instagram. When I first embarked on making these brownies back in 2011, I had just acquired “Bake!” by the renowned baking guru, Nick Malgieri. In my quest for the perfect brownie base for these Toffee Brownies, I turned to his expertise and quickly settled on his “Florida Brownies,” a delightful rendition of Maida Heatter’s iconic Palm Beach Brownies. They delivered a richness and depth that was truly sublime. However, Diane’s brilliant adaptation makes the process even more accessible!
- Homemade Perfection or Effortless Elegance: While the homemade version, inspired by baking legends, offers a deeply satisfying from-scratch experience, Diane’s ingenious use of a box of Ghirardelli’s brownie mix is a game-changer. This shortcut doesn’t compromise on flavor or that ultra-chocolaty, fudgy texture. Instead, it makes preparing these rich, delectable Symphony Toffee Brownies an absolute breeze, proving that you don’t always need hours in the kitchen to create something spectacular. Whether you opt for homemade or a quality mix, the result is a luxurious dessert that tastes like it came straight from a high-end bakery.
- The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: These Symphony Toffee Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration in every square. Their rich flavor, fudgy texture, and the delightful surprise of melted chocolate and crunchy toffee make them an instant hit at any gathering, potluck, or family event. They are robust enough to travel well, as my Colorado trip proved, and elegant enough to serve as a special treat. Prepare for rave reviews and requests for the recipe!
Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfect Brownies
Crafting the perfect Symphony Toffee Brownies starts with understanding your ingredients. While the recipe is straightforward, paying attention to the details will ensure the best possible results.
- Kitchen Staples: Sugar and Flour – These foundational ingredients are key to the brownie’s structure and sweetness. Ensure your flour is fresh, and measure both accurately for consistent results.
- Butter: The Heart of Fudginess – I always recommend using salted butter in baking unless specified otherwise. The hint of salt helps to balance the sweetness of the chocolate and toffee, enhancing all the flavors without making the brownies taste salty. If you only have unsalted butter, simply add a large pinch of fine sea salt (about ¼ to ½ teaspoon) to the dry ingredients.
- Unsweetened Chocolate: The Flavor Powerhouse – For deep, intense chocolate flavor, unsweetened chocolate is non-negotiable. I personally reach for Ghirardelli Baking Bars, known for their consistent quality and robust flavor profile. Using a high-quality unsweetened chocolate prevents the brownies from being overly sweet and allows the rich cocoa notes to shine through. Chop it finely for easier, more even melting.
- Eggs: For Structure and Richness – Large eggs are standard in most baking recipes. Crucially, ensure your eggs are at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify more easily with the butter and sugar, creating a smoother, more uniform batter. This leads to a more tender crumb and helps achieve that desirable crackly top crust on your brownies. If you forget to take them out, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes.
- Vanilla Extract: A Flavor Enhancer – Never underestimate the power of good vanilla extract. It doesn’t just add vanilla flavor; it brightens and enhances all the other ingredients, particularly the chocolate. I use Nielsen-Massey brand for its superior quality. Avoid artificially flavored vanilla at all costs, as it can impart an unpleasant aftertaste that detracts from the overall deliciousness.
- Symphony Milk Chocolate Bars with Almonds & Toffee Chips: The Star Filling – This is where the magic truly happens! You’ll need four 6.8-ounce bars. These specific bars, with their blend of creamy milk chocolate, crunchy roasted almonds, and delightful toffee bits, are what give these brownies their signature flavor and texture. If the bar size varies in your region, aim for a total weight close to 27.2 ounces to ensure a generous, gooey layer in the center. Do not substitute with plain chocolate bars or different toffee bars if you want the authentic “Symphony Toffee Brownie” experience.
Expert Tips for Baking Your Best Symphony Toffee Brownies
Achieving brownie perfection is within reach with these practical tips and tricks. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, these insights will help you create flawless Symphony Toffee Brownies every time.
- Embrace the Box Mix Shortcut (or Elevate It!): For those who are new to baking, short on time, or simply want an easier path to deliciousness, a quality box brownie mix is your secret weapon. Your friends will be none the wiser, marveling at the rich, crunchy surprise in every bite of these brownies with toffee! To elevate a box mix even further, consider replacing the water with milk or coffee, adding an extra egg yolk for fudginess, or even a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- The Art of Beating Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla: The specific instruction to beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla for up to 10 minutes is crucial. This step incorporates a significant amount of air into the mixture, creating a light, voluminous base that contributes to the brownies’ crackly top crust and ultimately, their fudgy texture. Using a stand mixer is highly recommended for this process, as it allows for consistent, hands-free beating. Remember to pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated and aerated to the same consistency. This prevents dense spots and guarantees a uniform brownie.
- Navigating the Gooey Center: No Toothpick Test Here! Due to the luscious layer of melted Symphony chocolate bars in the center, the traditional toothpick test for doneness simply won’t work. A toothpick inserted into these brownies will almost certainly come out gooey, even if the brownies are perfectly baked. Instead, observe the edges: they should appear set and slightly pulled away from the pan. The center should still have a slight jiggle, indicating a rich, fudgy texture without being raw. In my experience, a 35-minute baking time has yielded excellent results in various ovens, but keep an eye on your specific oven’s behavior.
- Cutting Perfection for Fudgy Brownies: Fudgy brownies, especially ones with a gooey filling, are notorious for creating crumbly edges when cut. The signature thin, crisp top layer that shatters slightly is part of their charm. To achieve cleaner cuts, allow the brownies to cool completely – ideally for several hours or even chilling them in the refrigerator for an hour or two. Once cooled, use a large, sharp serrated knife. Scoring the brownies gently before making the full cut can help. For truly pristine slices, wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth after each cut.
- PRO-Tip: The Magic of Non-Stick Foil: Lining your baking pan with non-stick aluminum foil (affiliate link) is an absolute game-changer. This simple step ensures that your brownies will not stick to the sides of the pan, making cleanup a breeze. More importantly, it creates “handles” that allow you to easily lift the entire cooled slab of brownies out onto a cutting board. This method is far superior for achieving perfect, even squares without damaging the edges or wrestling with a sticky pan. If you’re using regular foil, be sure to grease it generously with baking spray.
- Patience is a Virtue (Especially for Cooling): It’s tempting to dive into warm brownies, but for optimal texture and ease of cutting, patience is key. Allow your Symphony Toffee Brownies to cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. This allows the gooey center to set and the flavors to meld, resulting in a perfectly fudgy, sliceable treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Symphony Toffee Brownies
The secret to truly fudgy brownies lies in a few key ratios and techniques. Firstly, it’s all about the balance of fat to flour. You generally want more fat than flour in the recipe, with fat coming from butter or oil, egg yolks, and the chocolate itself. Less flour contributes to a denser, chewier texture. Secondly, avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a more cake-like, rather than fudgy, brownie. If you use a mixer, mix on low speed just until the flour streaks disappear. Thirdly, a lower amount of leavening (baking powder or soda) also helps achieve that dense, fudgy consistency.
Brownies are incredibly versatile! While delicious on their own, there are many ways to elevate your Symphony Toffee Brownies. You can dust them with a light coating of powdered sugar or cocoa for a simple, elegant finish. For ultimate indulgence, add a rich fudgy frosting or a swirl of caramel sauce. Transform them into a decadent brownie sundae by topping a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a generous drizzle of hot fudge or caramel, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, and a bright red cherry on top! Other delicious additions include fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries), a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the chocolate, or a scattering of extra toasted nuts or toffee bits.
While the Symphony bars with almonds and toffee chips are integral to the unique flavor profile of these brownies, you could potentially substitute them with another milk chocolate bar that includes similar mix-ins like toffee and nuts. Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Toffee & Almonds, for example, could be a suitable alternative if you cannot find Symphony bars. However, keep in mind that the texture and specific flavor notes might vary slightly. For the most authentic “Symphony Toffee Brownie” experience, sticking to the recommended bars is advised.
To maintain their fudgy texture and rich flavor, store your Symphony Toffee Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you prefer a firmer brownie, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration might make them a little chewier. For best results after refrigeration, let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their gooey center.
Absolutely! These Symphony Toffee Brownies freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, cut the brownies into individual squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw individual brownies at room temperature for an hour or two, or gently warm them in the microwave for a quick treat. Freezing is an excellent way to prepare them ahead of time for future cravings or unexpected guests.
Explore More Delicious Brownie Recipes
If you love these Symphony Toffee Brownies, you’re sure to enjoy exploring other variations of this classic dessert. Here are some more irresistible brownie recipes from my kitchen to yours:
- Peanut Butter Truffle Brownies
- Fudgy Kahlua Brownies
- Simple Fudgy Brownies
- Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
- Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
- Discover more delectable Homemade Chocolate Recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth!
This delightful recipe was first introduced in April 2011. The photos and accompanying text have been thoughtfully updated in 2019 and again in 2024 to enhance your baking experience and provide the most current information.
Stay connected and be part of our baking community! Follow us on social media @ Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes! Your creations inspire us all. And if you absolutely love the results and enjoyed making these Symphony Toffee Brownies, please consider giving them a 5-star rating in the recipe card below. Your feedback helps others discover these wonderful treats!
Symphony Toffee Brownies Recipe
30 minutes
35 minutes
1 hour 5 minutes
24 brownies
Fudgy brownies with a milk chocolate toffee candy bar filling!
Ingredients
Brownies*:
- 8 ounces (2 sticks) butter
- 8 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 5 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 3 ¾ cups sugar
- 1 ⅔ cups flour
Filling:
- 4 6.8 ounce Symphony milk chocolate bars w/ almonds & toffee chips
Instructions
- Line 9 x 13-inch pan with nonstick aluminum foil. Grease with cooking spray if using regular foil. Set aside.
- Prepare brownies as the recipe or box states.
- For these homemade brownies, preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
- Melt butter and chocolate together in the microwave, using 30-second increments, stirring frequently to not overheat the chocolate until melted and smooth. Set aside.
- Combine eggs, vanilla, and sugar in a large bowl (add a large pinch of salt if using unsalted butter).
- Using a mixer, beat on high, scraping a few times, until very light and fluffy, for up to 10 minutes.
- Add the melted chocolate and mix on low speed, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally, until just combined.
- Sift flour into the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix on low until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the batter to evenly cover the bottom of the pan.
- Carefully place the candy bars side by side over the batter. Cut the 4th bar into sections to ensure the entire surface of the batter is covered. Top with the remaining brownie batter and gently smooth the top.
- Bake for 35 minutes (if using a box mix, follow the baking temperature and time on the package, adjusting as needed for the filling).
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the foil overhang to lift and transfer the brownies to a cutting board. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
*Alternatively, you can use two boxes of a good quality brownie mix, such as Ghirardelli, for a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to add some additional baking time to the time listed on the box due to the added filling.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer
- 9 x 13 Baking Pan
- Nonstick Foil
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24
Serving Size:
1 brownie
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 307Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 35mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 2gSugar: 38gProtein: 5g
HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?
Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest