In the heart of the charming town of Darling, nestled among rolling hills and historic architecture, lies a little shop with a big story – Darling Sweet. Known for its handcrafted toffees and sweets, this artisanal confectionery has become a beloved name, not only in the West Coast region but across South Africa. With its dedication to quality ingredients, sustainable production, and a deep love for the community, Darling Sweet has added a special sweetness to the town’s character.
A History as Sweet as Its Toffees
Darling Sweet was founded in 2014 by Hentie van der Merwe and Frits van Ryneveld, who set out to revive the tradition of toffee-making with a uniquely South African twist. Inspired by the town’s heritage and the country’s rich culinary history, they sought to create high-quality confections using locally sourced ingredients. The result? A range of toffees and sweets that not only delight the taste buds but also tell a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and passion.
The brand quickly gained recognition for its dedication to natural, preservative-free ingredients and innovative flavours that reflect South Africa’s diverse culinary landscape. Today, Darling Sweet is a household name, with its signature treats making their way into homes, gift boxes, and special occasions across the country.
The Art of Crafting Toffee
Making the perfect toffee is an art, and at Darling Sweet, this process is taken very seriously. Using traditional techniques combined with modern innovation, their team of skilled artisans carefully crafts each batch to ensure a rich, buttery texture and deep caramelised flavour.
The process begins with high-quality butter, sugar, and condensed milk, slowly cooked to create the perfect consistency. Depending on the flavour profile, natural ingredients such as honey, sea salt, coffee, or ginger are added to enhance the taste. The toffee is then poured, cooled, cut, and hand-wrapped, ensuring every piece meets the highest standards of quality and freshness.
A Selection of Sweet Delights
One of the reasons Darling Sweet has captured the hearts of so many is its incredible variety of flavours. Some of the most popular and beloved products include:
- Tannie Evita’s Classic Toffee – A tribute to the iconic Evita Bezuidenhout, this rich and creamy classic toffee is a timeless favourite.
- Honey & Salt Toffee – A delightful balance of sweetness and a hint of salt, this toffee is one of the best-selling flavours.
- Coffee Toffee – Perfect for coffee lovers, this variant infuses the bold, roasted notes of locally sourced coffee beans.
- Orange & Cranberry Toffee – A fruity and tangy treat that makes for a refreshing twist on traditional toffee.
- Swartland Kitchen Breakfast Rusks – Made with wholesome ingredients these traditional rusks are perfect for dunking in your morning coffee or tea.
Visit, Taste, and Take Some Home
One of the best ways to experience the magic of Darling Sweet is to visit their tasting room and factory at Evita se Perron in Darling. Guests can witness the toffee-making process firsthand, sample a variety of flavours, and purchase their favourites to take home. For those who can’t make the trip, Darling Sweet’s online store makes it easy to order a selection of treats from anywhere in South Africa
Sweet Gifts for the Month of Love
February, the month of love, is the perfect time to show appreciation for friends, family, and that special someone. Whether it’s a beautifully wrapped box of Darling Sweet toffees or a thoughtfully curated selection of flavours, these sweets make for the perfect heartfelt gift. After all, what better way to share love than with something handmade, delicious, and truly South African?
As Darling Green Country Estate continues to celebrate the beauty and heritage of this special town, we invite you to indulge in the delightful flavours of Darling Sweet. Whether as a treat for yourself or a gift for a loved one, these handcrafted sweets are a testament to the passion, tradition, and community spirit that make Darling so unique.
