Old-Fashioned Butter Crunch
Old-Fashioned Butter Crunch is a rich, crunchy confection featuring toasted almonds and smooth chocolate chips, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at gatherings. Its buttery, nutty flavor and crisp texture make it an irresistible treat for lovers of classic candies and homemade sweets.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast the slivered almonds at 350°F until golden, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Cool the almonds. Reserve 1 cup and blend the remaining almonds to almost dust (about 1/2 to 1 cup).
- Melt the butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat (3-quart pan).
- Cook the sugar, light corn syrup, and water to the hard crack stage (300°F). Stir often.
- When the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan, remove it from heat.
- Add 1 cup of toasted slivered almonds to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 13 x 9-inch Teflon-type pan.
- When almost cool, run a scraper around the sides of the pan using a heat-resistant scraper.
- Cool completely and turn out onto waxed paper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of regular butter. If you want to experiment, try substituting half of the almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different nutty taste. Be sure to keep an eye on the sugar mixture as it cooks to prevent burning, stirring frequently. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy when checking for the hard crack stage.
Serving Suggestions
This butter crunch is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive presentation, consider serving it alongside Mrs. Rose'S Potato Salad Dressing as part of a dessert platter. It's also a great addition to gift boxes during the holidays or as a sweet treat at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled butter crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature before serving, as it’s best enjoyed at room temperature to maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Butter Crunch contains roughly 321 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 29g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While slivered almonds are traditional, you can use pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts for an interesting twist. Just ensure they're toasted for the best flavor and crunch. Feel free to mix and match to suit your preference.
What should I do if my candy mixture doesn’t reach the hard crack stage?
If your mixture doesn't reach the hard crack stage (300°F), it may not set properly. You can reheat it gently, stirring constantly, until it reaches the desired temperature. Using a candy thermometer can help you monitor the temperature accurately and achieve the perfect consistency.
How can I make this recipe more chocolatey?
For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding an extra cup of chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled butter crunch. You can also use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste. Just make sure to allow it to set before slicing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).