National Almond Buttercrunch Day is celebrated annually on June 29 in the United States. This day honors the delicious and crunchy confection known as almond buttercrunch, a type of candy made from a rich combination of butter, sugar, and almonds, often coated in chocolate. The celebration is perfect for those who enjoy sweet, nutty, and buttery treats with a delightful crunch.

What is Almond Buttercrunch?

Almond buttercrunch is a buttery toffee made by cooking butter and sugar to a high temperature until they caramelize, then mixing in toasted almonds. Once the mixture cools and hardens, it’s usually topped with chocolate and more crushed almonds for added flavor and texture.

Ingredients typically include:

• Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base.
• Sugar: Used to create the toffee-like texture and sweetness.
• Almonds: Toasted almonds are folded into the candy for a nutty crunch.
• Chocolate: Often melted and spread over the toffee, giving the candy an additional layer of indulgence.

Almond buttercrunch has a unique crispy texture and rich flavor, with a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and the smoothness of chocolate.

History of Almond Buttercrunch

While the exact origins of almond buttercrunch are unclear, buttercrunch toffee has been a popular confection in the United States for many years, with recipes dating back to at least the early 20th century. The combination of almonds and buttery toffee was likely inspired by English toffee, a similar candy that often includes nuts.

One of the most well-known brands associated with almond buttercrunch is Heath, which created the famous Heath Bar in 1928. The Heath Bar is a chocolate-covered English toffee candy with almonds, and it has remained a beloved treat in the U.S. since its introduction.

How Almond Buttercrunch is Made

The process of making almond buttercrunch involves cooking butter and sugar together until the mixture reaches a specific temperature, typically around 290°F to 300°F, which is known as the "hard crack" stage in candy making. This ensures that the toffee will have a crisp, brittle texture once cooled. Almonds are often added to the mixture during the cooking process or pressed into the surface after the toffee is poured out. Chocolate is melted and spread on top, and more almonds are sprinkled over the chocolate for extra flavor and crunch.

How to Celebrate National Almond Buttercrunch Day

1. Make Your Own Almond Buttercrunch: Celebrate the day by making a batch of homemade almond buttercrunch. There are plenty of recipes available online that guide you through the process of making this crunchy, sweet treat.

2. Try Different Variations: You can experiment with variations of the classic almond buttercrunch by trying different nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or by using different types of chocolate, like dark or white chocolate.

3. Indulge in Store-Bought Treats: If making candy isn’t your thing, many confectioneries and stores sell almond buttercrunch. Look for brands like Heath, Brown & Haley’s Almond Roca, or your local candy shops.

4. Share with Friends and Family: Almond buttercrunch is a great treat to share. Make or buy a batch and share it with friends, family, or coworkers. It’s the perfect way to spread some sweetness on this day.

5. Pair with Ice Cream: Add some almond buttercrunch to your favorite ice cream for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. Buttercrunch pairs especially well with vanilla, chocolate, or caramel-flavored ice creams.

Fun Facts About Almond Buttercrunch

• Toffee vs. Buttercrunch: While they are similar, buttercrunch is usually made with butter and almonds and often coated in chocolate, whereas toffee can be made without nuts and does not always include a chocolate coating.

• Almond Roca: One of the most famous brands of almond buttercrunch is Almond Roca, produced by Brown & Haley. It was first created in 1923 and remains a popular confection today.

• Heath Bar: The Heath Bar, introduced in 1928, is one of the most well-known examples of almond buttercrunch candy in the U.S. It features English toffee covered in milk chocolate and is known for its crisp, crunchy texture.

• Texture: The key to great almond buttercrunch is getting the texture just right. It should be crunchy but not too hard, and the addition of almonds gives it a pleasant nutty contrast to the sweetness of the toffee and chocolate.

Conclusion

National Almond Buttercrunch Day is a sweet celebration of this delicious and crunchy candy. Whether you make your own or enjoy a store-bought version, it's a day to indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of almond buttercrunch. The candy’s irresistible combination of caramelized butter, sugar, almonds, and chocolate makes it a treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.