On January 20 we celebrate National Buttercrunch Day a day when we enjoy the greatness of the Buttercrunch which is the perfect blend of sugar, butter, and chocolate. However, it is a delightful candy featuring a crunchy toffee base coated in chocolate, typically topped with nuts like almonds or pecans. Moreover, there is plenty of flavor available in this and some of the popular flavors include, classic milk chocolate, rich dark chocolate, and refreshing mint with peppermint extract. Even for the extra taste you can add a twist of some spices like cinnamon or sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to enhance the sweetness.
Homemade Buttercrunch Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans)
How to make:
- Place a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium saucepan, mix the butter, sugar, water, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Stop stirring and let it boil until it reaches a deep amber color, about 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the toffee mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. Let it cool slightly but not completely set.
- While the toffee is still warm, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the surface. Allow them to sit for a couple of minutes to melt, then spread the chocolate evenly over the toffee.
- If using nuts, sprinkle them over the melted chocolate and gently press them in.
- Allow the buttercrunch to cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator until firm. Once set, break it into pieces.
- Store your buttercrunch in an airtight container and enjoyed as a sweet snack or gift!
Source: David Bradley Chocolatier
Activities for National Buttercrunch Day
Here are some of the activities that you can do on National Buttercrunch day,
1. Buttercrunch Baking Party:
Invite your friends or family and you can have a baking session where everyone can make their own version of buttercrunch. Also for the extra, you can provide various toppings and mix-ins for customization.
2. Chocolate Tasting:
Even more, you can pair your buttercrunch with different types of chocolates and can have a tasting session to explore flavours like dark, milk, and white chocolate.
3. DIY Gift Bags:
On this day you can also make batches of buttercrunch and package them in cute gift bags and share them with neighbors or friends as a sweet surprise.
4. Create a Dessert Bar:
Set up a dessert bar featuring buttercrunch alongside other treats like brownies, cookies, and ice cream. Let everyone create their own dessert combinations.
5. Recipe Swap:
Invite friends to bring their favorite candy recipes to share and swap recipes and try making each other’s creations.
6. Buttercrunch Crafting:
Get creative and make buttercrunch-themed crafts, such as decorations or labels for your treats.
7. Movie Night:
Even on the day, you can host a movie night featuring films that include food or candy themes and enjoy your buttercrunch while watching with your friends, family and loved one
8. Social Media Share:
Post pictures of your buttercrunch creations on social media, using a fun hashtag to connect with others celebrating the day.
Five Fun Facts about Buttercrunch
- Origin of Toffee: Did you know that buttercrunch is essentially a type of toffee, which dates back to the 19th century in Europe? Where the combination of sugar and butter has been enjoyed in various forms for centuries!
- Versatile Treat: While classic buttercrunch is made with chocolate and nuts, it can be customized with a variety of toppings, such as sprinkles, sea salt, or even crushed candy canes for a seasonal twist.
- Texture Magic: The magic of buttercrunch lies in its texture it’s a perfect blend of crunchy toffee and smooth chocolate, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Cultural Variations: Different cultures have their own versions of similar treats. For example, in some countries, you might find variations with added spices or different types of nuts.
- Popular Gift: Buttercrunch is often packaged as a gift during holidays and special occasions. It’s a favorite among candy lovers, making it a great treat to share with friends and family.
FAQs
What is buttercrunch?
Buttercrunch is a type of candy made from a crunchy toffee base that is usually coated in chocolate and often topped with nuts. It has a rich, sweet flavor and a satisfying texture.
Is buttercrunch gluten-free?
However, most traditional buttercrunch recipes are gluten-free, as they don’t contain flour but before having them always check the ingredients if you’re using store-bought versions, as some may have additives.
Can I customize the flavors?
Yes, You can experiment with different types of chocolate (dark, milk, white) and add flavorings like vanilla, almond extract, or even spices like cinnamon to create unique variations.
What types of nuts work best for buttercrunch?
Some of the common choices include almonds, pecans, and walnuts. You can also use crushed peanuts or hazelnuts depending on your taste preferences.
Can I use vegan butter and chocolate?
Yes, You can substitute regular butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make a vegan version of buttercrunch.
Why did my toffee turn out grainy?
A grainy texture often occurs if the sugar crystallizes. To prevent this, make sure to stir continuously until it boils and avoid stirring once it reaches a boil. You can also add a little corn syrup to help keep it smooth.
Also, read more about National Dark Chocolate Day – February 1, 2025
