Almond Buttercrunch Candy
When I was a youngster, June would have been my favorite month.
Why? It’s National Candy Month!
National Candy Month
National Candy Month was started by the National Confectioner’s Association (NCA) in January 1974 to help boost the sales of various candies which tended to drop after the holidays. The celebration moved to May for a while and then to June where it is celebrated today.
I had no idea how much money is spent nationally on candy — I should have given how much I can spend on candy. LOL On the NCA website, they note that there are $36 billion in confectionery retail sales in the USA.
Today’s Recipe
To start the celebration of National Candy Month, I have a recipe for Almond Buttercrunch Candy. This delicious classic candy recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. It is always a welcome treat during the holidays or anytime you need a thoughtful host/hostess or teachers’ gift.
Proper timing is one of the keys to success with this recipe. For example, you’ll want to add the baking soda and vanilla extract to the hot candy mixture as soon as you remove it from heat. Plus, you’ll also want to have the ground chocolate chips ready in advance to spread on top of the hot candy mixture right away so it melts from the heat. Therefore, be sure to have all ingredients measured, prepped, and nearby before you start preparing this recipe.
Special Equipment Needed:
To make this recipe you need a Candy Thermometer. I also included other items you might need to make this recipe.
On to the recipe!
Almond Buttercrunch Candy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 c. blanched whole almonds
- ½ c. sliced almonds
- ½ c. + 2 T. unsalted butter divided
- 1½ c. chocolate chips divided
- 1¼ c. white sugar
- 2 T. water
- 1 T. corn syrup
- ¼ t. salt
- 1 t. real vanilla extract
- 1 t. baking soda
Instructions
- Place top oven rack in the center positions and pre-heat oven to 350°F.
- Spread whole almonds on a baking sheet into a single layer without overcrowding and place in the pre-heated oven for 5-6 minutes.
- Remove baking sheet from oven and push the whole almonds to one side of the baking sheet, as shown. Pour the sliced almonds on the other side and spread into a thin, even layer. Return baking sheet to the oven for another 4-5 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Place the toasted whole almonds in a food processor and pulse until only a few larger pieces remain. Set aside.
- Melt two tablespoons butter in the microwave and set aside.
- Create a sling from parchment paper, as shown, and line an 8” x 8” baking pan with it. Pour the melted butter onto the parchment paper and spread evenly across the bottom and the sides of the baking pan.
- Sprinkle half the ground almonds onto the greased parchment paper, as shown, in an even layer in and set aside.
- Pour one-half cup chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring every 20-25 seconds, until completely melted. Remove from microwave and pour the melted chocolate over the ground almonds. Spread into an even layer with a spatula and place in the refrigerator just until set.
- Add the remaining chocolate chips to the food processor and pulse until chopped small. Set aside.
- Place a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining butter, sugar, water, and corn syrup and stir continually until the butter is completely melted, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Stop stirring and add the candy thermometer to the saucepan (without touching the bottom) once the mixture begins to bubble. Reduce heat to just below medium and continue to cook until the mixture reaches between 290°F – 295°F.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and gently tap on the counter until the hot candy mixture is level.
- Add the ground chocolate chips in an even layer across the top and spread with a spatula until melted and smooth, as shown. Sprinkle the remaining ground almonds in an even layer on top, and finish with the toasted sliced almonds.
- Tip: Press down gently with your fingers to make sure the almonds adhere to the layer of chocolate.
- Place in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, or just until set.
- Remove from refrigerator and lift the parchment paper from the pan. Place the candy on a cutting board and carefully break apart with the tip of a sharp knife into individual pieces, as shown. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Also if you make this candy recipe, share it in the comments.
What else are you doing to celebrate National Candy Month? Let us know in the comments.
Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique
12 Comments
Marjie Mare
That sounds so appealing and delicious and perfect for these upcoming outdoor summer gatherings.
Martha
This sounds so delicious! Lia and I will definitely be making this soon! We have a few ice cream and candy shops near me that have all kinds of candy like in your picture. It’s sweet tooth heaven!
Brenda Fluharty
I did not know it wwas national candy month until I read this article. I will have to make my mother’s favorite fudge oatmeal cookies.
Jaime Brainerd
OOOOHHH, Dominique! I just jumped for my goodie bag of sweet tart ropes, the new twist rainbow punch ones, and I aslo hit print on my computer! These will be awesome treats for the teachers finishing off the craziest school year ever! I hope they will accept, :p Thank you for sharing! Sending lots of love and gratitude! Jaime
Ramil Hinolan
It is so sweet to celebrate National Candy Month. If we are going to celebrate this event, which we do not in the Philippines, I might make a cotton candy of different bright colors. I am sure a lot of little kids will enjoy having them.
Ivan Jose
I love almonds! I eat them plain salted or in pastries. I have a favorite almond cake bar that I buy whenever I have the chance to do so. But this buttercrunch candy is something else, definitely worth making.
Alyssa
Eventhough I’m not young anymore but I’m definitely a kid at heart and still love eating candies and sweets! This recipe is just perfect to celebrate the National Candy Month!
Dr.Amrita Basu
The chocolate almond candy is so delicious and not too tricky it seems.
Cristina Vanthul
These look so delicious! I might just have to try making them this weekend.
Candle
For National Candy Month I am going to make my favorite candy apples! I won’t feel as guilty eating the candy if I also include fruit. Lol. Great recipe!
Knycx Journeying
I love any dessert with almonds and so it’s right up my alley! Thanks for the recipe and I would love to try it soon! – Knycx Journeying
Jeri Brunton
So excited about candy month!!! Thanks for the info. These will be a must make!!!