Butter Almond Crunch Recipe

My Go-To Holiday Candy: Butter Almond Crunch

As a busy mom, I'm always looking for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Butter Almond Crunch recipe fits the bill perfectly! It's a showstopper that never fails to impress, whether I'm hosting a holiday gathering or simply wanting a sweet treat to share with my family. The combination of crunchy almonds, chewy coconut, and rich chocolate is irresistible. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to whip up.

I first discovered this recipe years ago in a Christmas annual magazine, and it quickly became a holiday tradition. The preparation is straightforward – a simple process of combining ingredients, cooking to the right temperature, and letting it set. There's no complex technique or specialized equipment involved, making it a perfect recipe for home cooks of all skill levels. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool and set – a challenge I willingly embrace because the reward is well worth it.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your liking. Want to add a sprinkle of sea salt for a salty-sweet contrast? Go for it! Prefer a different type of nut? Pecans or walnuts would be delicious substitutes. Feel free to experiment and make it your own. I've found that the success of the recipe hinges on using a good quality candy thermometer. This ensures you achieve the perfect hard-crack stage, which is crucial for the candy's texture.

Over the years, this recipe has become more than just a holiday treat. It’s a source of joy and happiness that I share with loved ones. I love the happy anticipation when guests see me bring it out, knowing that a delicious indulgence is about to happen. Their faces lighting up as they take their first bite, the delighted murmurs of satisfaction – these are the moments that make the effort completely worthwhile. It’s more than just a candy; it’s a symbol of warmth, togetherness and the sweet memories we create during the holiday season.

This Butter Almond Crunch is a gift that keeps on giving, both in flavor and in the happy memories it creates. So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and prepare for a sweet adventure in the kitchen. I promise you won't regret it!

• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 3/4 cup flaked coconut
• 1-1/2 teaspoons plus 1/2 cup butter (divided)
• 3/4 cup sliced almonds

This recipe makes approximately 1-1/4 pounds of candy.

Step-by-step

• Line a 13x9-in. pan with foil. Grease the foil with 1-1/2 teaspoons butter. Spread coconut evenly into prepared pan; set aside.
• In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, water and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add remaining butter; cook and stir until butter is melted. Continue cooking, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300degrees (hard-crack stage). Remove from heat. Stir in almonds. Pour over coconut. Cool.
• In a microwave, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Drizzle over candy; cool until firm.
• Remove from foil and break into pieces. Store in airtight containers.