National Almond Buttercrunch Day

The crispy almond bar, known as buttercrunch, is a beloved dessert in the United States. Its popularity is celebrated annually on June 29 as National Almond Buttercrunch Day, honoring this simple yet delightful treat.

History

The term “buttercrunch” as a name for sweets has been in use since 1860. The dessert is believed to have been invented by William Loft, the owner of Loft Candy Company, which was the largest confectionery company of its time. Loft, an exceptional pastry chef, modified an 1825 toffee recipe by coating it with chocolate and sprinkling it with chopped almonds, creating the almond bar.

In 1923, Brown & Haley introduced Almond Roca, a buttercrunch variation. The name stems from the Spanish word “roca,” meaning “rock,” inspired by the nut’s hardness. Co-founder J.C. Haley innovatively packed the bars in jars to preserve their freshness, an idea borrowed from coffee packaging. This packaging proved invaluable during World War II when canned bars were sent to American soldiers overseas, spreading the fame of American buttercrunch beyond the U.S.

The origins of National Almond Buttercrunch Day and its founder remain unknown.

Interesting Facts

• American buttercrunch is often mistakenly referred to as English toffee. However, English toffee is not coated with almonds and is made with brown sugar, whereas buttercrunch uses white sugar.
• The confusion likely originated from William Loft’s use of a toffee recipe to create his almond bar.

How to Take Part

Celebrate National Almond Buttercrunch Day with creativity and fun:

• Hide a few buttercrunch bars around your home and organize a treasure hunt for children or friends. Use maps or clues to make it engaging.
• Experiment with the classic recipe by adding your favorite ingredients to create your unique version of buttercrunch.

When is National Almond Buttercrunch Day in 2025?

National Almond Buttercrunch Day is observed annually on June 29.

Observations