A decadent Giada Old-Fashioned Buttercrunch is prepared using unsalted butter, heavy cream, granulated sugar, fleur de sel, large egg yolks, kosher salt, and vanilla extract. This decadent Giada Old-Fashioned Buttercrunch recipe is a dessert that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and serves up to 6 people.

Recipe Ingredients

• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 2 cups chopped toasted almonds
• 1 pound semisweet chocolate

How To Make Giada Old-Fashioned Buttercrunch

Prepare the Buttercrunch Base

1. Combine Sugar Mixture: Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar, corn syrup, and 3 tablespoons water.
2. Cook to 300°F: Return to the heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Add Almonds: Remove from the heat, stir in the almonds, and pour out onto the buttered pan to cool and harden.

Assemble the Buttercrunch

1. Melt Chocolate: Stir until smooth.
2. Coat One Side: Spread the chocolate on one side of the buttercrunch and sprinkle with half the chopped nuts.
3. Coat the Other Side: Allow to set, flip the slab, and repeat the coating on the other side.
4. Finish and Store: Cool the buttercrunch until completely set, then break it into irregular pieces and store in a tin.

Recipe Tips

• Ingredient Substitution: For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk, which adds a subtle sweetness and maintains the creamy texture while making the dish suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
• Make Ahead: Prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the original consistency.
• Add a Crunchy Element: To give your butterfly crunch a delightful textural twist, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or almonds on top of the cookie crust before baking, adding a satisfying crunch to the dish.
• Spice It Up: Take your buttercrunch to the next level by adding a pinch of warm cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie mixture, which pairs beautifully with the caramelized sugar and butter, evoking a sense of cozy comfort.
• Presentation Matters: To create a stunning presentation, arrange fresh berries or chocolate shavings on top of the cooled buttercrunch, adding pops of color and visual appeal, making it perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.

Recipe FAQs

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