For a couple months a year, it is very, very good to live in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. That is when our local gems, Zitner’s chocolate Easter eggs make their brief appearance. Like many Philadelphians, I grew up first seeing these eggs at the checkout counter of a Wawa convenience store, and I was immediately hooked.
There are a number of flavors available, but my favorite one by a mile is Butter Krak. Now I know what you’re thinking: Huh? How can candy with the words, “Zit, Butt, and Crack” — and misspelled, at that — possibly taste any good? Poor, illiterate Philadelphians with no sense of proper marketing language! You’re just going to have to trust me on this one. They are so good. They taste like Easter. They taste like childhood.
In a world of mass produced candy with infinite shelf lives, the centers of these eggs are still placed on wooden trays by hand in limited batches from the same factory in North Philadelphia since 1922. While some automation has occurred over the last 90 years, the recipe has remained the same. I still prefer the earlier versions of Butter Krak eggs which had little pieces of coconut poking through the chocolate (just like someone’s nana would have made in her own kitchen), but the machines they use for coating now provide a thicker layer of chocolate than when done by hand, and those stray pieces of coconut are now covered. Call me crazy, but that little detail makes a difference to me.
I can’t devour the chocolate Easter eggs like I once did, so I try to limit myself to two or three spread throughout the two month season. I love that they’re so little and 140 calories, so while eating one is very satisfying and always feels a wee bit naughty, it’s not doing too much damage. Assuming you stop at one. Which I highly advise.
I love these eggs because they are special to me, but I do wonder if they will hold the same appeal to food-loving folks who didn’t grow up with them. For this reason, I hesitate to yell, “EVERYONE MUST TRY THESE!” Nostalgia is funny that way, and I’m the first to admit it completely robs me of my objectivity. But just in case any of you non-Philadelphians or transplanted Philadelphians are interested, they can be purchased here.
Hi there! I came across your blog when searching for information about these Butter Krak eggs I keep seeing everywhere (I live in Delaware). I just had my first bite after purchasing them earlier today. As a foodie who did not grow up in this area, I am clearly not nostalgic for them. But I think they are good, if a bit sweet for my palate (I am usually a French dark chocolate lover). I had tried the marshmallow version before, and I think these Butter Krak ones are a lot better. I had planned to eat a third of one (it’s not dinner time yet) and I finished half (wow, I’m really living it up here!).
I totally get the nostalgia and food thing. It’s taken me awhile to break the sugar-is-love and freshly-baked cookies are love habit and even now, I fall victim to it. Take my wandering around the Easter sweets section in February as proof. I have never understood the Tastee Cake phenomenon, though. Perhaps I am missing something?
Hi Eileen! I’m glad to hear that Butter Krak eggs have your approval — and even if you don’t think they’re the best things ever, at least you’re not thinking I’m on the real crack for liking them. I do agree they are a bit on the too sweet side, but (unlike other smaller sized candies) “only” one is actually satisfying.
As far as the Philadelphia delicacy that is Tastykakes, that’s a tough one to explain. They are definitely better (fresher tasting, perhaps marginally less processed) than Hostess cakes, but they are still not what an objective person would call a good cupcake. Still, it’s a losing battle to fight a Philadelphian on that subject. I think if you didn’t grow up having them as your special treat, they are just as remarkable as a Twinkie. Again, nostalgia.
Thanks so much for stopping by! — Dawn
Some work buddies and I were talking about what the heck a butter krak was. I googled it on my iPhone and was drawn in by the description of the candy. After trying one, I have to say, butter krak is my new favorite Easter candy! Growing up, I was always a Cadbury creme egg kid. But after tasting a butter krak egg, I am definitely a convert. Bought another for myself and one for my wife to try….I’m sure she’ll enjoy it too
Welcome to the cult of Butter Krak! We are happy to have you as a new member.
Butter Krak’s are the best Easter treat ever! I grew up in Philly and now live in the ‘burbs of Bucks County, but still look forward to their short appearance each year. I also miss the porcupine-like appearance of the originals, but they’re still delish! As for Tastycakes, well the product of today isn’t quite the same as what I consumed as a kid. For example, the wax paper packaging on the three cupcakes, (vs. two today), was perfect for rubbing on the table to make sure the icing would adhere to the cupcake and not to the wrapping. Somehow the cake seemed moister and fresher too. My personal fav was the cherry pie. Again, nostalgia plays a role–imagine as a kid being able to have your very own pie, all to yourself. This was still in the days of home-cooked, from scratch food–very little pre-packaged/processed food. So being able to get pie without having to wait for your mother to bake it–WOW! (Plus the cost was like 25 cents back then.) Could be a Philly thing, but my sister who lives in Boston, still stocks up whenever she visits! YUM!
Oh, what memories! Tastykake pies were the best. Every now and then my husband will bring them home for the kids, and they are always a hit. You’re right — who wouldn’t love their very own little pie? And I totally forgot about the wax paper used on Tastykakes back in the day. I agree they tasted better years ago.
I hope both of these Philadelphia institutions survive. The fact that the Zitner’s website hasn’t been up and running for a while http://zitners.com/ doesn’t give me a very positive feeling for the company’s future. My Philadelphia geography is poor, but I am hoping the new investors don’t plan on selling the building if it’s in a revitalized area.
Pingback: Zitners chocolate | Selcycer