Candied Almonds Recipe
I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read. Candied almonds are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a delicious snack, a crunchy salad topping, or a thoughtful gift, these sweet, cinnamon-coated nuts are sure to please.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can make homemade candied almonds that are crispy, sweet, and full of flavor. Imagine the smell of roasting almonds mixed with cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. It’s an experience that will delight your senses and leave you craving more.
Making candied almonds at home is easier than you might think. With a handful of ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, and egg white, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time. Your friends and family will love receiving these as gifts, or you can enjoy them yourself as a perfect snack any time of day.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Candied almonds need simple ingredients. Here’s what you will use:
Almonds: Use raw, unsalted almonds. You can substitute with cashews or pecans.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is common, but brown sugar can add a deeper flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet aroma. Almond extract can also work here.
Cinnamon: Gives a warm, spicy flavor. Other spices like nutmeg or allspice can be used.
Egg White: Helps the sugar stick to the almonds. If you are vegan, you can use aquafaba (chickpea water) instead.
Salt: Enhances the flavors. Sea salt is preferred.
These basic ingredients make candied almonds delicious and easy to prepare at home.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C).
Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix Egg White and Vanilla: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg white and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until frothy.
Coat Almonds: Add 2 cups of almonds to the egg white mixture. Toss until the almonds are completely coated.
Combine Sugars and Spices: In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of white sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, if you like.
Add Sugar Mixture to Almonds: Pour the sugar and spice mixture over the coated almonds. Stir until the almonds are well-coated.
Spread Almonds: Spread the almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Use the table below for baking times:
- Stir every 15 minutes: Bake for 1 hour, stirring the almonds every 15 minutes.
Cool: Once baked, let the almonds cool completely on the baking sheet.
Store: After cooling, transfer the candied almonds to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature.
Enjoy your sweet and crunchy candied almonds!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Use Fresh Almonds: Ensure your almonds are fresh and unroasted. This helps the coating stick better.
Watch Your Coating: If the coating seems too dry, it may not stick well. Add a bit more egg white or water to get the right consistency.
Even Coating: Toss the almonds well in the sugar mixture to ensure all nuts are evenly coated.
Stirring During Baking: If your recipe calls for stirring while baking, do it. This helps keep the almonds from sticking together and ensures even roasting.
Temperature is Key: Keep an eye on your oven’s temperature. Too high, and you risk burning the almonds. Too low, and they may not get crispy enough.
Storing
Cool Completely: Let the almonds cool completely on the baking sheet before storing them. This prevents storage of any moisture, which can lead to soggy nuts.
Airtight Containers: Store your almonds in an airtight container. Mason jars or plastic containers with tight lids work great.
Keep it Cool: Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Room Temp | Up to 2 weeks |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 month |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Use these simple tips and tricks to make sure your candied almonds stay fresh and delicious!
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
There are many ways to make candied almonds. Each recipe can add a unique twist. Here are some ideas to help you explore different variations and serve these sweet treats.
Recipe Variations
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to spice things up.
- Sweeteners: Swap regular sugar with brown sugar or honey for a richer flavor.
- Extracts: Use almond or maple extract instead of vanilla for a different taste.
- Texture: Mix in other nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Snacks: Enjoy candied almonds as a quick and tasty snack.
- Toppings: Sprinkle them over salads for a sweet and crunchy addition.
- Desserts: Use them as an ice cream or yogurt topping.
- Gifts: Package them in small bags with a ribbon for a homemade gift.
Storage Tips
Keep your candied almonds in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for up to two weeks. This way, you can enjoy them anytime!
By tweaking the basic recipe or changing how you serve them, you can enjoy candied almonds in many delicious ways. Use these ideas to make your own perfect batch!