Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Candied almonds, or as I affectionately call them, cinnamon sugar almonds, are like little bites of joy. Imagine a crisp, nutty almond coated in sweet cinnamon and sugar, making every crunch delightful. These gems not only fill your home with the warm aroma of baking, but they also serve as a delicious treat for any gathering. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch, a fun bake sale, or just wanting to impress family during snack time, these candied almonds are your trusty sidekick.
What strikes me most about this recipe is how easy it is to bring a bit of warmth and sweetness to your day. It’s perfect for busy parents looking for a quick snack to whip up, or for those quiet afternoons when you want something special with your tea. Plus, they make a great gift! Just place them in a cute jar and tie a ribbon around it. Who wouldn’t feel appreciated receiving such a thoughtful treat?
how to make Candied Almonds
Making candied almonds is as easy as pie, or should I say, as easy as nuts! With just a few simple steps, you can have a delightful treat ready to share—and trust me, they won’t last long. Grab a comfy spot in your kitchen, and let’s dive in!
Ingredients
– 16 ounces raw almonds (about 3 cups)
– 1 egg white
– 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F. While it heats up, grease a large baking sheet. This will prevent the almonds from sticking and help them bake evenly.
2. In a small bowl, combine sugar, sea salt, and cinnamon. You’ll want to mix this well, so everything is evenly distributed when it hits the almonds. Trust me, the scent of this mixture will have you dreaming of fall!
3. In a large mixing bowl, whip the egg white and vanilla extract together until it’s frothy. This step is important; the froth helps the sugar mixture stick beautifully to the almonds.
4. Add the raw almonds to the frothy mixture and stir until they are all evenly coated. Take a moment and enjoy the texture—sticky yet smooth!
5. Sprinkle the dry ingredients over the almonds and stir until coated evenly. This is where the magic happens. You’ll feel the crispiness of the almonds change into something sweet and enticing.
6. Spread the almonds out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. It’s like laying them down for a cozy nap in the oven.
7. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This stirring lets the almonds cook evenly. Keep an eye on them, and enjoy that cinnamon aroma wafting through your kitchen!
8. After baking, let them cool on the baking sheet or enjoy warm. They are perfect right out of the oven, but don’t burn your mouth!
9. Store in an airtight container. These nuts stay good for a couple of weeks, but trust me, they’ll disappear much faster than that!
how to serve Candied Almonds
Serving these candied almonds can be as casual or as fancy as your heart desires. They make for a delightful snack on their own, but you can take it up a notch! Try placing them in a beautiful serving bowl, and watch how everyone gravitates toward them.
They can also be added to a cheese board. Picture this: a wooden board with different cheese varieties, fruits, and a little dish of candied almonds. It adds a sweet crunch that balances out the savory notes. Imagine gathering around the table with your loved ones, sharing stories while snacking on this delightful mix.
And if you’re hosting a movie night, sprinkle these nuts over popcorn for a fun twist. The sweet and salty combination will have everyone reaching for more.
how to store Candied Almonds
To keep your candied almonds fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to two weeks—if you can resist eating them all, that is! If you live in a humid area, you might want to keep them in the fridge to prevent any stickiness. Just remember to let them sit for a bit at room temperature before diving in, so they have that delightful crunch.
tips to make Candied Almonds
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Use fresher almonds. If you can, buy raw almonds from a store with a good turnover. Fresh nuts will enhance the flavor and crunchiness of your final product.
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Add a pinch of sea salt. A light sprinkle of sea salt contrasting with the sweet cinnamon sugar really makes the flavors pop. Don’t be shy with that pinch; it brings out the almond’s natural nuttiness.
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Stir evenly. When you’re mixing the almonds with the egg mixture and again with the sugar, make sure every almond is coated evenly. This ensures that each piece is just as delicious as the last.
variation
Feel free to play around with the flavors! For a chocolate twist, try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to your sugar-cinnamon mixture. Just imagine those chocolaty, sweet almonds! If you like a little spice, a dash of cayenne pepper in the dry mixture can add a fun kick.
You can also experiment with different nuts, like pecans or walnuts. They all have unique flavors, and while the candied process will still be the same, each nut will present a new taste experience.
Pro Tips for Success
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Whip the egg white well. The key to well-coated almonds is ensuring the egg white is whipped to a froth before mixing in the nuts. A frothy egg white not only helps the sugar stick but also adds to the crunchiness.
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Watch the baking time. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your almonds. A little extra time can make them darker, which also enhances the flavor. Just make sure they don’t burn!
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Taste as you go. Feel free to sample a baked almond as it cools. Adjust spices next time if you feel something is missing. This way, you can craft the perfect batch to your liking and be your own flavor architect!
Serving Ideas
Alongside the classic serving suggestions, here are some cozy ideas for serving your candied almonds:
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Gift Baskets: Place them in a charming jar and create a DIY snack gift basket, paired with a bottle of sparkling cider and some seasonal fruits. Perfect for holiday gift-giving or welcoming a new neighbor.
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Breakfast Topping: Crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious breakfast. The nuts add texture while the sweetness wakes up your morning routine.
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Party Favors: At your next gathering or birthday, set aside small bags of these nuts as party favors. Wrap them in pretty paper and include a little tag. Everyone will appreciate a sweet reminder of the fun!
FAQs
Can I use roasted almonds instead?
Yes, but keep in mind they will have a different texture and flavor. Raw almonds allow the sugar to adhere better, giving you that perfect crunchy coating.
How do I know when the almonds are done baking?
They should be golden brown and aromatic. If you smell that warm, sugary scent wafting through your home, that’s a great sign they’re almost ready!
What should I do if the sugar mixture clumps?
Make sure your ingredients are mixed well. If it clumps in the bowl, try breaking it apart with a fork before you sprinkle it over the almonds.
Can I use egg substitute for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re looking for an egg-free version, you can try using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). It works very well and provides a similar effect.
Quick Recap
Making these candied almonds is not just a recipe, but a cozy experience in the kitchen. With their enchanting aroma and delightful flavor, you’ll be all set to share joy with friends and family. Whether as a snack, gift, or festive treat, these almonds are sure to steal the show. So gather your ingredients and embrace the warmth of baking this weekend—trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
Candied Almonds
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces raw almonds (about 3 cups)
- 1 large egg white
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar, sea salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the egg white and vanilla extract together until frothy.
- Add the raw almonds to the frothy mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the dry mixture over the almonds and stir until fully coated.
- Spread the almonds on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- After baking, let them cool on the baking sheet or enjoy warm.
- Store in an airtight container.