Description
Delicious homemade candied almonds featuring a perfect balance of sweet caramelized sugar, cinnamon spice, and a hint of vanilla. This easy stovetop recipe yields crunchy, flavorful nuts that make an irresistible snack or topping for desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ¾ cup water
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon or a spice mix
- 3 cups raw whole almonds
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and have a fork ready for separating the almonds once coated.
- Make sugar syrup. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and ground cinnamon or spice mix. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves fully, stirring occasionally.
- Add almonds and cook. Stir in the raw almonds and cook while stirring constantly. Initially, the sugar syrup is shiny and watery; after 8 to 10 minutes, it will crystallize, turning dull and coating the almonds with a sandy texture. Constant stirring is essential for even coating.
- Caramelize sugar coating. Continue cooking another 5 to 7 minutes. The sugar will melt again and turn golden brown, evenly coating the almonds. Keep stirring to avoid burning and ensure the coating is smooth.
- Flavor and spread. Remove from heat immediately. Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt quickly, then transfer the almonds to the prepared baking sheet. Use the fork to separate the coated almonds before they harden to avoid clumping.
- Cool and store. Allow the almonds to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature; they will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- You can experiment with different spice mixes such as pumpkin pie spice, cardamom, or nutmeg for varied flavor profiles.
- Stirring constantly during cooking is crucial to prevent burning and achieve proper crystallization.
- Ensure to separate the almonds quickly on the baking sheet to avoid large clumps forming.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
- This recipe is perfect for gifting or as a snack with coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: candied almonds, caramelized almonds, cinnamon almonds, sweet snack, homemade nuts
