Candied Almonds Recipe

Chi & Kel

Sweet, crunchy, and lightly spiced, these candied almonds are easy to make on the stovetop with simple ingredients. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping salads and desserts.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Equipment

Ingredients

2 cups almonds (raw and whole)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon (or pumpkin spice)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Keep a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula nearby.
Add sugar, water, and cinnamon (or pumpkin spice) to a large skillet or saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely.
Pour in the almonds and stir to coat them in the syrup. Continue cooking while stirring often. The mixture will start out glossy and thin.
After 8–10 minutes, the syrup will begin to look grainy and dry, coating the almonds in a sandy texture. Keep stirring, this step helps the sugar re-melt evenly.
Continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes until the sugar melts again and turns golden brown. Stir constantly so the almonds don’t burn.
Remove from heat, quickly stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt, then spread the almonds onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to separate them before they harden.
Let it cool completely. Once cooled, the almonds will have a crisp, candy-like coating.

Notes

Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly during the caramelizing stage. Sugar burns quickly once it starts browning.
For extra gloss add a teaspoon of butter during the final minute of cooking. It will give it a smooth, shiny finish.
Store cooled almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Use as a crunchy snack, sprinkle over salads, or pack in jars as a sweet homemade holiday gift.

Nutrition

Calories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 264mgFiber: 5gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 1mg

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