If you’re anything like me and adore a sweet, crunchy snack with a hint of warmth and richness, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Candied Almonds with Cinnamon and Cacao Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of toasty almonds coated in a luscious, spiced sugar shell with the subtle bitterness of cacao and the aromatic touch of cinnamon. This treat isn’t just your average candied nut; it’s an irresistible crunchy delight that’s perfect anytime you need a little pick-me-up or want to impress guests with something homemade and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple and work together like a dream to create those beautifully candied almonds, with just the right balance of sweetness, warmth, and a whisper of chocolatey depth.
- 1 large egg white: Helps the sugar and spices stick to the almonds, creating that perfect crisp coating.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely, deep sweetness that amplifies all the flavors.
- 4 cups almonds: The crunchy star of the show, packed with healthy fats and a satisfying bite.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed): Gives a subtle molasses richness and a sticky sweetness to the glaze.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides classic sweetness and crunch.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy spice notes that pair beautifully with the cacao.
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cacao powder: Adds a nuanced chocolate bitterness that balances the sugar perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or less to taste): Enhances all the flavors by cutting through the sweetness and highlighting the almond’s natural nuttiness.
How to Make Candied Almonds with Cinnamon and Cacao Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, set your oven to a gentle 250°F and line a rimmed baking sheet. This low heat is key for slowly drying and caramelizing the sugar mixture without burning the almonds, ensuring a perfect crunchy finish.
Step 2: Coat the Almonds with Egg White and Vanilla
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg white and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy. Then toss your almonds in this delightful mixture, making sure every nut is beautifully coated. This sticky base is what helps your sugar and spices cling perfectly.
Step 3: Mix and Add the Sugars, Cinnamon, Cacao, and Salt
Combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cacao powder, and sea salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle this magical blend all over the almonds and toss thoroughly. You’ll want every single almond to wear a lovely, even coat of sugary spice.
Step 4: Bake and Stir for the Perfect Crunch
Spread the coated almonds in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake at 250°F for 45 minutes, stirring gently every 10 to 15 minutes to keep things even and prevent any sticking. Once the almonds have absorbed the flavors and dried out a bit, crank the oven up to 360°F for another 10 to 15 minutes to caramelize the sugar beautifully—keep a close eye to avoid burning!
Step 5: Cool and Store with Care
After baking, let your candied almonds cool completely on the baking sheet. This final cooling helps the sugar harden into that irresistible crisp shell. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container, and enjoy fresh for up to 5 days.
How to Serve Candied Almonds with Cinnamon and Cacao Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top after baking can add a lovely, sophisticated contrast to the sweet and spiced coating. Alternatively, dusting a little extra cinnamon on the finished almonds elevates the warmth and aroma further, making them even more inviting to snack on.
Side Dishes
These candied almonds pair beautifully with cheese boards—think creamy brie, tangy goat cheese, or sharp cheddar—and fresh fruit for a party platter that screams elegance and deliciousness. They also work wonderfully tossed over vanilla ice cream or mixed into yogurt for a textured, flavorful treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Package these almonds in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for lovely homemade gifts. You can also sprinkle them over salads with spinach, pear slices, and dried cranberries for that irresistible crunch and subtle sweetness that turns any salad into something spectacular.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Candied Almonds with Cinnamon and Cacao Recipe will keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keep them away from humidity so they stay nice and crunchy!
Freezing
If you want to stretch their life even further, you can freeze the candied almonds in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying to keep their crispiness intact.
Reheating
If your almonds lose a bit of their crunch, gently warm them in a low oven (around 250°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. This will revive their texture and enhance the aroma of cinnamon and cacao once more.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or cashews make fantastic alternatives and the coating will stick just as well. Each nut brings its own unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon and cacao.
Is it possible to make this recipe without egg white?
While the egg white helps the sugar stick and creates that signature crisp coating, you can try substituting with a small amount of water or maple syrup, though the texture might be slightly different.
How spicy is the cinnamon flavor?
The cinnamon adds warm, cozy notes without overpowering—just enough to complement the almonds and cacao while balancing the sweetness. You can adjust the amount if you prefer a milder or stronger spice.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the egg white with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas). It whips up similarly and will help the sugar and spices stick nicely to the nuts.
What’s the best way to ensure the almonds don’t burn?
Keep a close eye on the almonds during the final high-temperature step. Stir frequently and remove from the oven as soon as the coating turns a golden caramel color. The residual heat will finish the crisping.
Final Thoughts
This Candied Almonds with Cinnamon and Cacao Recipe is a treasure you’ll want to keep coming back to. The mix of sweet, spicy, and chocolatey notes combined with crunchy almonds is pure magic. Whether for a cozy snack, party favor, or a special topping, these almonds add a touch of homemade love and flair every time. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked!
Print
Candied Almonds with Cinnamon and Cacao Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for crunchy, flavorful candied almonds coated with a mixture of cinnamon, cacao, and both brown and granulated sugar. Perfect for snacking or gifting, these almonds are baked to a perfect crisp with a sweet, slightly spiced coating.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Nuts
- 4 cups almonds
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cacao powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or less to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Heat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix Egg White and Vanilla: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white and vanilla extract until combined. This mixture will help the sugar and spices adhere evenly to the almonds.
- Coat Almonds: Add the almonds to the egg white mixture and toss well to fully coat each almond with the wet mixture.
- Prepare Sugar and Spice Mixture: In a separate small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, unsweetened cacao powder, and sea salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and sugar.
- Combine and Coat Almonds: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the coated almonds. Toss thoroughly to ensure the almonds are completely covered with the sugar-spice blend.
- Bake at Low Temperature: Spread the coated almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated 250°F oven for 45 minutes, stirring carefully every 10-15 minutes to prevent burning and encourage even cooking.
- Increase Oven Temperature to Finish Baking: Raise the oven temperature to 360°F (180°C) and continue baking the almonds for an additional 10-15 minutes. Watch carefully during this time to avoid overbaking or burning as the sugar caramelizes.
- Cool and Store: Remove the almonds from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Store the cooled candied almonds in an airtight container to maintain freshness, up to 5 days.
Notes
- You can substitute other nuts like pecans or walnuts if desired, but baking times may vary slightly.
- Ensure you stir the almonds regularly during baking to prevent sticking and burning.
- Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preference.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for best texture and taste.
- Perfect for holiday gifts or as a sweet snack anytime.
