Irresistible Sweet & Spicy Candied Almonds Recipe for Snackers

Nutty aromas waft through the kitchen as these irresistible sweet and spicy candied almonds promise a delightful snack adventure.

Coated in a tantalizing blend of sugar and warm spices, each almond delivers a crunchy, caramelized exterior that beckons you closer.

The recipe balances sweetness with a subtle kick of heat, creating an addictive treat that disappears within moments of emerging from the oven.

Cinnamon and cayenne dance together, turning ordinary almonds into an extraordinary nibble that surprises and delights.

Brown sugar caramelizes, forming a glossy shell that locks in rich, toasted flavors.

These almonds aren’t just a snack – they’re a sensory experience that transforms ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

Kitchen Gear for Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds

• Baking Sheet: Rimmed, lined with parchment paper for easy roasting and cleanup.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for coating almonds evenly with egg white mixture.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the sugar and spice blend thoroughly.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating egg white and vanilla into a frothy consistency.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps toss and stir almonds during baking process.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Airtight Container: Needed for storing the finished candied almonds.

Cooking Method for Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds

• Oven Warmup

Crank the oven to a cozy 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for mess-free magic.

• Almond Transformation

Whip egg white and vanilla until it gets all foamy and fluffy. Tumble almonds into the mixture, coating them completely in the silky liquid.

• Flavor Explosion

Create a spice blend mixing brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, cocoa, and a pinch of salt. This is where the flavor party begins.

• Spice Coating

Shower the almonds with the sugar mixture, tossing them until every single nut is dressed in delicious seasoning.

• Slow Roasting

Spread almonds in a single layer on the baking sheet. Slide into the oven and bake for 45 minutes, giving them a gentle stir every quarter hour to ensure even browning.

• Final Crisp

Bump up the oven temperature to 360°F for a final 10-15 minute roast. Watch closely – you want golden, crunchy nuts, not burnt disappointment.

• Cooling and Storage

Let almonds cool completely on the baking sheet. Once they’ve reached room temperature, transfer to an airtight container where they’ll stay crunchy and delicious for up to 5 days.

Ways to Adapt Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds

• Spice Intensity Adjustment: Dial up or tone down the heat by tweaking the amount of cacao powder. More powder means a deeper, richer spice kick for adventurous taste buds.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Package these almonds in cute mason jars or decorative tins for stunning homemade gifts. Tie with a ribbon for an extra special touch that makes friends and family feel loved.
• Flavor Fusion Experiments: Try swapping ground cinnamon with other spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne for unexpected taste adventures. Each spice brings a unique personality to the almonds.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these almonds up to a week in advance for stress-free entertaining. They stay perfectly crisp and delicious, making party prep a breeze and snack time exciting.
• Snacking Versatility: Sprinkle these candied almonds over salads, yogurt, or morning oatmeal for an instant crunch and flavor boost. They transform ordinary dishes into gourmet experiences with minimal effort.

Best Way to Plate Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds

• Snack Attack Companion: Pair these sweet and spicy almonds with a crisp white wine or craft beer for a gourmet appetizer experience that will wow your guests.
• Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap these candied almonds in cute mason jars or decorative cellophane bags, perfect for homemade holiday presents that everyone will love receiving.
• Salad and Yogurt Topper: Sprinkle these crunchy, caramelized almonds over fresh green salads or creamy Greek yogurt to add a delightful texture and unexpected flavor burst.
• Movie Night Munchies: Replace traditional popcorn with these addictive almonds during your next movie marathon, creating a healthier and more exciting snacking adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 218 kcal

Servings: 13

What You Need for Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds

• Egg White: Creates a silky coating that helps spices stick to almonds, ensuring even distribution.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and softens the overall sweetness of the recipe.

• Light Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provides layered sweetness with caramel undertones and crisp crystallization.
• Ground Cinnamon: Introduces warm, woody notes that complement the nutty almond base.
• Unsweetened Cacao Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate undertones without overwhelming sweetness.
• Sea Salt: Balances and enhances all flavor profiles, creating a complex taste experience.

• Almonds: Choose fresh, raw whole almonds with a crisp texture and vibrant, nutty aroma for maximum crunch and flavor intensity.

Planning Ahead with Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds

• Smart Snack Storage: Keep these delectable almonds in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, protecting them from moisture and maintaining their crispy texture. Avoid plastic containers that might trap humidity and soften the crunchy coating.
• Temperature-Wise Handling: Store the cooled almonds at room temperature in a dark, cool pantry away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Consistent temperatures help maintain their delightful crunch and prevent flavor degradation.
• Gifting Strategy: Package these spicy-sweet almonds in cute mason jars or decorative tins for a homemade food gift. Tie a ribbon around the container and include a small ingredient label for a personal touch that wows friends and family.
• Freshness Tracking: Mark the container with the preparation date using a small sticker or label. Consume within 5 days for optimal taste and texture, ensuring each handful delivers maximum flavor and crispiness.

Irresistible Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade sweet and spicy candied almonds highlight classic flavor combinations from traditional street market snacks. California almonds caramelize with brown sugar and delicate spices, creating an irresistible crunchy treat savored by home cooks who appreciate simple gourmet pleasures.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (960 ml) almonds
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) unsweetened cacao powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) sea salt (or less, to taste)
• 1 large egg white
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick performance.
2. Coating Creation: Whip egg white and vanilla extract until light and foamy, then gently fold almonds into the mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Spice Blend: Combine light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, unsweetened cacao powder, and sea salt in a mixing bowl, creating a complex flavor profile.
4. Seasoning: Generously sprinkle the spice mixture over egg-coated almonds, thoroughly tossing to achieve uniform distribution of flavors and seasonings.
5. Initial Roasting: Spread almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, then roast for 45 minutes, rotating and stirring every 15 minutes to ensure consistent caramelization and prevent burning.
6. Final Crisping: Increase oven temperature to 360°F (180°C) for a final 10-15 minutes, carefully monitoring to achieve a perfect crunch without scorching.
7. Cooling and Storage: Remove from oven and allow almonds to cool completely at room temperature, developing a satisfying crisp texture, then transfer to an airtight container for optimal freshness and preservation.

Notes

• Prep Surface Smart: Use parchment paper to prevent sticky messes and simplify post-baking cleanup.
• Whip with Precision: Ensure egg whites reach a light, frothy consistency for perfect almond coating.
• Spice Coating Technique: Thoroughly toss almonds in sugar-spice blend to guarantee even, flavorful coverage.
• Roasting Mastery: Rotate almonds every 15 minutes to achieve uniform caramelization and prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 218
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 42 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg