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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick performance.
- Coating Creation: Whip egg white and vanilla extract until light and foamy, then gently fold almonds into the mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- 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.
- Seasoning: Generously sprinkle the spice mixture over egg-coated almonds, thoroughly tossing to achieve uniform distribution of flavors and seasonings.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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