If you adore a snack that’s sweet, crunchy, and just a little bit decadent, you are going to fall in love with this Candied Cinnamon Cacao Almonds Recipe. Imagine the warm embrace of cinnamon combined with the richness of cacao dusting every perfectly roasted almond, creating a treat that’s utterly addictive yet surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re craving an afternoon pick-me-up or a unique gift idea, these nuts bring comfort and joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is your first step to success with this recipe. Each component plays a special role in balancing flavor, texture, and color, ensuring these almonds have that signature irresistible crunch with a deep, cozy sweetness.
- Egg white: This natural binder helps the sugar mixture cling beautifully to the almonds for an even, crisp coating.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle layer of warmth and complexity that elevates the sweetness.
- Almonds: The star of the dish—choose raw or unroasted for best results and freshness.
- Light brown sugar: Packed tightly for moisture and a mild molasses flavor that enhances the caramel notes.
- Granulated sugar: Provides that classic, crunchy texture essential for perfect candied nuts.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a fragrant, spicy note that complements the natural nuttiness beautifully.
- Unsweetened cacao powder: Adds depth with a bittersweet chocolate twist that pairs amazingly with cinnamon.
- Sea salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors, but use it sparingly for the right touch.
How to Make Candied Cinnamon Cacao Almonds Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F and lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This low temperature ensures a slow, even roast that caramelizes the sugars without burning. Having your baking surface ready sets the stage for perfectly coated almonds.
Step 2: Coat Almonds with Egg White and Vanilla
In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla extract until combined. Add the almonds and toss them thoroughly so every nut gets lightly enveloped. This step is essential for helping the sugar mixture stick and creating that coveted glossy, crackly coating.
Step 3: Mix the Sugars and Spices
In a small mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, cacao powder, and sea salt. This fragrant blend is where the magic happens; the cinnamon and cacao bring warmth and luxury to each bite. Sprinkle this evenly over the almonds and toss well to ensure every piece is covered generously.
Step 4: Bake the Almonds Slowly
Spread the sugared almonds in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake them at 250°F for 45 minutes, stirring carefully every 10 to 15 minutes to promote even cooking and prevent clumping. Then, crank your oven up to 360°F and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Stay close during these final minutes; you want crunchy almonds, not burnt ones! This two-stage bake is what creates that perfect texture.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once out of the oven, let the almonds cool completely on the baking sheet. This final cooling step allows the sugary coating to harden into its signature crispiness. When cooled, store your Candied Cinnamon Cacao Almonds in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy for up to five days.
How to Serve Candied Cinnamon Cacao Almonds Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few of these almonds over warm oatmeal or yogurt for a crunchy, flavorful boost. They also make a stylish garnish atop ice cream or a rich chocolate mousse, adding texture and a punch of warming spices.
Side Dishes
Serve these almonds alongside cheese boards for an unexpected sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or aged Gouda. They’re also great to snack on with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee during a cozy afternoon.
Creative Ways to Present
Package these candied almonds in small glass jars or festive bags for thoughtful homemade gifts. You can also crush them lightly and use as a crunchy topping on cupcakes or sprinkle over roasted vegetable dishes for a touch of sweetness and spice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your candied almonds fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They hold up nicely for up to five days, making it easy to enjoy them throughout the week without losing their crunch.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freeze the almonds in an airtight container or a sealed freezer bag. This method locks in freshness for up to three months, allowing you to thaw them quickly before serving without any loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked crispness, spread the almonds on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle reheating refreshes their crunch without risking burning.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or cashews work wonderfully with this recipe. Just keep an eye on the baking time since different nuts may roast at slightly different rates.
What if I don’t have unsweetened cacao powder?
You can substitute with cocoa powder, but choose a good-quality unsweetened variety for the best deep chocolate flavor without added sugar or bitterness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Since the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just ensure your spices and extracts don’t have any hidden gluten contamination.
How can I make the almonds less sweet?
Try reducing the sugar amounts slightly or increasing the sea salt just a touch to find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
Can I prepare these almonds without an oven?
Baking slowly in the oven develops the perfect crunch and flavor. Without an oven, it’s hard to achieve the same texture, but you might try a stovetop method, stirring over low heat while monitoring carefully to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly delightful about making your own snacks that blend warmth, crunch, and a hint of indulgence. I hope you enjoy trying this Candied Cinnamon Cacao Almonds Recipe as much as I do—it’s the kind of treat that feels like a hug in every handful. Go ahead, make a batch today and share the love with your friends and family!
Print
Candied Cinnamon Cacao Almonds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: About 20 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Candied Almonds are a perfect sweet and crunchy snack, featuring a delightful blend of cinnamon, cacao, and vanilla. Slow-baked to perfection, they’re ideal for holiday treats, gifting, or anytime you want a flavorful nutty indulgence.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups almonds
- 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: Heat oven to 250°F and line a rimmed baking sheet to prepare for baking the almonds.
- Toss Almonds with Egg White and Vanilla: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg white and vanilla extract, then add the almonds and toss thoroughly to coat each almond evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, cacao powder, and sea salt.
- Coat Almonds with Sugar Mixture: Sprinkle the combined dry ingredients over the coated almonds and toss gently to ensure each almond is well-covered.
- Bake at 250°F: Spread the coated almonds evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring carefully every 10-15 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Increase Temperature and Finish Baking: Raise the oven temperature to 360°F and continue baking the almonds for an additional 10-15 minutes. Watch closely during this stage to prevent burning.
- Cool and Store: Remove the almonds from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Store cooled candied almonds in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Do not overbake the almonds during the final stage, as they can quickly burn at higher temperatures.
- Stirring regularly during baking helps to evenly caramelize the sugar coating on the almonds.
- Once cooled, store the candied almonds in an airtight container to maintain their crunch and freshness.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider using raw almonds instead of roasted.
- Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preference.
