Quick & Tasty Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds Recipe

Sweet and spicy candied almonds revolutionize ordinary snacking into a luxurious culinary adventure.

Crunchy kernels coated with a mesmerizing glaze promise an irresistible flavor journey.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance between sugary warmth and fiery undertones.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these almonds elevate simple gatherings into memorable moments of delight.

Crafted with minimal ingredients, this recipe marries complex taste profiles into one elegant treat.

Pantry staples become extraordinary when combined with strategic seasoning techniques.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing sensation that tantalizes taste buds from first crunch.

Why Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds Are So Addictive

• Craft Irresistible Flavor Combinations: Blend the warmth of cinnamon with rich cacao and sea salt creates a mouthwatering sweet-spicy profile that dances on your taste buds, offering a gourmet snacking experience.
• Master Simple Gourmet Technique: Transform basic almonds into a restaurant-worthy treat using minimal ingredients and an easy baking method that requires just one bowl and simple mixing, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Enjoy Versatile Snacking Potential: These candied almonds work perfectly as a quick energy boost, elegant party appetizer, holiday gift, or crunchy salad topper, making them an incredibly adaptable recipe for multiple occasions and meal styles.
• Create Long-lasting Homemade Treat: The recipe yields a batch that stays fresh for up to 5 days when stored properly, providing a convenient make-ahead snack that maintains its crispy texture and bold flavor profile.

What You Need for Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds

Main Ingredients:

Nuts:- Almonds: Whole, crunchy base of the recipe with rich flavor and nutritional value, best when raw and unsalted.

Sweet Sugars:- Light Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Natural sweeteners that caramelize and create a crispy coating, packed brown sugar provides deeper molasses notes.

Binding Agent:- Egg White: Helps create a smooth, sticky surface for sugar and spices to adhere to the almonds.

Flavor Enhancers:

Spices:- Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that adds depth and classic sweet flavor to the candied almonds.

• Unsweetened Cacao Powder: Rich, subtle chocolate undertone that complements the sweet and spicy profile.

Seasoning:- Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor, fine texture ensures even distribution.

Aromatic:- Vanilla Extract: Adds a smooth, rich background flavor that elevates the entire recipe, pure vanilla provides the best taste.

Making Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds the Easy Way

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 250°F. Grab a rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create a Sticky Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip up the egg white and vanilla extract until it gets light and foamy. Toss the almonds into the mixture, making sure each nut gets a good coating.

Step 3: Blend the Flavor Explosion

• Light brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsweetened cacao powder
• Sea salt

Stir everything until it’s perfectly combined.

Step 4: Coat the Almonds

Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over the almonds. Give them a good toss to ensure every single nut is covered in the delicious blend.

Step 5: Bake with Patience

Spread the coated almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Every 15 minutes, give them a quick stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Crank Up the Heat

After 45 minutes, bump the oven temperature to 360°F. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them- you want golden brown and crispy, not burnt!

Step 7: Cool and Preserve

Pull the baking sheet out of the oven and let the almonds cool completely right where they are. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container. These tasty treats will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Tips for Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Candied Almonds

• Perfectly Coat Almonds: Whisk egg white until super frothy to create a sticky base that helps spices cling evenly to every almond surface.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat almonds dry before coating to prevent clumping and ensure a crisp, crunchy final texture.
• Stir Consistently: Rotate almonds every 15 minutes during baking to guarantee uniform caramelization and prevent burning on one side.
• Check Sugar Caramelization: Watch closely during the final high-temperature baking stage to catch the perfect golden-brown color without scorching.
• Master Storage Technique: Let almonds cool completely before storing to maintain their crunchiness and prevent unwanted moisture buildup in the container.

Best Way to Store Sweet and Spicy Almonds

• Refrigerate: Store cooled candied almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, keeping them away from direct sunlight and humidity.
• Freeze: Preserve almonds in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, ensuring they remain crisp and flavorful when properly wrapped.
• Reheat: Restore crunchiness by spreading almonds on a baking sheet and warming them in a 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes, allowing them to regain their original texture and warmth.

Perfect Pairings for Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds

• Pair with Warm Chai Latte: The sweet and spicy notes of candied almonds perfectly complement the rich, aromatic spices in a chai latte. The creamy, warming beverage balances the crunchy texture of the almonds, creating a delightful sensory experience.
• Match with Dark Chocolate Dessert: These almonds add a fantastic crunch and complex flavor profile to a dark chocolate mousse or cake. The subtle bitterness of dark chocolate enhances the sweet and spicy coating, creating a sophisticated dessert combination.
• Combine with Aged Whiskey: The robust, caramel undertones of an aged whiskey beautifully highlight the cinnamon and cacao notes in the almonds. Sipping a smooth whiskey alongside these candied nuts brings out deeper, more nuanced flavor dimensions.
• Serve with Cheese Plate: Add these almonds to a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie. Their sweet-spicy crunch provides a delightful contrast to the smooth, rich cheeses, elevating the entire charcuterie experience.

Creative Spins on Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds

• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Replace unsweetened cacao powder with dark chocolate chips, adding extra melted chocolate drizzle after baking for intense chocolate lovers.
• Maple Pecan Spin: Swap almonds with pecans and use maple syrup instead of vanilla extract. Sprinkle additional maple sugar for deeper caramelized flavor profile.
• Coconut Tropical Splash: Mix shredded coconut into the spice blend. Replace sea salt with coconut flakes and add a pinch of ground ginger for exotic undertones.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate dried rosemary, thyme, and a touch of ground black pepper into the sugar mixture. Use olive oil instead of egg white for a savory-sweet combination that elevates the traditional recipe.

Sweet and Spicy Candied Almonds Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade sweet and spicy candied almonds deliver a perfect balance of sugary warmth and fiery kick. Roasted California almonds glazed with cinnamon, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper create an irresistible snack that will keep hands reaching back for more.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups almonds
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar

Spices and Flavorings:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened cacao powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (or less, to taste)

Binding Ingredient:

• 1 large egg white
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate the oven to a low temperature of 250°F (120°C) and arrange parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent potential adhesion and simplify cleaning.
2. Vigorously whip the egg white and vanilla extract until they transform into a light, frothy texture.
3. Gently tumble the almonds through the egg white mixture, ensuring each nut receives a comprehensive coating.
4. Create a flavor-packed dry mixture by thoroughly blending light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, unsweetened cacao powder, and sea salt in a separate container.
5. Lavishly dust the spice blend over the egg-coated almonds, meticulously tossing to guarantee uniform coverage.
6. Distribute the almonds in a single, even layer across the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding.
7. Roast the almonds in the preheated oven, rotating and stirring every quarter-hour to promote consistent caramelization and prevent uneven cooking.
8. After 45 minutes, escalate the oven temperature to 360°F (180°C) for a final crisping phase, monitoring closely to prevent scorching.
9. Extract the baking sheet and allow the almonds to cool completely at room temperature, where they will continue to develop a satisfying crunch.
10. Once thoroughly cooled, transfer the spiced almonds to an hermetic container, which will preserve their flavor and texture for approximately five days.

Notes

• Store these spicy-sweet gems in an airtight container, keeping them crisp and delectable for five days at room temperature.
• Cool the almonds directly on the baking sheet, allowing them to reach room temperature without losing their satisfying crunch.
• Watch carefully during the final baking stage, ensuring golden-brown perfection without burning the delicate nuts.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg