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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Vigorously whip the egg white and vanilla extract until they transform into a light, frothy texture.
- Gently tumble the almonds through the egg white mixture, ensuring each nut receives a comprehensive coating.
- 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.
- Lavishly dust the spice blend over the egg-coated almonds, meticulously tossing to guarantee uniform coverage.
- Distribute the almonds in a single, even layer across the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding.
- Roast the almonds in the preheated oven, rotating and stirring every quarter-hour to promote consistent caramelization and prevent uneven cooking.
- After 45 minutes, escalate the oven temperature to 360°F (180°C) for a final crisping phase, monitoring closely to prevent scorching.
- Extract the baking sheet and allow the almonds to cool completely at room temperature, where they will continue to develop a satisfying crunch.
- 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