There’s something so irresistible about the warm, cozy aroma of cinnamon paired with the natural sweetness of maple syrup. These Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe are a little crunchy, a little sweet, and loaded with flavor—you’ll find yourself munching on them straight from the jar!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m genuinely excited to share this recipe with you because it’s one of those easy, feel-good treats that come together in no time and always impress. These candied almonds have that perfect balance of sweet and spice, and the maple syrup adds a natural richness that’s unlike anything store-bought.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need four pantry staples that come together for big flavor.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, it’s just about 20 minutes—great for last-minute snacks or gifts!
- Natural Sweetness: Maple syrup replaces processed sugars for a warm, wholesome taste.
- Healthy & Versatile: Vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein and fiber to boost your snack game.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture in these candied almonds. Choosing quality basics makes a big difference—especially the maple syrup and almonds—so I always look for pure and fresh options.
- Raw whole almonds: The best base—they toast beautifully, and you get that satisfying crunch.
- Pure maple syrup: It’s the star sweetener here, giving a natural, deep sweetness and a slight caramel note.
- Ground cinnamon: This warms up the almonds and complements the maple syrup so well.
- Kosher salt: A pinch of salt highlights the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love most about this Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste. Feel free to play around with different spices or nut varieties—you can’t really go wrong here.
- Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or even a splash of vanilla extract for a slightly different twist—both taste amazing!
- Nut Swap: Pecans or walnuts work well too if almonds aren’t your favorite.
- Heat Factor: A dash of cayenne pepper can add a subtle kick if you like a little spice with your sweet.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Skillet
Start by tossing the almonds, pure maple syrup, cinnamon, and kosher salt into a large nonstick skillet. I like to give everything a good stir right away so each almond gets coated evenly before the cooking begins.
Step 2: Cook Over Medium Heat
Keep stirring the almonds for about 10-12 minutes over medium heat. Watch carefully as the syrup reduces and starts turning powdery—that’s your cue. The nuts should smell warm and cinnamon-y, and the coating will dry out just enough to be lightly crisp. Don’t rush this step, or the almonds might get sticky instead of perfectly candied.
Step 3: Spread and Cool Completely
Once there’s no syrup left and the almonds look toasted with powdery coating, transfer them immediately onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread in a single layer so they cool evenly and crisp up properly. Patience here pays off—I promise the wait is worth it!
Top Tip
From my first batch to my latest, these tips have made the difference between ‘almost there’ and ‘absolutely perfect’ candied almonds.
- Nonstick Skillet is Key: I always use a reliable nonstick pan to prevent the syrup from sticking and burning.
- Constant Stirring: Don’t walk away during cooking; stirring keeps the coating even and stops burning spots.
- Temperature Matters: Medium heat is the sweet spot—too low and it drags; too high and you risk burning the maple syrup.
- Let Them Cool: Resist the temptation to eat while warm; the coating sets and crisps as they cool, giving that perfect bite.
How to Serve Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after spreading them on parchment—that touch of saltiness balances the sweetness beautifully. Another favorite is a dusting of extra cinnamon or even some finely chopped dried orange peel for festive occasions.
Side Dishes
These almonds are fantastic alongside cheese boards or paired with fresh fruit for a snack plate. I also love adding them to my oatmeal or salads for some crunch and a hint of sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gifts, I portion them into little cellophane bags tied with ribbon. They also make a charming topping on cupcakes or ice cream for a special touch—so versatile and pretty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover candied almonds in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crunchy and fresh for up to a week, making them an easy snack to grab on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freezing works great! I pop them into a sealed freezer bag and thaw at room temp when I need a little treat. The texture holds up surprisingly well.
Reheating
If your almonds lose some crispness, a quick toast in a warm oven (about 300°F for 5 minutes) revives that crunch without burning the coating. I like this trick whenever I find them a bit soft after storage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, and cashews all work well with this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times as some nuts roast faster than others.
You'll notice the maple syrup mixture turns from a sticky liquid to a powdery coating on the almonds. Also, the aroma becomes toasty and cinnamon-rich, and there should be no visible syrup left in the pan.
You can substitute honey or agave syrup, but the flavor will change slightly. Maple syrup gives a unique depth and natural sweetness that’s hard to replicate exactly.
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week. Freezing extends their life to about two months without losing texture or flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe hold a special place in my snack rotation because they bring together simple ingredients with such comforting flavor and texture. I encourage you to try making them for yourself—they’re truly satisfying, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
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Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1.5 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Maple Cinnamon Almonds are a naturally sweetened, crunchy snack featuring raw almonds coated in pure maple syrup, cinnamon, and a touch of kosher salt. These candied almonds are toasted to perfection on the stovetop, resulting in a lightly crisp, flavorful treat that's perfect for snacking or gifting. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, they offer a healthier twist on classic cinnamon almonds.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cup raw whole almonds
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine: In a large nonstick skillet, combine the maple syrup, raw almonds, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir well until the almonds are evenly coated with the maple syrup mixture.
- Cook: Place the skillet over medium heat and continuously stir the almonds for 12 minutes, or until the maple syrup liquid evaporates and the mixture becomes powdery. You'll notice a warm cinnamon aroma and a fine powdery coating forming on the almonds.
- Spread: Once the liquid has fully evaporated and the almonds are toasted with the powdery layer, remove the skillet from heat. Immediately spread the almonds out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and allow them to cool evenly.
- Cool: Let the almonds cool completely at room temperature. This cooling period is essential for the coating to set properly and for the almonds to crisp up further.
- Serve & Store: Enjoy the cooled maple cinnamon almonds right away, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Allow frozen almonds to reach room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Using pure maple syrup makes these almonds naturally sweet without refined sugars.
- Ensure the almonds cool fully to achieve a crisp, powdery coating.
- For a crunchier texture, toast almonds slightly before coating, but be careful not to burn.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
- This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making a healthy snack option.
- Experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Tablespoons almonds
- Calories: 126 kcal
- Sugar: 6.1 g
- Sodium: 271 mg
- Fat: 8.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.8 g
- Fiber: 2.3 g
- Protein: 3.9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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