Description
These warm spiced sweet crunch almonds are an irresistibly easy snack that combines the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla with a perfectly crunchy texture. Roasted with brown sugar and a hint of salt, this recipe transforms raw almonds into a delightful treat perfect for any occasion or a healthy sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Almond Mixture
- 2 cups Raw Almonds (can substitute with walnuts or pecans)
- 1 large Egg White (for a vegan option, use aquafaba)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (use pure vanilla extract for best flavor)
Spice and Sugar Coating
- 1 cup Brown Sugar (coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative)
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (allspice can be substituted)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes frothy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the sugar and spices adhere better to the almonds.
- Coat Almonds: Add the raw almonds into the egg white mixture and toss gently until all nuts are evenly coated. This step takes about 1 to 2 minutes and ensures flavor is locked in.
- Combine Sugar and Spices: In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these ensures a consistent coating on each almond.
- Mix Coating with Almonds: Pour the sugar and spice mixture over the coated almonds, gently stirring until the almonds are uniformly covered with the sweet and spiced blend.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the coated almonds on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer to promote even roasting and crispiness.
- Bake: Place the almonds in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure to stir the almonds halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the almonds from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Cooling is essential to achieve the desired crunchiness before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute raw almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- For a vegan version, replace the egg white with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas).
- Using pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor significantly.
- Coconut sugar is a great healthier alternative to brown sugar, offering a lower glycemic index.
- Make sure to stir the almonds during baking to avoid burning and to get an even roast.
- Allow almonds to cool fully to maximize crunchiness.
