There is something irresistibly charming about crunchy, sweet, and lightly toasted nuts, and that’s what makes this Sugared Almonds Recipe a total winner. Imagine the perfect balance of caramelized sugar coating each slivered almond, creating a treat that is equally delightful as a snack, a dessert garnish, or a gift for someone special. Simple to make and packed with flavor, these sugared almonds bring together the perfect touch of sweetness and nuttiness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sugared Almonds Recipe lies in its simplicity, with just a handful of ingredients that each play a vital role. These basics come together to create layers of texture and flavor — from the fluffy binding agent to the sparkling sweetness and, of course, the star of the show: the almonds.
- ½ egg white: Acts as a sticky coating for the sugar to cling to the almonds, ensuring every bite is perfectly sugared.
- 1 tsp water: Lightens the egg white and helps it spread evenly for a smooth coating.
- 1 cup slivered almonds: The crunchy canvas for this sweet treat; slivered almonds give a tender yet crisp bite and roast evenly.
- â…“ cup sugar: The sweet magic dust that caramelizes onto the almonds, providing that addictive sugary crunch.
How to Make Sugared Almonds Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by setting your oven to 325°F to get it nice and warm. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a light spray with cooking spray. This step is crucial to ensure the almonds don’t stick and the cooking goes smoothly.
Step 2: Mix Egg White and Water
Whisk together the egg white and water until combined. This mixture acts like a glue that will hold the sugar on your almonds, helping to create that delicate, crisp coating we all love.
Step 3: Coat Almonds with Egg White Mixture
Toss the slivered almonds into the egg white mixture. Stir them well, making sure every almond is slicked with that sticky liquid. This even coating sets the stage for the sugar to adhere perfectly later on.
Step 4: Add Half the Sugar and Mix
Now sprinkle in half of the sugar and mix again. This early sugar dusting starts the process of forming that crunchy candied layer and brings the sweet aroma just beginning to hint at what’s coming.
Step 5: Spread and Sprinkle Sugar
Spread your sugar-coated almonds evenly on the prepared baking sheet and then sprinkle the remaining sugar on top. This two-step sugar application ensures a beautiful, sparkling finish once baked.
Step 6: Bake and Stir
Bake the almonds for 10 minutes before taking them out to stir gently. This stirring helps the almonds roast evenly so that each piece gets that lovely golden glow without burning.
Step 7: Final Bake and Cool
Return the almonds to the oven for another 8–10 minutes. Keep a close eye during these final minutes as the almonds turn golden brown and release a heavenly toasty scent. Remove them promptly, lift the parchment from the pan, and cool them on a wire rack to prevent burning during cooling.
How to Serve Sugared Almonds Recipe
Garnishes
Sugared almonds are perfect as garnishes, whether sprinkled over creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or layered cakes. Their crunchy contrast adds excitement to berry parfaits and festive salads alike. Because of their sparkling sugar coating, they even enhance simple elements like oatmeal or yogurt, turning breakfast into a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Serve sugared almonds alongside cheese boards or charcuterie platters for an unexpected bite of sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory flavors. They elevate roasted vegetables and grain salads, offering a slight crunch and caramelized sweetness that balances bold spices and earthy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, package sugared almonds in small decorative jars or treat bags for party favors or holiday gifts. They also work wonders as edible cocktail stirrers or as a textured topping on frosted cupcakes. Let your creativity flow and experiment with different nut varieties for a fun twist on this classic Sugared Almonds Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your sugared almonds in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crisp and tasty for up to two weeks, making them a great snack to prepare ahead of time for your next gathering or a sweet nibble during busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep them fresh beyond a couple of weeks, sugared almonds freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring minimal air contact. When ready, thaw at room temperature — their texture remains delightfully crunchy after thawing.
Reheating
To restore that freshly baked warmth and crispness, pop the almonds in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Keep a close watch so they don’t burn. This quick reheat is perfect if you want that fresh-roasted aroma to fill your kitchen again.
FAQs
Can I use regular whole almonds instead of slivered?
Absolutely! Whole almonds can be used, but slivered almonds roast more evenly and have a slightly lighter texture in this recipe. If using whole almonds, you might want to watch the baking closely to prevent uneven cooking.
Is it necessary to use egg white in this recipe?
The egg white acts as the binding agent for the sugar. Without it, the sugar won’t adhere properly, and the almonds won’t get that signature crunchy coating. If you need an egg-free option, you might try a light syrup, but the texture will be different.
Can I substitute sugar with any other sweetener?
Sugar caramelizes in a specific way that gives these almonds their crunch and flavor. Alternatives like honey or maple syrup may alter the texture and baking time. For best results, stick to granulated sugar as stated in this Sugared Almonds Recipe.
How do I prevent the almonds from burning?
Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking, as nuts can go from golden to burnt very quickly. Stirring halfway through also helps even out the heat, so don’t skip that step.
Can I add spices or flavors to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of vanilla extract in the egg white mixture, or a little cayenne for heat. Experimenting with spices is a fun way to personalize your Sugared Almonds Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Sugared Almonds Recipe is a delightful treat that’s simple to make yet full of rich, satisfying flavor. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack, a fun party favor, or a scrumptious topping, these almonds fit the bill perfectly. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe yourself—you’ll find that a little sugar and a lot of love go a long way in creating unforgettable flavor!
Print
Sugared Almonds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously crunchy sugared almonds coated with a sweet layer of sugar, roasted to golden perfection. This easy-to-make snack is perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Almonds
- 1 cup slivered almonds
Coating
- ½ egg white
- 1 tsp water
- â…“ cup sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the almonds evenly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Egg White and Water: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white and water until combined. This mixture will help the sugar adhere to the almonds.
- Coat Almonds: Add the slivered almonds to the egg white mixture and stir thoroughly until all almonds are well coated.
- Add Sugar: Incorporate half of the sugar into the coated almonds and mix well to start the sugar coating process.
- Spread Almonds: Evenly spread the coated almonds onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer for uniform roasting.
- Sprinkle Remaining Sugar: Sprinkle the rest of the sugar evenly over the almonds for an added sugary crunch.
- Bake and Stir: Bake the almonds for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and stir to redistribute the almonds for even browning.
- Finish Baking: Return the almonds to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until they are light golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
- Cool Properly: Remove the almonds from the oven, carefully lift the parchment paper off the baking sheet, and transfer the almonds to a cooling rack. Cooling off the sheet prevents them from burning due to residual heat.
- Serve: Once cooled, serve the sugared almonds as a delightful snack or party treat and enjoy!
Notes
- Slivered almonds provide a nice texture and even roasting but whole almonds can be substituted if preferred.
- Carefully watch the almonds during the last minutes of baking to avoid burning as nuts can brown quickly.
- Cooling on a rack rather than on the baking sheet stops the nuts from continuing to cook and burning.
- You can store cooled sugared almonds in an airtight container for up to a week to retain freshness.
