Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a recipe that is unbelievably simple yet delivers an extraordinary flavor punch: these irresistible Sugar and Spice Almonds. Imagine the perfect blend of sweetness and warmth, with a subtle kick, all coating crunchy almonds. This isn’t just a snack; it’s an experience, and it’s shockingly easy to create right in your own kitchen.
Irresistible Sugar and Spice Almonds: Your New Favorite Homemade Treat
There’s something truly special about sharing homemade treats, especially when they come with a story of effortless creation and overwhelming delight. These sweet and spicy almonds are precisely that kind of recipe. I first whipped up a batch as a surprise holiday gift for a few friends, and their reactions were priceless. They were absolutely thrilled, raving about the unique blend of flavors and the satisfying crunch. What truly sealed the deal for me, however, was realizing just how incredibly easy they were to make. They consistently turn out fantastic, making them a go-to for any occasion.
For years, I harbored a misconception that crafting flavorful, coated almonds was an arduous task, requiring hours of meticulous stirring over a hot stove. I pictured myself tirelessly tending to a giant pot, stirring and stirring until each almond was perfectly coated. The thought alone was enough to deter me from even trying. It wasn’t until this year that I decided to confront this culinary myth and discover the truth for myself. And oh, what a revelation it was!
My preconceived notions couldn’t have been more wrong. The reality is, you only need to stir these almonds a few times during the baking process, and then, almost as if by magic, they’re done. No giant cauldrons, no endless stirring, just a simple, straightforward method that yields professional-quality results. I guess my mind conjured images of the elaborate setups at bustling outdoor markets, where the intoxicating aroma of spiced nuts wafts for miles. While these homemade sugar and spice almonds certainly rival that enticing fragrance, they achieve it with minimal effort and without the need for an industrial-sized operation. So, unless you genuinely enjoy standing over a massive cauldron all day, this recipe offers a far more relaxed and enjoyable approach to making exquisite spiced nuts.
Why You’ll Love This Sugar and Spice Almonds Recipe
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and versatile snack or gift. Here’s why these candied almonds will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortless Preparation: Forget complex techniques. This recipe uses minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for novice and experienced cooks alike.
- Irresistible Flavor Profile: The harmonious blend of sweet brown sugar, warm pumpkin pie spice, and a hint of exotic curry powder creates a uniquely addictive taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Perfect for Gifting: Homemade food gifts are always cherished. These almonds package beautifully and are a thoughtful gesture for holidays, birthdays, or just because.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy them straight out of the container, sprinkle them over salads for a crunchy topping, or add them to your next cheese board.
- Budget-Friendly: Making your own flavored nuts is far more economical than buying gourmet versions, allowing you to enjoy a premium snack without the premium price tag.
- Quick Turnaround: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, you can have a fresh batch of these delectable almonds ready in under an hour.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet & Spicy Almonds
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the power of a few key ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch.
- Brown Sugar: This is the heart of the sweetness, providing a rich, caramel-like depth that granulated sugar simply can’t replicate. Packed brown sugar is essential for both flavor and creating that desirable sticky coating.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: While traditionally associated with fall, pumpkin pie spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that offers a warm, comforting aroma and flavor perfect year-round. It’s the “spice” in our “sugar and spice.”
- Curry Powder: This might seem like an unconventional addition, but a touch of curry powder is the secret ingredient that elevates these almonds from good to extraordinary. It introduces a subtle, earthy, and savory complexity that perfectly balances the sweetness and adds that unique “kick.” Don’t skip it!
- Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for enhancing all the other flavors. It brightens the sweetness and makes the spices pop, preventing the almonds from tasting one-dimensional.
- Egg White: The egg white acts as the binding agent, helping the sugar and spice mixture adhere perfectly to each almond. When whisked until foamy, it creates a light, airy coating that bakes up beautifully crisp.
- Almonds: Blanched almonds are recommended as they have a smoother surface that allows for an even coating and a milder flavor that lets the spices shine. However, raw almonds can also be used if blanched ones are unavailable.
While the primary cooking method for this recipe involves baking, it’s worth noting that flavored nuts can often be adapted for a slow cooker. If you’re a fan of hands-off cooking, a Crockpot with a digital timer is a fantastic kitchen tool. It automatically switches to a warm setting after a set time, ensuring your meals (or, in some cases, your spiced nuts) cook perfectly without constant monitoring. While this specific recipe is for the oven, it highlights the convenience modern kitchen gadgets offer for delicious homemade creations.
More Delicious Holiday Cookies and Treats to Try
The holiday season, or any time you’re feeling festive, is the perfect excuse to dive into baking and creating delightful treats. If you loved these Sugar and Spice Almonds, you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic recipes:
- Krumkake: Delicate, intricate Norwegian wafer cookies, perfect for filling with cream or jam, offering a touch of Scandinavian charm to your dessert table.
- Crock Pot Cinnamon Pecans: A hands-off way to create warm, fragrant cinnamon-spiced pecans, ideal for snacking or as a topping for ice cream.
- Crock Pot Sugared Walnuts: Another slow cooker gem, these sugared walnuts are buttery, sweet, and incredibly versatile, making them great for salads or simply munching.
- Gingerbread Granola: Infuse your breakfast with festive flavors! This crunchy granola makes a wonderful gift when packaged in charming jars.
- Honey Glazed Pecans: A sticky-sweet and utterly delicious treat, these pecans are coated in a delightful honey glaze, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Homemade Granola: Craft your own personalized granola with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a healthy and customizable breakfast or snack.
- Dutch Apple Pie: A classic dessert with a delightful crumb topping, this apple pie is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for family gatherings.
Do you have a passion for discovering new and exciting recipes? Be sure to explore our extensive collection, including fantastic copycat recipes that bring your restaurant favorites home, mouth-watering dessert recipes to satisfy any sweet craving, and an array of convenient CrockPot Recipes that simplify meal preparation. For all our latest culinary delights and more, follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Sweet and Spicy Almonds
Learn how to make these incredible Sugar and Spice Almonds, perfect for a delightful snack or a thoughtful DIY gift.
10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
6
318 kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- ½ cup Brown Sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
- ½ teaspoon Curry Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Egg Whites
- 2 cups Blanched Almonds
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, curry powder, and salt in a small bowl. Stir well to mix all the seasonings evenly, then set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg whites vigorously until they become light and foamy. This creates the perfect base for the coating. Add the blanched almonds to the foamy egg whites and toss thoroughly to ensure each almond is lightly coated.
- Pour the egg white-coated almonds into the bowl with the prepared spice mixture. Toss vigorously until every almond is completely covered with the sweet and spicy blend. Make sure there are no bare spots!
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Spread the coated almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) for 20-25 minutes. It’s crucial to stir the almonds occasionally (every 5-7 minutes) during baking to ensure even roasting and to prevent them from clumping together. This also helps achieve that perfect crisp exterior.
- Once baked to a golden-brown hue and feeling dry to the touch, remove the almonds from the oven. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, the coating will harden, and the flavors will intensify. Store the cooled almonds in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness and crunch for up to two weeks.
Kitchen Tools
- Cookie Sheets
- Parchment Paper (or Aluminum Foil)
- Small Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 198
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Tips for Perfect Sugar and Spice Almonds Every Time
- Even Coating is Key: Ensure your egg whites are sufficiently foamy before adding the almonds. This creates a better surface for the spice mixture to cling to.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the almonds in a single layer on the baking sheet. If they’re piled up, they won’t roast evenly or get that desirable crisp coating. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Stir Regularly: The occasional stirring during baking (as instructed) is crucial. It prevents the almonds from sticking together and helps them brown evenly on all sides, resulting in a consistent crunch.
- Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue here! The almonds will crisp up significantly as they cool. Resist the urge to snack on them warm (it’s hard, we know!).
- Storage: Once completely cool, transfer the almonds to an airtight container. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, though honestly, they rarely last that long!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These sugar and spice candied almonds are wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ideas:
- Snack Time: The most obvious and perhaps best way to enjoy them! Keep a jar on hand for a quick, satisfying snack.
- Salad Topper: Add a delightful crunch and burst of flavor to your green salads, especially those with a fruit or goat cheese component.
- Cheese Boards: Elevate your next charcuterie or cheese board by adding a handful of these spiced nuts. Their sweet and savory profile pairs beautifully with various cheeses.
- Yogurt or Oatmeal Topping: Sprinkle a few over your morning yogurt or oatmeal for added texture and a delicious flavor boost.
- Baking Ingredient: Roughly chop them and add to cookie dough, muffin batter, or sprinkle over a cake for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with other spices! Try a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat, a pinch of allspice, or even a touch of smoked paprika for a different savory note. Adjust the amount of curry powder to your preference – less for subtle, more for bold.
- Nut Variations: While almonds are fantastic, this coating recipe can also be used with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or cashews.
The Joy of Homemade Gifts
In a world full of mass-produced items, a homemade gift carries a special kind of warmth and thoughtfulness. These Sugar and Spice Almonds embody that spirit perfectly. When you present a beautifully packaged jar or bag of these candied nuts, you’re not just giving a snack; you’re giving a piece of your time, effort, and care. They are ideal for:
- Holiday Presents: A charming and delicious stocking stuffer or hostess gift.
- Teacher Appreciation: A heartfelt thank you that stands out from typical gifts.
- Neighborly Gestures: A friendly way to welcome new neighbors or show appreciation to existing ones.
- Party Favors: Small bags of these almonds can be a unique and memorable favor for dinner parties or gatherings.
Making these almonds is a simple act of love that results in a truly delightful and universally appreciated treat. The process is enjoyable, the aroma that fills your kitchen is heavenly, and the smiles on the faces of those who receive them are priceless.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into your pantry, gather these simple ingredients, and prepare to create a batch of Sugar and Spice Almonds that will quickly become a cherished favorite. Whether you’re making them for yourself, for a family gathering, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these sweet and spicy almonds are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the ease, the aroma, and most importantly, the incredible taste!
Originally posted on December 1, 2013. Updated October 2020