This is maple syrup candied nuts Tossed with cinnamon and nutmeg, it's an easy appetizer, snack, or holiday gift. A dash of red pepper also packs spicy personality into every bite!
It's easy to enhance your holiday gifts and baking projects with these baked candied almonds. All you have to do is mix everything together and bake until golden and toasty. When ready, wrap them up nicely or sprinkle them over your favorite dessert. They'll add extra crunch to everything and lots of comforting, warm spice.
Why You'll Love This Sweet Almond Recipe
If you like to take your holiday desserts and treats to the next level, these candied nuts are for you.
- Great for gift giving. Store them in small boxes or jars, stick a bow on them and give them as yummy gifts.
- Perfect for the holidays. Candied almonds with warm spices just scream fall and winter. Add them to your favorite recipes!
- versatile Bake them in the oven, add a pinch of fruity cardamom, or crumble them into chocolate.
- Twist on a classic. A bit of heat keeps them away from traditional candied nuts that are nothing but sweet.
What you will need
Chili peppers add a gentle kick of heat to enhance the flavor of garam masala. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient amounts.
- nut- You will need pecans, cashews and almonds.
- Maple syrup- Raw honey and agave nectar also work.
- cinnamon- It adds a warm earthiness to the mix. Don't skip.
- Nutmeg- Feel free to swap it for more cinnamon.
- pepper- This is optional.
- salt- Kosher salt is best because it is very fine and won't leave salt flakes on the nuts.
What are the best nuts to use?
You can use your favorite types of nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts, to make these spiced candied nuts. Your favorite nut combination works too. However, make sure they are unsalted and raw (not toasted) so that the maple syrup mixture can adhere to them properly. If you use toasted almonds, the batch may burn in the oven.
How to make candied almonds
All you have to do is mix the ingredients and bake! Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.
- Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside. You can use a silicone baking mat to avoid sticking.
- Spice them up. Gently mix all ingredients together until well combined. You can mix the spices and maple syrup together before adding the nuts.
- Bake them. Spread evenly on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, stir well and bake for another 12-13 minutes. Remove from oven. Chill them and enjoy!
Tips and variations
Sweet aromatic spices and cocoa powder can add more toastiness to these festive candied nuts.
- More spices. Stirring 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cardamom and 1/8 teaspoon cloves into the mixture adds more depth.
- Use the stove. If you don't feel like lighting the stove, set a pan over medium heat. Grease with cooking spray and add 1/4 of the almond-maple mixture. Cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring constantly, until the maple syrup caramelizes. It should be thick and almost dry. Remove from heat and set them on a parchment lined plate. Repeat for the rest of the nut mixture.
- Go all out for the holidays. Add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for more holiday flair.
- More nuts. Adding 1 cup Brazil nuts, walnuts, or macadamias to the medley adds more crunch.
- Make them chocolate. Whisk 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder into the maple syrup until smooth, then combine with the rest of the ingredients for the chocolate candied nuts.
How to use them
These candied nuts are a great topping for your favorite holiday desserts. I love them on me Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes And Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bars. They are amazing on me Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Oatmeal Pecan Streusel. For a Christmas vibe, try them on me Chocolate Cake with Peppermint Buttercream.
Proper storage
Store them in an airtight container, away from direct heat and sunlight, for up to 10 days. Also keep them away from moisture to prevent them from softening.
More holiday snacks to try
description
This homemade candied pecan recipe with garam masala and spicy cayenne pepper will pack your holidays with a sweet crunch.
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne and salt to a bowl and stir to combine. In another medium bowl, add almonds.
- Pour the maple mixture over the almonds. Using a spoon, gently toss to coat the nuts with the sauce.
- Spread on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Stir through half. Let cool and enjoy.
