There’s something incredibly cozy about the warm, sweet spice of cinnamon dancing with rich maple syrup on crunchy almonds. This Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe is my go-to snack when I want a little comfort and crunch, and trust me, you’ll want to make it too.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t get enough of how simple yet irresistibly delicious this Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe is. Every time I make a batch, the aroma fills the kitchen and I swear it just makes everything feel a little homier. Plus, it’s a snack you feel good about.
- Natural Sweetness: Pure maple syrup adds a lovely, rich sweetness without any refined sugars.
- Simple Ingredients: With just almonds, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, it’s super easy to whip up.
- Crunchy & Flavorful: The cinnamon and toasted maple coating create that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a cozy snack, gift, or party nibble, these almonds never disappoint.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. When buying your ingredients, quality matters, especially for the maple syrup and almonds because they’re the stars of the show.
- Raw Whole Almonds: Using raw almonds ensures they get nicely toasted in the pan and absorb the flavors better than pre-roasted ones.
- Pure Maple Syrup: I always opt for 100% pure maple syrup— it gives this recipe that authentic, rich sweetness that can’t be faked.
- Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warm spice and depth, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Kosher Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors and enhances the overall taste without making it salty.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love about this Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or dietary needs. You can make it your own with small swaps or additions.
- Variation: I sometimes sprinkle a little ground ginger for a spicy kick—it adds a fun twist without overpowering the classic cinnamon-maple combo.
- Nut Alternatives: Try pecans or walnuts instead of almonds for a slightly different texture and flavor experience.
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the maple syrup by a tablespoon; conversely, add a drizzle more for an extra-glazed finish.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe
Step 1: Mix It Up
Start by combining the maple syrup, raw almonds, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt in a large nonstick skillet. Stir everything together gently so every almond is coated in that sweet, spicy goodness. I like to do this off the heat to avoid the syrup starting to caramelize too quickly before I’m ready.
Step 2: Toast and Transform
Place the skillet over medium heat. Now comes the part where you’ll want to stir often — don’t wander off! For 10 to 12 minutes, stir frequently so the syrup cooks down and starts drying to a powdery, sticky coating. You’ll notice a lovely cinnamon-toast aroma, and the almonds will appear to be dusted with a fine maple cinnamon layer. It’s magic.
Step 3: Spread and Cool
Once the mixture is dry to the touch and no syrup remains in the pan, quickly spread the almonds on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Let them cool completely — this step is key. I always remind myself to be patient here because the coating crisps up beautifully during cooling, and it’s worth the wait!
Step 4: Enjoy and Store
When cooled, serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They keep their crunch beautifully, and if you want to stash a batch longer, freezing works wonderfully too.
Top Tip
I’ve learned over time that getting the texture just right depends on your attention during cooking. Rushing this step can leave your almonds too sticky or burnt. Here’s what helps me every time.
- Use a Nonstick Skillet: It makes the stirring easier and prevents burning or sticking to the pan edges.
- Medium Heat Patience: Medium heat is perfect; too high burns the syrup, too low and it won’t dry properly.
- Keep Stirring: Stir every minute or so. It ensures even coating and prevents any clumps.
- Cool Completely: Don’t skip this — the coating sets as they cool and that's when the almonds get that perfect snap.
How to Serve Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a little flaky sea salt right after spreading the almonds while they’re still warm — it gives a lovely contrast that makes each bite pop. Sometimes, I add a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg for extra warmth if I’m feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
These candied almonds pair beautifully with cheese boards — especially creamy brie or sharp cheddar. They’re perfect alongside fresh fruit, like sliced apples or pears, which adds a juicy freshness against the crunchy sweet-spice bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I like to pile these almonds into small glass jars tied with rustic twine for gifting. Or, serve them in festive bowls topped with a sprig of rosemary to echo the cozy flavors. Trust me, your guests will love the thoughtful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover candied almonds store best in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve found they maintain their crunch and flavor beautifully for up to a week, making them great for meal prep snacks or keeping on hand for whenever a craving hits.
Freezing
If I want to save them longer, freezing works like a charm. I place cooled almonds in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them at room temp for a few minutes.
Reheating
Sometimes I like to warm them up slightly to freshen the coating. A quick 3-5 second zap in the microwave or a brief toast in the oven at low heat restores that freshly-made crispness perfectly without drying them out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or even cashews work wonderfully with the maple and cinnamon flavors. Just adjust cooking time slightly based on nut size to avoid burning.
Using a nonstick skillet and medium heat while stirring frequently helps prevent burning. Keep an eye on the almonds and remove from heat as soon as the syrup has evaporated and the coating looks powdery and toasted.
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan since it only uses pure maple syrup, almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Just make sure your cinnamon is pure and not processed with fillers.
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these candied almonds stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week. You can freeze them to extend freshness up to two months.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe feels like the ultimate little treat that’s both cozy and satisfying. I love how easy it is to transform just a handful of simple ingredients into something special you can snack on, gift, or share with friends. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again—it truly hits that sweet spot between indulgent and wholesome.
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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 delicious and healthier snack featuring raw whole almonds coated in a sweet and fragrant mixture of pure maple syrup and ground cinnamon. Toasted to perfection on the stovetop, these crunchy candied almonds are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them a guilt-free treat ideal for snacking or gifting.
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 whole almonds, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir well to coat the almonds evenly with the maple syrup mixture.
- Cook: Place the skillet over medium heat and stir the almonds constantly for 12 minutes until the maple syrup evaporates and leaves a powdery coating on the almonds. They should smell toasty and cinnamon-spiced at this point.
- Spread: Once no liquid remains in the pan and the almonds are toasted, remove from heat. Immediately spread the almonds out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer to cool.
- Cool: Allow the almonds to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step lets the coating set firmly and the almonds crisp up properly.
- Serve & Store: Enjoy the cooled almonds right away, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Notes
- These almonds are naturally sweetened without refined sugar, using pure maple syrup for a healthier option.
- This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, suitable for those dietary preferences.
- Using a nonstick skillet helps prevent sticking and burning during cooking.
- Allowing the almonds to cool completely is essential for achieving the perfect crisp texture.
- Store the almonds properly to maintain freshness and crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 126 kcal
- Sugar: 6.1 g
- Sodium: 271.1 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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