Burnt sugar almonds are especially loved in Germany at Christmas time and you can find them at every Christmas market. However, you can easily make them at home and they make a lovely gift not only at Christmas, but all year round.
What is the key to perfect burnt sugar almonds?
- Use a non-stick pan
- Stir constantly once you add the almonds to the sugar mixture in the pan
- Separate the almonds immediately when you place them on the parchment paper
If you stick to these simple rules, you will get absolutely delicious burnt sugar almonds.
Tools & Equipment
- Large non-stick pan
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Silicone spatula
Recipe Tips
Nuts: You can also use other nuts instead of almonds. I have made this recipe with the same amount of both cashews and macadamia nuts. If you like to combine different nuts, this should work too.
Cinnamon: If you are not a big fan of cinnamon, you can use other spices like cardamom or pumpkin spice. But also any other spice, depending on what you like best.
Salt: If you like your burnt almonds or nuts with a touch of salt, wait until the very end to add the salt. Otherwise the sugar won’t caramelize properly and you won’t get the best result.
Ingredients for Burnt Sugar Almonds
- Almonds
- Cinnamon
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla sugar
- Water
Directions – How to Make Burnt Sugar Almonds
Preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F. Spread almonds on a large baking sheet and toast for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. In a large non-stick pan, bring sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon and water to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
Add the toasted almonds and cook over a high heat, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula, until the liquid has evaporated.
As soon as the sugar crystallizes and coats the almonds with a dry layer, turn the heat down to medium. Stir until the sugar begins to caramelize and the almonds are slightly shiny.
Immediately spread the almonds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and separate them from each other using 2 forks. Let cool completely on the baking sheet.
Storing Instructions
Storage: Store the cold almonds in an airtight container or a jar with lid. To make them a gift, you can place them in an airtight bag. Keep them in a cool, dark place for up to 1-2 weeks. However burnt sugar almonds taste best when enjoyed right away.
My Summary for Burnt Sugar Almonds
Difficulty: Simple.
Taste & Texture: Burnt sugar almonds taste sweet with a touch of cinnamon and they have a crunchy texture thanks to the caramelized sugar.
Time: It takes 15 minutes to toast the almonds. Cooking the toasted almonds also takes about 15 minutes. The almonds then need to cool completely on a baking sheet before serving.
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