There’s something so comforting about the sweet and spicy aroma that fills the kitchen when you make this Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe. It’s not just a snack; it’s a little celebration on your taste buds that’s simple, wholesome, and downright addictive.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m totally smitten with this Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe—it’s a perfect blend of sweet, warm cinnamon and rich maple syrup hugging crunchy almonds. I make it when I want a snack that feels indulgent but is still wholesome.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients: Just four pantry staples come together for a snack that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Perfectly balanced flavor: The maple syrup’s sweetness pairs beautifully with warming cinnamon and a hint of salt.
- Satisfying crunch: These aren’t soggy candied nuts—they’re toasted and crisped just right for maximum snacking pleasure.
- Quick to make: From start to finish, it only takes about 20 minutes and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here does double duty: they deliver flavor and texture without fuss. Plus, shopping for these is easy—the pantry staples are something I always have on hand, which makes whipping up this snack a no-brainer.
- Raw whole almonds: The star of the show, providing that satisfying crunch and nutty flavor you want in a snack.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness with rich depth, much better than refined sugar in this recipe.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice that complements the maple’s sweetness perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch to lift all those flavors and balance the sweetness beautifully.
Make It Your Way
I love experimenting with this Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe depending on the season or mood, and it never disappoints. Feel free to tweak the spices or even the nuts to make it truly yours.
- Variation: I sometimes swap out almonds for pecans or walnuts for a different crunch and flavor profile—that autumn vibe is unbeatable!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick that contrasts nicely with the maple’s sweetness.
- Make it nut-free: Use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if you need a nut-free option, and it works just as well.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Magic
Start by combining the maple syrup, almonds, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt in a large nonstick skillet. I find stirring gently to coat every almond makes a big difference—no one wants clumps of syrup hugging just a few nuts! Take your time making sure they’re evenly coated.
Step 2: Toast to Perfection
Cook over medium heat while stirring frequently for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the mixture—the maple syrup should evaporate and turn into a fine, powdery coating. Your kitchen will fill with a toasty, cinnamon-spiced aroma that’s impossible to resist. Don’t rush it or crank the heat, or the syrup can burn or the almonds can scorch.
Step 3: Spread and Cool
Once the syrup is fully absorbed and the almonds look toasted with a delicate powdery coating, remove the pan from heat and spread the almonds out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. This step is crucial for crisping the coating. Let them cool completely—resist the urge to snack early or the coating won’t set properly!
Step 4: Enjoy and Store
After cooling, these Maple Cinnamon Almonds are ready to enjoy. They’re perfect straight from the pan, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for longer stashes.
Top Tip
From my experiments, a few tips really make the difference between so-so candied almonds and a snack you’ll crave again and again.
- Low and slow is your friend: Cooking the almonds over medium heat allows the liquid to evaporate just right without burning the maple syrup.
- Constant stirring: Stir every minute or so to keep the coating even and prevent nuts from sticking together.
- Don’t skip cooling: Letting the almonds cool fully ensures the coating crisps up for that perfect crunch.
- Parchment paper makes cleanup easy: Plus, spreading on parchment helps the almonds cool evenly and prevents sticking.
How to Serve Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before serving, sometimes a pinch of flaky sea salt to make those flavors pop even more. For a festive touch, toss in some finely chopped crystallized ginger or orange zest.
Side Dishes
These maple cinnamon almonds pair amazingly with cheese boards—especially creamy brie or sharp cheddar. They also make a perfect trail mix addition alongside dried fruits or a cozy oatmeal topping to spice up your morning bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I’ve served these in small mason jars tied with rustic twine as homemade gifts. Layer them around a holiday dessert plate or sprinkle over roasted veggies for an unexpected crunch and flavor burst. They’re surprisingly versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Maple Cinnamon Almonds in an airtight container at room temperature, usually on my counter or pantry shelf. They stay crisp and delicious for about a week—though they rarely last that long around here!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the almonds in a sealed bag or container. When thawed at room temperature, they retain their crunch and flavor almost perfectly—just give them a minute to come to room temp before snacking.
Reheating
If you want to refresh the crispness, pop the almonds in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Watch closely so they don’t burn—this quickly revives that toasted, cozy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or even cashews work beautifully with this recipe. Just watch the cooking time as some nuts toast faster.
When the almonds look coated with a powdery layer and there’s no more visible sticky liquid in the pan, it’s ready. It should smell toasty and cinnamon-y too.
Yes! They keep well stored in an airtight container for up to a week and can even be frozen for longer storage ahead of your event.
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a great snack for many dietary preferences and needs.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe always reminds me of cozy afternoons spent with friends and a warm cup of tea nearby. It’s one of those easy recipes that feels special without being fussy, and I hope you love making it as much as I do. Next time you want a sweet, crunchy treat that's as wholesome as it is delicious, give this a try—you’ll be hooked.
Print
Maple Cinnamon 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
Deliciously crunchy Maple Cinnamon Almonds coated in a naturally sweetened, cinnamon-spiced maple syrup glaze. This easy stovetop recipe yields a perfectly toasted snack or topping that's vegan and gluten-free.
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, add the pure maple syrup, raw whole almonds, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir well to ensure the almonds are evenly coated with the maple syrup mixture.
- Cook: Place the skillet over medium heat and continuously stir the almonds for about 12 minutes. Cook until the liquid from the maple syrup has evaporated and the mixture develops a powdery appearance with a toasty cinnamon aroma.
- Spread: Once the almonds are toasted and no liquid remains, remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately transfer the almonds and spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
- Cool: Allow the almonds to cool completely so the coating can set and the almonds become crispier.
- Serve & Store: Enjoy the cooled almonds right away as a snack or topping. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Use pure maple syrup for natural sweetness and a rich flavor.
- Letting the almonds cool completely is crucial to achieving a crisp coating.
- These almonds are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them a healthy alternative to classic cinnamon almonds.
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and burning during cooking.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Tablespoons
- Calories: 126 kcal
- Sugar: 6.1 g
- Sodium: 271 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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