Candied Almonds (Gebrannte Mandeln) (2024)

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Candied almonds, also known as gebrannte mandeln in Germany, are simple but delicious with a candied cinnamon sugar coating around crunchy roasted almonds!

Candied Almonds (Gebrannte Mandeln) (1)

Why are my Candied Almonds Soft?

Usually if the almonds are soft after candying it means that they weren’t cooked for long enough. However, this recipe cooks all of the water out of the sugar syrup and then takes it a step further where the the sugar then re-caramelizes allowing the almonds to harden.

Can I candy any nuts?

Technically yes, but some of my favorites would be almonds, pecans, walnuts, and potentially hazelnuts!

How long do sugared almonds last?

Stored in an airtight container, these German Gebrannte Mandeln will last about 3 weeks.

Additional Recipes to try:

  • German Nut Strudel
  • Nussecken
  • Chocolate Cherry Truffles with Almonds

Tips for making Candied Almonds

  • Read the whole recipe first! This recipe is not one where you can walk away in the middle so it is important that everything is set and ready to go when you start.
  • The shallower the pan you use the quicker the almonds will cook. You can use a deep pot but it will take a bit longer for the almonds to caramelize. Therefore, I like to use a large pan.
  • These can take a bit of practice depending on your stove top. The temperature has to be adjusted a couple of times and if your stove runs hotter or colder than mine you may need to adjust accordingly. That being said they will be delicious either way they may just go super quick or take a bit longer.
  • When you get to the step where the sugar needs to caramelize – if you feel like nothing is happening, turn the heat up slightly (not too much or they will burn, but if the heat is too low nothing will happen).
  • Be sure to break them up with two utensils the moment they hit the parchment paper. If they cool stuck together they are difficult to break apart.
  • Be careful when making them, hot sugar can burn your skin so I recommend wearing long sleeves and an apron!
Candied Almonds (Gebrannte Mandeln) (2)

Ingredients

  • Almonds: Whole raw almonds should be used for this recipe. I recommend storing almonds in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them from going rancid.
  • Sugar: A combination of brown and white sugar is used for candying these almonds. A lot of recipes use only white sugar but the brown sugar adds a little extra warmth to the almonds.
  • Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives these candied almonds their characteristic warmth and spice.
  • Water: Any water that you would drink can be used in this recipe.
Candied Almonds (Gebrannte Mandeln) (3)

How to make Candied Almonds

  • Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large shallow pan, add in approximately half of the white sugar, all of the brown sugar, and the cinnamon. Stir together with a wooden spoon.
  • Add in the water and stir again. Place over medium high heat and bring to a gentle boil.
  • Once it starts to bubble all over, add in the almonds and stir to coat. Reduce the heat slightly – it should still be bubbling.
  • Continue stirring and cooking until all of the liquid has cooked out. It will look as though the sugar is dry and crumbly.
  • Slightly reduce the heat again – depending on your stove it should now be around medium or just below.
  • The sugar will start to caramelize and liquify as it heats and you continue to stir. Once about half of the sugar has turned into caramel, sprinkle the remaining sugar over the almonds and stir together. Cook for about 30 seconds until the new sugar is mixed in but not caramelized.
  • Immediately pour the candied almonds onto the parchment lined baking sheet. Separate the almonds with two utensils and leave to cool fully.
Candied Almonds (Gebrannte Mandeln) (4)
Candied Almonds (Gebrannte Mandeln) (5)

Candied Almonds (Gebrannte Mandeln)

Candied almonds, also known as gebrannte mandeln in Germany, are simple but delicious with a candied cinnamon sugar coating around crunchy roasted almonds!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: German

Keyword: almonds

Servings: 12

Calories: 161kcal

Ingredients

Candied Almonds

  • 200 grams almonds
  • 100 grams granulated sugar white
  • 100 grams brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 100 milliliters water

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Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper and set aside.

  • In a large shallow pan, add in approximately half of the white sugar, all of the brown sugar, and the cinnamon. Stir together with a wooden spoon.

  • Add in the water and stir again. Place over medium high heat and bring to a gentle boil.

  • Once it starts to bubble all over, add in the almonds and stir to coat. Reduce the heat slightly – it should still be bubbling.

  • Continue stirring and cooking until all of the liquid has cooked out. It will look as though the sugar is dry and crumbly.

  • Slightly reduce the heat again – depending on your stove it should now be around medium or just below.

  • The sugar will start to caramelize and liquify as it heats and you continue to stir.

  • Once about half of the sugar has turned into caramel, sprinkle the remaining sugar over the almonds and stir together.

  • Cook for about 30 seconds until the new sugar is mixed in but not caramelized.

  • Immediately pour the candied almonds onto the parchment lined baking sheet. Separate the almonds with two utensils and leave to cool fully.

Notes

Be sure to have all of the ingredients measured out and everything ready to go before starting this recipe. Once the cooking starts you don’t want to walk away.

These are delicious still a little warm but be sure to let them cool fully before storing in an airtight container. These can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for at least a few weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 13almonds | Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg

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Candied Almonds (Gebrannte Mandeln) (2024)

FAQs

Why are my candied almonds not crunchy? ›

Usually if the almonds are soft after candying it means that they weren't cooked for long enough.

Why are my candied almonds chewy? ›

Again, you likely didn't bake the almonds for long enough. The almonds will also be slightly soft when they're still warm, so if you've sampled them before they've cooled completely to room temperature wait a little longer before eating them.

How to make soft nuts crunchy? ›

Heat a heavy-based pan over a medium heat. Toast the nuts for five minutes, or until they begin to colour. At this point, you can stop and serve them as they are, or you can flavour them with a variety of toppings.

How much will almonds raise blood sugar? ›

“Research has shown that almonds may reduce the rise in glucose (blood sugar) and insulin levels after meals,” said O'Shea-Kochenbach. In a 2011 study, researchers found that the consumption of 2 ounces of almonds was associated with lower levels of fasting insulin and fasting glucose.

Are candy coated almonds healthy? ›

Sugared almonds are a delicious and novel way to enjoy almonds, which are one of the healthiest nuts. Although a sugar coating certainly isn't healthy, the almonds that lie beneath are an excellent source of omega 3's.

Why do Italians give almonds at weddings? ›

In Italian culture, Jordan almonds are called confetti. They have been given away at Italian weddings since the 14th century. You'll usually find five of the candied almonds wrapped in tulle bundles to represent five blessings for the couple: health, wealth, fertility, happiness, and longevity.

What do Americans call sugared almonds? ›

In their most classic form, they are exactly the candies known as sugared almonds, "Jordan Almonds" or dragees. The generic name "confetti" has nothing to do with the French and English word "confetti", bits of colored paper, translated into Italian as "coriandoli".

What are candied almonds called in Italian? ›

Do you know why candied almonds are known as addormentasuocere (which basically translates to “make your mother-in-law fall asleep”) in some parts of Italy?

What does 5 sugared almonds mean? ›

If you want to be faithful to wedding traditions, the sugared almond wedding favours for each of the guests must contain five almonds representing each of the couple's wishes: love, health, happiness, fertility, and long life together.

Why are my almonds hard? ›

Raw almonds are hard and crunchy, with a slightly bitter flavor due to their tannins ( 14 ). When soaked, they become softer, less bitter, and more buttery-tasting, which may be more appealing to some individuals. Soaked almonds have a softer, less bitter flavor than raw ones.

Why are some almonds soft? ›

Some people also believe that soaked almonds are easier to eat and digest. This is because the soaking process breaks down the hard outer shell and makes them much softer.

How do you make almonds soft to chew? ›

How do you do it? Fully submerge raw almonds in water and let them soak for eight to 12 hours. Then drain the water and lay the almonds on paper towels for an additional 12 hours. Store them in the refrigerator and enjoy for up to a week.

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