Keto Candied Almonds: A Sweet and Crunchy Treat for Any Occasion

There’s something special about the warm, fragrant scent of nuts, especially around the holidays. Candied nuts make a wonderful treat to share. They're perfect for holiday treat tables or as a snack between meals. Almonds and Christmas have a long history, particularly in the Christmas markets of Germany and Northern Europe, dating back to the 13th century.

This article provides several keto candied almonds recipes, allowing you to enjoy this classic treat while staying in ketosis. These recipes use sugar substitutes to cut the carbs without sacrificing flavor or crunch.

Why Keto Candied Almonds?

For those following a healthy diet, especially a ketogenic one, avoiding added sugar is essential. Traditional candied almonds are loaded with sugar, making them unsuitable for keto. These keto-friendly recipes offer a solution, providing a sweet, crunchy, and satisfying snack without the sugar overload.

The Benefits of Almonds

Almonds are naturally low in net carbs and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for a keto diet. They also contain healthy fats and are a good source of protein. However, it's important to practice portion control, as the net carbs can add up if you overindulge.

Recipe 1: Brown Sugar Keto Candied Almonds

This recipe uses brown erythritol blend or Sukrin Gold to mimic the caramel-like flavor of brown sugar.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown erythritol blend or Sukrin Gold
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a small pan over low heat.
2. Stir in the sweetener, vanilla, and salt.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sweetener melts and begins to bubble, about one minute.
4. Carefully add the almonds and stir to coat them in the caramel mixture.
5. Continue to cook over low heat until the almonds are toasted and the coating looks like it’s beginning to dry.

This recipe provides a crunchy, crisp, and caramelized sugar experience similar to the original version, with only 2.2 net carbs per serving.

Recipe 2: Cinnamon Roasted Keto Candied Almonds

This recipe uses egg whites and a granulated sweetener to create a crunchy coating.

Ingredients:

• Raw, unsalted whole almonds
• Egg whites (fresh or carton)
• Granulated sweetener (erythritol or allulose)
• Cinnamon (or keto cinnamon sugar)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 260°F (130°C).
2. Whisk egg whites until frothy in a large mixing bowl.
3. Pour almonds into the egg whites and stir until completely coated.
4. Let the almonds sit for 2-5 minutes until most of the egg white has soaked in.
5. Combine spices and sweetener, then sprinkle over the almonds.
6. Turn gently to coat the almonds evenly.
7. Place the spiced almonds onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring space between each almond.
8. Bake for 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the egg whites are cooked and completely dry.

Recipe 3: Keto Candied Almonds with Variations

This recipe emphasizes pre-roasting the almonds for a deeper flavor and using a low baking temperature to achieve the perfect crunch.

Ingredients:

• Raw almonds (soaked and dehydrated preferred)
• 1 egg white
• Erythritol
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread raw almonds over it.
3. Bake for 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. Remove from oven and let cool.
5. Turn oven to 250°F (120°C).
6. In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy.
7. Whisk in sweetener, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
8. Add roasted almonds and stir until completely coated. Let them sit for 5 minutes to soak up the egg mixture.
9. Pour coated almonds back onto the lined baking sheet and spread out.
10. Bake for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the almonds look crunchy and completely dry.

Flavor Variations:

• Spices: Experiment with ground clover, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Nuts: Use pecans, walnuts, or macadamias instead of almonds.
• Extracts: Add a few drops of food-grade, dietary essential oils like Young Living's orange essential oil.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Keto Candied Almonds

• Sweetener Choice: Granulated sweeteners like erythritol or allulose work best for a crunchy coating. Avoid powdered versions, as they may dissolve and become sloppy.
• Pre-Roasting: Toasting the almonds before coating them ensures they are toasted all the way through without burning.
• Low Baking Temperature: Baking at a low temperature (250-260°F or 120-130°C) is crucial for drying out the egg white mixture and achieving a crispy coating.
• Stirring: Stir the almonds occasionally during the cooling process to prevent them from clumping together.
• Storage: Store cooled almonds in an airtight container for up to a month at room temperature or in the freezer for up to three months.
• Avoiding Stickiness: If your candied almonds are sticky, it means the sugar didn’t cook long enough to crystallize. Keep baking until the almonds look dry and slightly gritty.

Serving and Gifting

Keto candied almonds are perfect as a snack, dessert, or homemade gift.

• Serving: Enjoy them warm or cold. They can be added to various dishes, such as hot Brussels sprouts, or enjoyed as a standalone snack.
• Gifting: Package the almonds in mason jars or plastic cone treat bags with a decorative bow and gift tags.

Troubleshooting

• Why are my candied almonds soft? They probably weren’t slow-roasted long enough. The egg white needs to be cooked and dried to make them crunchy.
• Can I freeze roasted almonds? Yes, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Which sweetener should I use? Use a granulated sweetener like erythritol or allulose.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #candied #almonds #recipe