Gebrannte Mandeln
The ultimate treat for nut lovers, Gebrannte Mandeln are sweet, crunchy, and irresistible. With the perfect balance of caramelized sugar and roasted almonds, this easy recipe will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. It’s the perfect snack for any occasion!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Food Processor
- Frying Pan
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups cane sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons quality pure vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 2.5 cups raw almonds
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a heavy, well-seasoned cast iron pan or a non-stick pan, combine the cane sugar and water. Make sure to stir gently until the sugar is evenly distributed. The pan should be large enough to allow for stirring without spilling.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat and bring it to a boil. This is where the magic happens! Keep a close eye on it as the sugar begins to dissolve and bubble. You’ll notice a transformation as it turns from a granular form into a syrupy liquid.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and add the raw almonds. Stir continuously to coat them evenly in the sugary syrup. This step is crucial, as you want every almond to be enveloped in that sweet goodness.
- As you stir, the sugar will start to caramelize. Keep your eyes peeled for changes in color. You want a golden hue to develop, which usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Don’t rush this process! Patience is key.
- At a certain point, the sugar may seem to dry out. Don’t panic! This is normal. Lower the heat to medium and keep stirring. The sugar will re-melt, coating the almonds beautifully.
- Continue stirring until you achieve a rough and bumpy texture on the almonds. This indicates that they are done. The process requires constant attention, so be vigilant to avoid burning.
- Once you’re satisfied with the texture, remove the pan from the heat. Spread the Gebrannte Mandeln onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool. They will harden as they cool, creating that iconic crunchy texture.
- Let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
- Enjoy your homemade Gebrannte Mandeln as a snack, or share them with loved ones during the festive seasons!
Notes
- Watch the Temperature: Keeping an eye on the temperature of your sugar is crucial. If it gets too hot, it can burn quickly, ruining your batch.
- Stir Constantly: Stirring consistently ensures that the sugar evenly coats the almonds and prevents sticking.
- Use a Heavy Pan: A heavy-bottom pan distributes heat evenly, reducing the risk of hot spots that can lead to burning.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allowing the almonds to cool completely will ensure they harden properly and maintain their crunch.