These candied sesame almonds are a perfectly balanced snack with a crunchy texture, nutty flavor, and a glossy caramelized coating. Lightly sweet with a toasted sesame aroma, they are ideal for snacking, gifting, or adding a gourmet touch to salads and desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness
Naturally halal and plant-based
Great for snacking, entertaining, or homemade gifts
Long shelf life when stored properly
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups raw whole almonds (about 280 g)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
2 tablespoons water (30 ml)
1 tablespoon honey (15 ml)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15 g)
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds (18 g)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Place a wide non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the almonds. Toast them dry for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sugar, water, and honey. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and begins to bubble.
Allow the mixture to simmer without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns a light amber color.
Add the butter, salt, and vanilla extract, stirring carefully until fully melted and combined.
Return the toasted almonds to the skillet and stir continuously to coat them evenly with the syrup.
Sprinkle in the sesame seeds and continue stirring for another 1 to 2 minutes until the coating thickens and crystallizes around the almonds.
Immediately spread the almonds onto the prepared baking sheet, separating them slightly with a spatula or fork.
Let them cool completely at room temperature before serving or storing.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use black sesame seeds for a deeper, earthier flavor and visual contrast.
Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom for warm spice notes.
Replace honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.
Mix in a teaspoon of orange zest at the end for a citrusy aroma.
Combine almonds with cashews or walnuts while keeping the same measurements.
Storage/Reheating
Store candied sesame almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep them away from humidity to maintain their crunch. If they soften slightly, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 160°C (325°F) oven for 5 minutes, then cool completely before storing again.
FAQs
Can I use roasted almonds instead of raw?
Yes, but reduce the initial toasting step and add them directly to the syrup to prevent over-roasting.
Why did my sugar crystallize too quickly?
High heat or stirring too much can cause rapid crystallization. Keep the heat medium and stir gently.
Are these almonds very sweet?
They are moderately sweet with a strong nutty flavor, not overly sugary.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes, you can replace butter with 1 tablespoon of neutral oil or omit it for a drier coating.
Do sesame seeds burn easily?
Sesame seeds toast quickly, so add them toward the end and stir continuously.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger skillet to ensure even coating and prevent clumping.
Are these suitable for gifting?
Absolutely. Once cooled, package them in airtight jars or bags for gifting.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, but the flavor will be deeper and the coating slightly softer.
How do I prevent the almonds from sticking together?
Spread them out immediately on parchment paper and separate them while still hot.
Can I add salt after cooking?
Yes, a light sprinkle of fine salt while cooling enhances the sweet-nutty contrast.
Conclusion
Candied sesame almonds are a simple yet elegant treat that delivers crunch, sweetness, and rich nutty flavor in every bite. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe is perfect for everyday snacking or special occasions, offering a homemade touch that always impresses.
Candied Sesame Almonds are a crunchy, lightly sweet snack featuring caramelized almonds coated with toasted sesame seeds. Easy to make and naturally plant-based, they’re perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding to salads and desserts.
Ingredients
2 cups raw whole almonds (about 280 g)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
2 tablespoons water (30 ml)
1 tablespoon honey (15 ml)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15 g)
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds (18 g)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Toast almonds in a wide non-stick skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, combine sugar, water, and honey. Stir gently over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles.
Simmer without stirring for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns light amber in color.
Add butter, salt, and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.
Return almonds to the skillet and stir continuously to coat in the syrup.
Sprinkle in sesame seeds and stir for another 1–2 minutes until coating thickens and begins to crystallize.
Spread almonds onto prepared baking sheet, separating them slightly with a spatula or fork.
Cool completely at room temperature before serving or storing.
Notes
Use black sesame seeds for visual contrast and deeper flavor.
Add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a warm touch.
Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Mix in orange zest for a citrusy variation.
Store in an airtight container to maintain crunch and freshness.
