Cacao Cinnamon Dusted Almonds offers a balance of flavours and textures that make it truly healthy. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, they’re a nutritious alternative to processed snacks. In just under 20 minutes, you can whip up this easy recipe, which is great for a mid-day energy boost or are a tasty snack that can be easily turned into a gift.
The raw almonds, when roasted, develop a rich, nutty crunch that forms the heart of the snack. Their natural oils release during roasting, intensifying their flavour, while providing a dose of plant-based protein and healthy fats. The cinnamon adds warmth, with its sweet-spicy notes pairing beautifully with the slight bitterness of cacao powder. The cacao's deep, earthy flavour adds complexity to the recipe, offering a subtle dark chocolate-like bitterness that contrasts nicely with the honey's sweetness.
A touch of sea salt enhances the overall flavour, creating a satisfying savoury-sweet combination. It also works to elevate the natural sweetness of the almonds and honey, while balancing the cacao’s slightly bitter profile. The honey acts as a delicate glaze, bringing a touch of floral sweetness that clings to the roasted almonds, without overpowering the other ingredients. Each bite gives you a crunchy, spiced, and mildly sweet sensation, with just a hint of bitterness lingering at the end from the cacao powder—a sophisticated, yet comforting, combination.
Altogether, this snack is healthy not only because of its clean, minimally processed ingredients, but also due to the harmonious interplay of flavours and textures that feel both indulgent and nourishing.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
1 cup raw almonds
2 tablespoons cacao powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Olive oil, for brushing (optional)
Directions:
Place the honey and salt in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until the salt has dissolved and the mixture is warm. Add the almonds and stir until they are coated.
Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with nonstick baking paper brushed with oil. Place in a preheated oven, 180°C, for 10 minutes until golden, stirring frequently. Allow cooling for about 5 minutes.
Place the cocoa powder and cinnamon in a freezer bag or a container and add the warm almonds. Shake it until the almonds are completely covered, then transfer to a plate and allow to cool. Store any leftover almonds in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Raw almonds are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants. Cacao powder is a rich source of flavonoids, which have been shown to improve heart health, lower blood pressure, and improve cognitive function. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Plus, this snack is free from artificial flavours and preservatives, making it a healthier alternative to processed snacks.
Note: You can also experiment with different flavours by substituting other spices or sweeteners to suit your taste, for example, by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or swapping out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
You can also save the remaining cacao powder mixed with cinnamon to prepare hot chocolate.
