Almond Candy
Almond Candy offers a delightful combination of crunchy almonds coated in rich caramelized sugar and butter, topped with smooth chocolate. Perfect for sweet tooths and special occasions, this treat is easy to make and sure to impress friends and family with its crispy texture and luscious chocolate layer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large heavy saucepan.
- Add sugar, light corn syrup, and water to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (300°F).
- Quickly stir in sliced almonds.
- Pour the mixture into a well-greased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Allow to cool thoroughly in the refrigerator.
- Turn out the cooled candy onto wax paper.
- Spread the top with half of the melted Hershey's chocolate bar, then return to refrigerator to set the chocolate.
- Invert the candy and spread the other side with the remaining melted chocolate.
- Once the chocolate is set, break the candy into pieces.
- Store the almond candy in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider toasting the sliced almonds before adding them to the mixture. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or pecans can be substituted. Be sure to monitor the temperature closely to achieve the hard crack stage, as it can vary based on your stovetop. For added sweetness, drizzling honey over the finished pieces can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Almond candy makes a delightful treat on its own, but you can also serve it alongside coffee or tea for a special afternoon snack. For a festive touch, package pieces in decorative bags to give as gifts. This candy pairs beautifully with a slice of Golden Harvest Pound Cake or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store the almond candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and crunch. It can last up to two weeks when properly stored. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the pieces in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Candy contains roughly 284 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 29g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted almonds instead of unsalted for this recipe?
Yes, you can use salted almonds if you prefer a sweet and salty flavor combination. Just be cautious about the overall sweetness of the candy, as the saltiness can enhance the taste. Adjust the sugar slightly if needed.
What should I do if my candy doesn't reach the hard crack stage?
If your candy doesn't reach the hard crack stage, it may not set properly. You can retry by reheating the mixture while stirring continuously and checking the temperature with a candy thermometer until it reaches 300°F.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of this almond candy, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use maple syrup in place of the corn syrup. Ensure that the chocolate used is dairy-free as well to keep the entire recipe vegan-friendly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).