Recipe

Mexican Caramelized Nut Crunch

Crunchy Delight: Mexican Caramelized Nut Crunch

4.4 out of 5

Indulge in the irresistible Mexican Caramelized Nut Crunch, a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of caramel with the crunchiness of nuts. This traditional Mexican dessert is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Street Food› Street Food Sweets› Garrapiñada

Cuisine of the Americas› North American cuisine› Mexican cuisine

Preparation time

10 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Total time

25 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free (if using alternative nuts)

Allergens

Peanuts

Not suitable for

Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, Soy-free, Egg-free

Ingredients

2 cups (400g) peanuts 2 cups (400g) peanuts
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 16g, 2g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 16g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2.
In a large skillet, combine the sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved.
3.
Add the peanuts to the skillet and stir well to coat them evenly with the caramel syrup.
4.
Continue cooking the peanuts, stirring frequently, until the syrup thickens and turns a golden brown color.
5.
Once the peanuts are caramelized, quickly transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.
6.
Allow the nuts to cool completely before breaking them apart into bite-sized clusters.
7.
Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Peanuts — Make sure to use unsalted peanuts for this recipe to control the saltiness of the final dish.

Tips & Tricks

Be careful when working with the caramel syrup as it can become very hot. Use a heat-resistant spatula or spoon to stir the nuts.
If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel syrup for a hint of heat.
Experiment with different nuts such as almonds or cashews to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.
Store the Mexican Caramelized Nut Crunch in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness for several days.
Serve the nuts as a standalone snack or use them as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or salads.

Serving advice

Serve the Mexican Caramelized Nut Crunch in small bowls or paper cones for a fun and portable treat. It is perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a sweet snack on the go.

Presentation advice

Arrange the clusters of caramelized nuts on a decorative platter or in a glass jar to showcase their golden color and enticing texture. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.