Craving the sweet, crunchy appeal of candied almonds but need a nut-free option? Look no further than these irresistible Nut-Free Candied "Almonds," made with toasted sunflower seeds for a safe, allergy-friendly twist. Coated in a delicate caramelized layer infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of salt, this recipe delivers all the classic candied nut flavors without the nuts. Perfect as a snack, dessert garnish, or salad topping, these golden nuggets of goodness are easy to prepare in just 30 minutes. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or looking for a quick treat, these nut-free candied sunflower seeds are a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy!
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Allow it to boil for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and add the vanilla extract, stirring quickly.
Add the sunflower seeds to the saucepan and increase the heat back to medium.
Stir continuously to coat the seeds evenly as the syrup thickens and starts to crystallize around the seeds, which can take about 10-12 minutes.
Once the seeds are coated evenly and start to turn golden brown, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Quickly spread the candied seeds onto the prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to separate them as necessary.
Allow the candied sunflower seeds to cool completely at room temperature, then break apart any clusters.
Store the candied seeds in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness and enjoy as a snack or topping.
Serving size | 491.6 grams (491.6g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2060 |
Total Fat 112.00g | 144% |
Saturated Fat 12.00g | 60% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 298mg | 13% |
Total Carbohydrate 250.60g | 91% |
Dietary Fiber 17.40g | 62% |
Total Sugars 208.60g | |
Protein 48.10g | 96% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 190mg | 15% |
Iron 10mg | 54% |
Potassium 1220mg | 26% |
Source of Calories