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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Published: Feb 24, 2021 · Modified: Mar 18, 2022 by Willow Moon · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

    Candied Cacao Nibs

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    These crunchy Candied Cacao Nibs are sweet, bitter, and slightly spicy. They're a healthy snack. Made in 10 minutes, they are easy to make!

    Candied Cacao Nibs in mason jar.

    One pantry staple I always have in my house is cacao nibs. I like to add them to vegan yogurt or granola. Turning them into Candied Cacao Nibs takes them up a notch.

    These cacao nibs are sweet with warm spices. They taste great on banana ice cream adding a nice contrast of flavor to the sweetness of the bananas.

    Made in about 10 minutes, they couldn't be any easier.

    What Do Cacao Nibs Taste Like?

    If you have never had cacao nibs before, they have a bitter chocolaty flavor. Cacao nibs are pieces of roasted cacao bean and have no sugar.

    Since they are bitter, they pair nicely with maple syrup and spices. The result is a crunchy, sweet, and spicy treat.

    Do Cacao Nibs Have Caffeine?

    Cacao nibs do have caffeine. According to the Navitas website, cacao has 41 mg of caffeine per 3 tablespoons of cacao nibs.

    Instructions

    Place cacao nibs, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and salt in a pan over medium heat. Heat until maple syrup dissolves, about 3-4 minutes.

    Spread on parchment paper to cool.

    Storage

    These will last about 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature and up to 3 weeks in the fridge.

    Variations

    • Allspice
    • Cardamom
    • Ginger
    • Nutmeg
    • Agave syrup or another sweetener

    Other Cacao Recipes

    • Cold Brew Cacao Coffee
    • Chocolate Covered Cacao Nibs
    • Cacao Bowl Recipe
    • Cacao Nib Tea

    Candied Cacao Nibs close up.

    Recipe

    These stovetop candied cacao nibs are perfect for topping vegan yogurt or granola.

    *Don't forget to come back and leave your feedback and star rating.

     

    📋 Recipe

    Candied Cacao Nibs
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    4.84 from 6 votes

    Candied Cacao Nibs

    These crunchy Candied Cacao Nibs are sweet, bitter, and slightly spicy. They're a healthy snack. Made in 10 minutes, they are easy to make!
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 4 minutes minutes
    Total Time 9 minutes minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 208kcal
    Author Willow Moon
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    Ingredients

    • 1 cup cacao nibs
    • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
    • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • Pinch salt

    Instructions

    • Put cacao nibs in a pan. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and salt.
    • Cook on medium high heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until liquid dissolves. Spread cacao nibs on parchment paper to cool.
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    Nutrition

    Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 52IU | Calcium: 16mg

    *Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Natalie says

      January 26, 2022 at 9:27 am

      These are great as is but I took them to another level.... I mixed them with maple chipotle sunflower seeds I had dehydrated, made a cacao powder/ coconut oil chocolate and turned them into little Bombs of YUM!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        January 26, 2022 at 9:29 am

        That sounds yummy! My favorite flavor combination is sweet and spicy!

        Reply
    2. Natalie says

      January 02, 2022 at 8:45 am

      Im a lover of cacoa nibs just as they are, but this recipe elevates them to a whole other level. Yum!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        January 02, 2022 at 9:12 am

        Thanks Natalie!

        Reply
    3. ara says

      November 22, 2021 at 9:30 am

      Won't these be sticky or do they dry out?

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        November 23, 2021 at 8:36 am

        They’re a little sticky, but the maple syrup hardens on the cacao nibs.

        Reply

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    Candied Cacao Nibs