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!
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
Recipe
These stovetop candied cacao nibs are perfect for topping vegan yogurt or granola.
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📋 Recipe
Candied Cacao Nibs
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.
Nutrition
*Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.
Natalie says
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!!
Willow Moon says
That sounds yummy! My favorite flavor combination is sweet and spicy!
Natalie says
Im a lover of cacoa nibs just as they are, but this recipe elevates them to a whole other level. Yum!!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Natalie!
ara says
Won't these be sticky or do they dry out?
Willow Moon says
They’re a little sticky, but the maple syrup hardens on the cacao nibs.