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!
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"Im a lover of cacoa nibs just as they are, but this recipe elevates them to a whole other level. Yum!! - Natalie"
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.
Other cacao recipes to try are my Edible Brownie Batter, Cacao Bowl Recipe, and Vegan Chocolate Pudding recipe.
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❤️ Why You'll Love Them
- They have a bittersweet chocolate flavor.
- They are a great alternative to a chocolate bar. They're a great crunchy treat.
What Do Cacao Nibs Taste Like?
If you have never had cacao nibs before, they have a bitter chocolaty flavor. Cacao nibs are small pieces of roasted cacao beans 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.
🧾 Ingredients
- Raw cacao nibs (cocoa nibs): Adds a bitter dark chocolate flavor.
- Maple syrup: Adds sweetness. You could also use agave syrup or sugar syrup.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper: Add warming spices.
- Salt: Enhances sweetness. I like to use sea salt.
To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
📖 Variations / Additions
- Allspice
- Cardamom
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Agave syrup or another sweetener
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🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Place cacao nibs in an even layer in a pan. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and salt to the pan.
Step 2: Heat over medium heat until maple syrup dissolves, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Spread in small clumps on a piece of parchment paper to cool.
These caramelized cocoa nibs will last about 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature and up to 3 weeks in the fridge.
Other Cacao Recipes
If you tried this Candied Cacao Nibs Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how you like it in the 💬 comments below. I love hearing from you!
These stovetop candied cacao nibs are perfect for topping vegan yogurt or granola.
📋 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 heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until liquid dissolves. Spread cacao nibs on parchment paper to cool.
Notes
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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.