If you’re a fan of easy, delicious, and homemade treats, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m going to share a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the crunch of almonds and walnuts with the sweetness of honey and raisins. It’s a treat you can prepare in no time, and it’s perfect for snacking or serving at a gathering!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 10 hours
Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10-12 servings
Ingredients
- 100 g almonds (about 0.8 cup / 3.5 oz)
- 80 g walnuts (about 0.8 cup / 2.8 oz)
- 1 egg white
- 125 g sugar (about 0.7 cup / 4.4 oz)
- 125 g honey (about 0.4 cup / 4.4 oz)
- 100 g raisins (about 0.6 cup / 3.5 oz)
Directions
Prepare the Nuts:
- Boil the almonds: Start by pouring hot water over 100 g almonds and boil them for a few minutes to soften the shells. Once done, carefully remove the shells from the almonds.
- Roast the almonds: Place the shelled almonds in a hot pan and roast them for a few minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch. Set them aside.
- Roast the walnuts: In the same pan, add 80 g walnuts and roast them for a few minutes, just until they become slightly golden and aromatic. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Mixture:
- Whisk the egg white: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 egg white until it thickens and forms soft peaks.
- Melt the sugar and honey: In a saucepan, combine 125 g sugar and 125 g honey. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until both the sugar and honey melt into a smooth syrup.
- Combine the egg whites: Once the syrup has melted, remove it from the heat and add the whisked egg whites. Stir well to combine.
Mix the Ingredients:
- Add the nuts and raisins: Gradually add the roasted almonds and walnuts into the syrup mixture. Then, add the 100 g raisins and mix everything thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture: Prepare a baking form, approximately 26×11 cm (10×3.5 inches), and cover it with cling film. Pour the nut and raisin mixture into the form and smooth it out evenly.
Chill the Dessert:
- Refrigerate: Cover the form with cling film and refrigerate for at least 10 hours to allow the mixture to set and become firm.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, remove from the fridge, cut into slices, and enjoy! This dessert has a perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and a bit of tartness from the raisins, making it an irresistible treat.
Serving Suggestions
- With a cup of tea: Pair these sweet bites with a hot cup of tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
- For a festive gathering: Serve it on a dessert table at a party or family gathering for an impressive homemade treat.
- As a gift: Pack slices in a nice box and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- With whipped cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top.
- As a post-workout snack: These nut-filled bites make for a great energy-boosting snack after exercise.
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh nuts: Make sure your almonds and walnuts are fresh for the best flavor and crunch.
- Roast the nuts carefully: Don’t over-roast the nuts, as they can burn easily. Just a few minutes in a hot pan should be enough.
- Chill long enough: Be patient and allow the dessert to chill for the full 10 hours. This helps it set properly and allows the flavors to develop.
Nutritional Benefits
- Rich in healthy fats: Both almonds and walnuts are great sources of healthy fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Packed with antioxidants: Walnuts and raisins are rich in antioxidants, helping to protect the body from free radicals.
- High in fiber: The combination of nuts and raisins makes this dessert a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestion and overall gut health.
- Good for energy: This dessert is packed with natural sugars and fats, providing a quick source of energy.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: This dessert is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any flour or wheat-based ingredients.
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians, as it contains no meat or animal by-products (other than the egg white).
- Dairy-Free: This recipe does not include any dairy ingredients, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 14 g
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store the dessert in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: You can freeze slices for up to 1 month. To thaw, leave at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: This dessert comes together quickly and doesn’t require any complicated steps or special tools.
- Great for sharing: Perfect for a family gathering, party, or as a homemade gift.
- Customizable: You can add other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to the mix for a different twist on flavor.
- No-bake: Since it’s chilled instead of baked, you can skip the oven and avoid any heat in the kitchen—ideal for hot summer days!
Conclusion
This almond and walnut dessert is the perfect balance of crunchy nuts, chewy raisins, and a sweet honey glaze. It’s incredibly easy to make, and you can prepare it in advance to serve as a delightful treat for your friends and family. With the added health benefits from the nuts and raisins, it’s a dessert you can feel good about enjoying!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes! You can use cashews, pecans, or hazelnuts as a substitute for walnuts.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the egg white with a plant-based alternative like aquafaba (chickpea water).
3. How do I make sure the dessert sets properly?
Make sure to chill it for at least 10 hours for the best texture. If you rush this step, it may not set properly.
4. Can I add other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to add dried cranberries, apricots, or even chopped dried dates for added variety.
5. How long can I store this dessert?
You can store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to a month.
6. Do I need to toast the nuts?
Yes, lightly toasting the nuts enhances their flavor. Just make sure not to burn them.
7. Can I substitute honey with maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor, though the texture may change slightly.
8. Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
You can use granulated sugar, but powdered sugar dissolves better and gives a smoother texture.
9. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar or brown sugar if you prefer a different flavor.
10. What’s the best way to cut this dessert?
Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into squares or bars. You can also use cookie cutters for fun shapes!