These almond recipes deliver nutty crunch and richness in every bite, from creamy soups and golden crusted tilapia to sweet pies and crisp biscotti.
Snacking on almonds is a good idea with plenty of health benefits, but using the versatile nut in easy and delicious almond recipes is a great idea. Whether you start with roasted, slivered, ground or sliced almonds, they add richness and a toasty flavor to everything from vegetable sides to the best snacks. In desserts, like cookies, tarts and creamy treats, almonds add enough earthiness to balance sweetness and complement warm spices, fruit and chocolate.
Each recipe in this collection puts almonds to work beyond an afterthought sprinkle or garnish. In wild rice pilaf with cranberries, they add crunch against the soft grains and dried fruit. When worked into a coating for delicate fish, almonds bake until toasty and crisp with a mild flavor that won’t overwhelm the seafood. That same complexity carries into baked goods and nutty fall desserts, where almonds add a satisfying snap and taste to biscotti, cheesecake and pies.
To bring out their best flavor, toast almonds in a dry pan or moderate oven until fragrant. Once cooled, store toasted almonds in an airtight container so they are ready for your next recipe. It turns out the crunchiest ingredient in your pantry is also one of the most adaptable.
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Biscotti Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
I've learned to bake a double batch of these crisp dunking cookies, because one batch goes too fast! —H. Michaelsen, St. Charles, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 207 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 129mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Apricot, Almond & Pineapple Sour Cream Coffee Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this pineapple sour cream coffee cake recipe for a contest at the Los Angeles County Fair in the 1980s. My kids were very proud of me when my name was called for first place. The cake would be the perfect partner for morning coffee or it’d be a delightful dessert with a scoop of ice cream. —Marina Castle-Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 389 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Coconut-Almond Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
This ice cream tastes like Almond Joy candy bars. Using a toaster oven and countertop ice cream maker couldn’t make this any easier. It took several tries to find the right textures. I landed on sliced almonds, unsweetened finely shredded coconut and chopped chocolate. —Linda Kirkpatrick, Westminster, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 278 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Air-Fryer Cinnamon Almonds
From the Recipe Creator:
These crunchy air-fryer cinnamon almonds are a spectacular treat to take to a party or gathering. They taste just like the roasted almonds you get at the fair. —Janice Thompson, Stacy, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 254 calories, 19g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
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Spring Asparagus
From the Recipe Creator:
This fresh and colorful side dish is delicious served warm or cold. I get lots of compliments on the homemade salad dressing. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 154 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
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Lemon Tart with Almond Crust
From the Recipe Creator:
Our state produces an abundance of lemons, and everyone is always looking for new ways to use them. This beautiful tart is my delicious solution to the excess-lemon problem! —Lois Kinneberg, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 419 calories, 24g fat (12g saturated fat), 185mg cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Coconut-Almond Cookie Bark
From the Recipe Creator:
As kids, my friends and I sandwiched Almond Joys between cookies. For our high school reunion, I re-created the idea with a tasty baked version that breaks apart like chocolate bark.—Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce: 150 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of the best peach dump cake recipes in the world. It’s sweet, tender cake with a beautifully crisp cobbler topping. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, and dessert’s golden. —Keri Sparks, Little Elm, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 234 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Almond Pear Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
I had never seen a "pie without a pan" until my daughter brought back this wonderful pear almond tart recipe from a Rotary Club exchange program in Belgium. It's still a family favorite after all these years. —Sherry LaMay, Capitan, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 269 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
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Horchata
From the Recipe Creator:
In this Horchata recipe, the mixture of ground rice and almonds is accented with a hint of lime. Depending on your preference, you can use more or less water for a thinner or creamier beverage. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 134 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender side dish is perfect for the holidays or any time you want to add a special touch. Dried cranberries, currants and almonds serve up color and texture. My co-workers all make this rice pilaf for their families. —Pat Gardetta, Osage Beach, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 166 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
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Lime-in-the-Coconut Almond Bark
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the combination of flavors in this tropical treat, and it takes mere minutes to make. If you need something for a school or church bake sale, this will get you out of the kitchen in a flash. —Julie Beckwith, Crete, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce: 143 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Delicious Almond Braids
From the Recipe Creator:
Similar to an almond crescent, this coffee cake is light and flaky, with a rich almond center. It’s so versatile you can serve it for dessert, breakfast or brunch. It will taste as if it was made from scratch at a bakery, yet the packaged puff pastry makes the recipe quick and easy. —Gina Idone, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 430 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
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Sesame Almond Slaw
From the Recipe Creator:
Crunchy veggies and noodles are coated in a tangy dressing in this pleasant slaw. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 187 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Spicy Almonds
From the Recipe Creator:
We like to venture out into the mountain range that surrounds our family cabin. These nuts never taste better than when we enjoy them together at the peak of an amazing hike. Almonds are extremely nutritious, and when dressed up with a wonderful blend of spices, they go from ordinary to awesome! —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 230 calories, 20g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
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Almond Bacon Cheese Crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 120 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Chinese Almond Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Each Christmas, my mother baked these Chinese almond cookies and stored them in clean coffee cans. When she passed away, I started giving our kids a can of these sentimental sweets. (Traditional Chinese almond cookies typically use lard, but butter is a great substitute if you don’t have lard on hand.) —Jane Garing, Talladega, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 67 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Crispy Almond Tilapia
From the Recipe Creator:
Since changing to a healthier style of cooking, I’ve come up with new coatings for baked fish. I pair the health benefits of almonds with panko bread crumbs and a smidge of hot sauce to add crunchy texture with nice heat. —Amanda Flinner, Beaver, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 fillet pieces: 251 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat.
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Chicken Amandine
From the Recipe Creator:
With colorful green beans and pimientos, this attractive casserole is terrific for the holidays. This is true comfort food at its finest. —Kat Woolbright, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 297 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 912mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
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Homemade Almond Roca
From the Recipe Creator:
My easy almond roca recipe is an old favorite that we keep in steady use from mid-November until the New Year. Homemade gifts are still a Christmas tradition at our house.
Nutrition Facts:
2 ounce-weight: 306 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Citrus Cornmeal Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornmeal adds a rustic quality to this delicate dessert flavored with citrus and almond. It makes a great holiday party hostess gift and is sure to be a staple in your recipe collection. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 240 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Moroccan Cauliflower and Almond Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup tastes rich and decadent, but is really very healthy! Bonus—it’s vegan, and also makes your house smell amazing! —Barbara Marynowski, Hutto, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 116 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 835mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
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Cranberry-Almond Apple Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother made this treat every year for Christmas. It’s much better than everyday apple pie. The recipe is a family treasure. —Maxine Theriauit, Nashua, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 455 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
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Almond-Coconut Lemon Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Give traditional lemon bars a tasty twist with the addition of almonds and coconut. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 173 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Almond Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe along with a set of springform pans from a cousin at my wedding shower 11 years ago. It makes a heavenly cheesecake. My son Tommy has already told me he wants it again for his birthday cake this year. —Brenda Clifford, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 329 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Marshmallow-Almond Key Lime Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer is peak season for Key limes—a must for this pie’s distinctive sweet-tart flavor. Unlike other Key lime pies, mine has a smooth marshmallow layer on top. This makes it stand out as a crowd favorite. —Judy Castranova, New Bern, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 587 calories, 35g fat (18g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
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Chocolate Mocha Dusted Almonds
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make recipes with nuts. These are chocolaty with a hint of coffee—elegant and addictive! I love giving these gifts in a jar; I’ve even made them as edible wedding favors. —Annette Scholz, Medaryville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3 tablespoons (about 17 almonds): 270 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
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Bavarian Apple Torte
From the Recipe Creator:
A cookie-like crust holds the sensational filling of cream cheese, apples and almonds. This comforting apple torte will be welcomed addition to a bake sale or potluck. —Sheila Swift, Dobson, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 213 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Almond Chicken Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to prepare this chicken salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It’s my favorite of my mother’s chicken salad recipes. You can also serve it as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 351 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 152mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
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Chocolate-Glazed Coconut Almond Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
My idea was to make a cheesecake taste like my favorite candy bar, which has chocolate, coconut and almonds. This cheesecake also works in bite size. Use a mini muffin pan with muffin liners, fill 3/4 full and bake 15-17 minutes. Allow to sit and cool completely before topping with chocolate, coconut and almonds. —Keri Brammer, Lawton, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice (calculated without coconut and almonds): 543 calories, 42g fat (25g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 308mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
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Cannoli Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
A luscious, chocolate-studded cannoli filling separates the tender vanilla layers of this rich cake, which starts with a package mix. It’s best when served well chilled.—Antoinette Owens, Ridgefield, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 591 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
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Cherry Swirl Coffee Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I started cooking at age 13 when my brother, sister and I moved from an orphanage into a house with 13 rooms and 10 people. My sister and I became the household cooks. To this day, I like to cook but hate washing the dishes! — Charlene Griffin, Minocqua, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 285 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Almond Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Beverly Preston of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin started making Almond Cookies after enjoying similar ones at her favorite Chinese restaurant. “These crisp cookies have a wonderful almond flavor,” she says.
Nutrition Facts:
2 cookies: 100 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Almond Recipes FAQ
How can I incorporate almonds into savory dishes?
You can incorporate almonds into savory dishes by sprinkling them over salads and vegetable sides, blending them into sauces like romesco or grinding them to use as a crunchy coating for meat and fish. To save time, you can start with prepared almond meal or flour, which is already fine and powdery, so you don’t have to pulverize the nuts yourself. Thin, sliced almonds will add a more delicate crunch to recipes, and roasted almonds, whole or chopped, will have the boldest bite.
What are some easy almond-based dessert ideas?
Easy almond-based dessert ideas include almond bark, chocolate almond brittle and chocolate-dipped almond clusters, which all come together quickly. For something a little more fancy but not complicated, try almond toffee, no-bake almond butter bars or almond shortbread cookies. You could also make recipes that use almond extract, like puddings and frosted cakes, for an almond-flavored dessert without nuts.
How do I store almonds to keep them fresh?
To keep almonds fresh, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. For a longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a year or freeze them. Almonds are one of the best baking ingredients you can freeze and will last up to two years without losing flavor or texture if wrapped well. If using almonds frequently, divide them into smaller portions so you don’t expose the whole batch to air each time you open the container.
