Sugar-Coated Almonds (Sulmona-Style Confetti)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Vanilla: Extract Medium

Sugar-Coated Almonds (Sulmona-Style Confetti)

Whole almonds coated in layers of white sugar until smooth and shiny. The Sulmona originals are panned in copper kettles over several days; this is our simplified stovetop home version. Makes 40 pieces in about 1 hr 40 min.

Prep 15 min

Cook 25 min

Cooling 1 hr

Total 1 hr 40 min

Yield 40 pieces

Diet Dairy free, Gluten free, Vegan

Ingredients

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pieces

1 ¼ cups (150 g)blanched whole almonds, dry-roasted
1 ¼ cups (250 g)granulated sugar
6 tbsp (90 ml)water
1 ¾ tsp (5 g)cornstarch, for dusting
¼ tsp (1 ml)vanilla extract

Fresh ingredient guides

AlmondsHow to pick, season & nutrition · 188 kcal per 30 g

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Instructions

Roast the almonds in a 300 F (150 C) oven 10 minutes and let them cool until just warm. Line a tray with parchment.
Boil half the sugar with half the water in a wide pan to 240 F (116 C), the soft-ball stage.
Add the warm almonds and stir over low heat until the syrup turns cloudy and crystallizes into a dry white coat clinging to the almonds, 3 to 5 minutes. Spread on the tray to dry for 10 minutes.
Repeat with the remaining sugar and water in two more smaller rounds, to build 3 or 4 layers. Add the vanilla to the last syrup.
Dust lightly with cornstarch and roll the almonds between your palms to smooth the surface while still slightly warm.
Dry on the tray 1 hour before packing.

Tips

The sugar syrup can burn skin: stir carefully and use a deep, wide pan.
Cool and dry between layers for the smoothest coat.
Real confetti take days in a rotating pan, so expect a rustic result.
Sugar syrup reaches 240 F (116 C) and causes serious burns; use a candy thermometer and keep children away.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make sugar-coated almonds (sulmona-style confetti)?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, plus 1 hour to chill. The recipe makes 40 pieces.

How should I store sugar-coated almonds (sulmona-style confetti)?

Airtight container in a cool, dry place up to 2 months.

Can I make sugar-coated almonds (sulmona-style confetti) ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 0.25 tsp vanilla extract (1 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as written. Check that packaged ingredients such as chocolate, sprinkles and plant butter are labeled vegan.

Confetti are sugar-coated almonds that have been made in the Abruzzo town of Sulmona for centuries, with sugar documented there in the late 15th century. Serve it with sweet wine.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 40 servings this recipe makes.

46 Calories / serving

1.9g Fat

7.1g Carbs

0.8g Protein

6.4g Sugar

Whole recipe (40 servings): ~1840 cal · 76g fat · 284g carbs · 32g protein · 256g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.