Discover how to make krokan, a traditional Norwegian dessert with caramelized almonds and hazelnuts. Follow our easy recipe for a crunchy and delicious treat!
- Publisher: Pithy Recipe
- Cuisine: Norwegian
- Category: Dessert, Snacks
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 20
Krokan
Krokan is a traditional Norwegian dessert made from caramelized almonds and hazelnuts that are mixed with a brittle toffee-like mixture made from sugar, water, vanilla extract, and salt. The mixture is then cooled and broken into bite-sized pieces, creating a sweet and crunchy treat.
The traditional background of krokan dates back to the 19th century in Norway, where it was originally known as “krokanrull” or “krokanstenger”. It was commonly served during special occasions such as weddings, holidays, and religious festivities.
The recipe for krokan was influenced by the French confectionery technique of making nougat and Italian torrone. However, the Norwegians adapted the recipe to include their locally sourced ingredients such as almonds and hazelnuts.
Today, krokan is still a popular treat in Norway and is often served as a dessert or snack, especially during Christmas time. It is also commonly used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. Some variations of krokan include adding chocolate or using different types of nuts.
The Recipe
Looking for a delicious and crunchy Norwegian dessert? Check out this easy-to-follow krokan recipe made with caramelized almonds and hazelnuts! Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet snack, this traditional krokan recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole almonds
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Method Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the almonds and hazelnuts evenly on the baking sheet.
- Roast the nuts in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Once cool, chop the nuts coarsely and set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
- Increase the heat to high and continue to cook the mixture without stirring, until it turns a deep amber color.
- Remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the chopped nuts, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Immediately pour the mixture onto a large, greased sheet of parchment paper.
- Use a greased spatula to spread the mixture evenly.
- Let cool completely, then break the krokan into bite-sized pieces.
- Store the krokan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Enjoy your homemade krokan!
Read on for tips and servings
Rated: 5.0 of 5.0 from 40 reviews.
Recipe Tags: Krokan, Krokan Recipe, Recipe
Servings
- As a standalone snack: Krokan is a delicious and crunchy treat that can be enjoyed on its own as a snack. Simply break the krokan into bite-sized pieces and serve.
- As a topping for ice cream or yogurt: Krokan can be used to add texture and flavor to ice cream or yogurt. Simply sprinkle the broken krokan pieces over the top of your favorite ice cream or yogurt flavor.
- As a garnish for cakes or cupcakes: Krokan can be used as a decorative and flavorful garnish for cakes or cupcakes. Simply sprinkle the broken krokan pieces over the top of frosted cakes or cupcakes.
- As a gift: Krokan makes a great homemade gift for friends and family. Package the krokan in a decorative jar or tin and tie it with a ribbon.
Tips
- Use high-quality nuts: The quality of the nuts you use will greatly affect the flavor and texture of the krokan. Look for fresh, high-quality almonds and hazelnuts that are not stale or rancid.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: A heavy-bottomed saucepan will distribute the heat evenly, helping to prevent the mixture from burning.
- Spread the mixture thinly: It’s important to spread the mixture thinly and evenly, as this will help to ensure that the krokan is crunchy and not too hard.
- Store the krokan in an airtight container: Storing the krokan in an airtight container will help to keep it fresh and crunchy. Be sure to store it at room temperature and away from any moisture, as this can cause it to become soft and sticky.
- Let the krokan cool completely: Letting the krokan cool completely will help it to harden and become crunchy. Once it has cooled, you can break it into bite-sized pieces.
- Be careful when handling the hot sugar mixture: The sugar mixture will be extremely hot, so be sure to use caution when pouring it onto the parchment paper. You may want to wear gloves or use a silicone spatula to avoid burning your hands.
- Roast the nuts: Roasting the nuts will enhance their flavor and give them a nice crunch. Be sure to roast the nuts until they are golden brown, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can quickly burn.
Nutritional facts
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (30 grams)
- Servings per recipe: about 20
- Calories per serving: 160
- Total fat: 10g
- Saturated fat: 1g
- Trans fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 30mg Total carbohydrate: 16g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 3g
Overall, krokan is a relatively high-calorie and high-fat treat due to the caramelized nuts and toffee-like mixture. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Almonds – You can substitute almonds with other types of nuts such as cashews, pecans, or walnuts.
- Hazelnuts – You can substitute hazelnuts with other types of nuts such as macadamia nuts, pistachios, or Brazil nuts.
- Granulated sugar – You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar or honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Water – There are no direct substitutes for water in this recipe.
- Vanilla extract – You can substitute vanilla extract with other extracts such as almond extract or maple extract for a different flavor.
- Salt – There are no direct substitutes for salt in this recipe.
It’s important to note that substituting ingredients can change the flavor and texture of the final product, so it’s best to experiment with small batches first to determine what works best for your taste preferences.
Remarks
We hope you enjoyed learning about krokan and how to make this delicious Norwegian treat at home! With its crunchy texture and sweet toffee-like flavor, krokan is a unique and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or as a sweet snack. Give our recipe a try and enjoy the taste of Norway right in your own kitchen!