Keep a jar of Garrapiñada de Mani on hand for quick snacking. The caramelised coating gives every peanut a crisp bite, light sweetness, and satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist.
Garrapiñada de Mani is a delicious Latin American snack made by cooking and caramelising raw peanuts with sugar and a hint of vanilla. The name comes from garapiñar, which means “to ice” or “to coat with sugar.”
This treat is loved all across Latin America, especially in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Mexico, and Peru, where it’s sold on the streets in small paper cones or bags. You can smell it before you see it.
During our trip to Chile and Argentina, I fell in love with this snack. You could walk through a plaza and catch the sweet scent of caramelised peanuts and vanilla in the air.
I still remember one afternoon in Buenos Aires’ Plaza de Mayo when a vendor stood beside an enormous copper pot, stirring the peanuts as the sugar turned amber and glossy. It was impossible to walk away without buying some.
In Italy, we have something similar made with almonds called mandorle pralinate, often sold at local fairs and Christmas markets. You can find a related sweet in my Almond Pralines recipe.
When I returned to Australia, I started making my own Garrapiñada de Mani, and it quickly became a family favourite. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays, simple, comforting, and always appreciated.
Why These Caramelised Peanuts Make the Best Homemade Snack
- You can adjust the sweetness or add extra spices like cinnamon to create your own twist.
- Perfect for munching on during the day, or as an addition to a dessert platter or cheese board.
- Store in an airtight container, and the peanuts stay crisp for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy them over time.
Key Ingredients for Garrapiñada de Mani
Raw Peanuts
Choose raw, skin-on peanuts for this recipe, as they hold up well during cooking and provide a satisfying crunch. Avoid using pre-roasted peanuts, as they may burn too quickly when caramelised.
Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar is essential for creating the glossy, crisp coating that defines Garrapiñada de Mani. It dissolves in the water and then caramelises to coat the peanuts perfectly, giving them a sweet crunch.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla adds a subtle depth of flavour to the peanuts, complementing the sweetness of the caramelised sugar. You can use vanilla extract or, for a more traditional option, vanillina powder if you have it.
Find the complete list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Garrapiñada de Mani
Step 1: In a pan, combine the raw peanuts, sugar, and water.
Step 2: Cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes, stirring continuously.
Step 3: Add the vanillina or vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 4: As the mixture caramelises, the sugar will crystallise. Once it coats the peanuts evenly, the garrapiñada is ready.
Step 5: Pour the mixture onto a tray lined with baking paper, spread it out, and let it cool and harden.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Raw peanuts are best because they cook evenly with the sugar syrup. Roasted peanuts can burn or turn too dark before the sugar crystallises.
Vanillina is a powdered form of vanilla flavouring, often used in European desserts. If you don’t have it, regular vanilla extract works perfectly.
The sugar should be melted and golden in colour. Once it reaches this stage, add the vanilla extract and immediately pour the peanuts onto the tray to prevent the sugar from burning.
Extra Help from the Kitchen
Use a Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Either tool is gentle on the pan and won’t scratch crystallised sugar back into sharp shards. Stir firmly but smoothly for an even coat.
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan – A heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat evenly, preventing the sugar from burning and helping the peanuts cook consistently.
Watch the Sugar Closely – Pay attention as the sugar starts to melt. Once it reaches a golden colour, it’s time to add the vanilla and move quickly to prevent burning.
Test the Crunch – To check if the peanuts are ready, let a few cool for a minute on the tray. If they’re crisp, they’re done; if not, give them a few more minutes in the pan.
Variations and Twists
Make a Mixed Nut Garrapiñada – Swap some of the peanuts for almonds or cashews to create a nutty combination with different textures.
Add Cinnamon – Stir a pinch of ground cinnamon into the sugar for a warm, spiced flavour that pairs perfectly with the caramel.
Use Maple Syrup – Replace the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness.
Coat with Chocolate – After the peanuts cool, dip them in melted dark or milk chocolate for a luxurious twist.
Sprinkle Sea Salt – Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt once the peanuts have cooled for a salty-sweet contrast to the caramel.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store Garrapiñada de Mani in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep the container in a dry, cool place to maintain the crunch. Avoid refrigerating, as this can soften the sugar coating.
To restore the crispness, simply spread the peanuts on a baking tray and warm them in a low oven (100°C – 212°F) for a few minutes. Reheat in small batches to keep them fresh.
Other Nutty Recipes to Try
Garrapiñada de Mani Recipe
Keep a jar of Garrapiñada de Mani on hand for quick snacking. The caramelised coating gives every peanut a crisp bite, light sweetness, and satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw peanuts – skin on
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ¾ tsp vanillina powder OR vanilla extract
Instructions
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In a pan, combine the raw peanuts, sugar, and water.
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Cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes, stirring continuously.
-
Add the vanillina or vanilla extract and mix well.
-
As the mixture caramelises, the sugar will crystallise. Once it coats the peanuts evenly, the garrapiñada is ready.
-
Pour the mixture onto a tray lined with baking paper, spread it out, and let it cool and harden.
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Enjoy!
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