How to Toast Almond Slivers for Maximum Crunch in Shortcake

The perfect strawberry shortcake is predictable with its baked, moist shortbread crumb, whipped cream, and strawberries, but how about a little something unexpected? Like almond slivers, which are toasted to their nutty goodness. This can go either inside the garnish or make for an element of surprise by hiding it in the whipped cream. When done right, toasted almonds elevate the entire dessert with their extra flavor and nuttiness that quite literally changes the entire dessert and also adds a nice texture to the whole dessert. So, here’s how to toast almond slivers to perfection to maximize their crunch and flavor for the ultimate shortcake experience.

Why It Matters

The flavor of raw almond slivers is mild and somewhat chewy with no crunch. Toasting, however, changes this, with the heat drawing out the natural oils in almonds, deepening their nutty aroma and enhancing their sophisticated flavor. The whole almond slivers also change from being pliable and pale to crisp and golden, that quite literally will turn any dessert into a gourmet delicacy if added to it. As for shortcakes, where the whole dessert is quite fresh, juicy, and soft, the crispness of the toasted almonds is the game-changer.

Choosing the Right Almond Slivers

First, make sure you’re using the right cut of almonds; just like different cuts of onions impart different flavors to any dish you make, different almond cuts also differ. For example, opt for slivered almonds, which are cut into short sticks – ideal for using when you need an almond crunch. Then sliced almonds, while also toastable, are thinner and more delicate; this is perfect for shortcake, because almond slivers hold up better and provide a more satisfying mouthfeel. You can also opt for raw, unsalted slivered almonds. Pre-roasted nuts lack freshness and won’t crisp properly when re-toasted.

Different Toasting Methods

While there is no right or wrong way to toast almonds, there are subtle ways in which different toasting methods yield a slightly different result, we rank them below.

• Stovetop Skillet: This is best suitable for when you need toasted almonds in a pinch. Place a dry skillet over medium heat, then add the slivered almonds to it. Make sure to stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until they change color and turn ragrant.
• Oven Roasting: This one’s perfect when you want to make large batches and have maximum control over crunch. Preheat the oven to 180°C and spread the almonds in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 6-10 minutes, stirring halfway. Quickly remove once they start to turn golden, otherwise they tend to burn quickly. Tip: Let them cool completely before using them, for they crisp up as they cool.
• Air Fryer Toasting: This one’s for those who look for those who love their air fryer to bits. Preheat air fryer to 160°C. Place almonds in a shallow basket or on foil, then toast for 3–5 minutes, shaking once or twice.

The Secret to Extra Crunch: Pre-Drying the Almonds

For the crispiest result, especially if your almonds have been stored for a while, dry them out slightly before toasting. To do this, spread almonds on a sheet tray and place them in a 90°C oven for 10 minutes. This evaporates surface moisture, setting the stage for superior crunch.

Want to go gourmet? Try tossing the slivered almonds with flavor before or after toasting. Experiment with flavors like sea salt and vanilla sugar (post-toasting), cinnamon or cardamom dusting (perfect for fruity desserts), a drizzle of honey (for a caramelized glaze)

Storage Tips

Always let toasted almonds cool completely before storing. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer freshness. A silica packet can help absorb moisture if you live in a humid climate.

Using Them in Shortcake

Once you’ve nailed the perfectly crunchy toasted almond slivers, the options are endless when it comes to adding them to the strawberry shortcake. You can layer into the shortcake by sprinkling the toasted slivers between whipped cream and fruit. You could also top it off by using it as a crown over whipped cream. You could also infuse your shortcake dough: Add chopped toasted almonds to the batter for nutty surprises in every bite.