If you’re on the hunt for a delightful snack that combines sweet, crunchy, and warmly spiced flavors, look no further than this Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe. It’s one of those fantastic treats that’s as comforting as it is addictive, perfect for cozy evenings, gifting during the holidays, or whenever you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The slow cooker gently caramelizes the sugars, coating a luscious mix of pecans, almonds, peanuts, and cashews in a sticky, sweet glaze that crunches with every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for snack time magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients, each adding a unique touch to texture and flavor. From the creamy vanilla and fluffy egg whites that help bind the coating, to the rich mix of nuts that bring variety in crunch and taste, every component plays a starring role in this tasty treat.
- 2 egg whites: Whisked until frothy, they help the sugar blend stick evenly to the nuts for that perfect candied shell.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla: Adds aromatic warmth and depth, elevating the candying process beyond just sweetness.
- 2 cups pecan halves: Buttery and tender, these nuts provide a soft crunch and rich flavor.
- 1 cup almonds: Offer a firm, satisfying bite and subtle nuttiness to the mix.
- 1 cup peanuts: Bring a classic, earthy crunch that balances well with sweeter nuts.
- 1 cup cashews: Their creamy texture adds smoothness to the overall bite experience.
- 2 cups brown sugar: Supplies deep caramel notes and moisture for that sticky glaze.
- 1 ½ cups white sugar: Adds bright, sparkling sweetness that crisps as it cooks.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the nuts with a cozy, spicy kick that sings in every mouthful.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the nutty flavors.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking, ensuring your slow cooker stays clean and your nuts cook perfectly.
How to Make Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Start by spraying the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to keep your nuts from sticking. Next, whisk together the egg whites and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes frothy—this creates the base that will help the sugar and spices cling to every nut.
Step 2: Coat the Nuts
Add the pecans, almonds, peanuts, and cashews right into the slow cooker. Pour the frothy egg white and vanilla mixture over them, tossing gently to make sure every single nut is coated evenly. This step ensures that your candy glaze will stick beautifully. It’s the start of the magic!
Step 3: Add the Sugars and Spices
Sprinkle in both the brown and white sugars, cinnamon, and salt over your coated nuts. Mix thoroughly so that the blend of sugars and spices wraps every nut in a sweet, fragrant blanket. This mixture will slowly melt and caramelize, creating a fantastic crunchy coating.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and let it do its work on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Don’t forget to stir occasionally—this helps the nuts toast evenly and prevents burning. During this time, the sugars will melt and develop that glorious candy shell you love.
Step 5: Cool Down and Crisp Up
When the cooking time is up, spread the candied nuts out on a baking sheet to cool completely. This cooling step lets the sugar coating set to a crisp, addictive crunch that’s just begging to be tasted.
Step 6: Enjoy or Store
Your Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe is now ready to serve! You can enjoy them immediately or store the cooled nuts in an airtight container until snack time. Each bite is bursting with sweet, cinnamon-kissed flavor that’s hard to beat.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
For a bit of visual flair and extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dash of extra cinnamon over your candied nuts just before serving. You could even toss them with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for a herbaceous twist that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
These nuts are a fantastic companion to cheese boards, complementing creamy cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar. They also pair wonderfully with warm cider or mulled wine at holiday gatherings, making them a festive snack for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe in rustic kraft paper cones or pretty clear glass jars tied with ribbon to make elegant, homemade gifts. You could also sprinkle them over salads for an unexpected burst of texture and sweetness or use them as a topping on vanilla ice cream for a crunchy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your nuts, keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making them a convenient snack to grab whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
Freezing
If you want to keep your candied nuts even longer, freezing is a great option. Pack them into a freezer-safe bag or container, and they should keep wonderfully for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
If the nuts lose some of their crispness, a quick warm-up in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes will refresh that satisfying crunch. Just be sure to watch closely so they don’t burn.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to swap or add your favorite nuts like walnuts, macadamias, or hazelnuts to customize the mix to your liking.
Is it necessary to use egg whites in the recipe?
Yes, the egg whites act as a binder to help the sugar and spices adhere perfectly to each nut, creating that classic candied texture. Skipping them might result in a less uniform coating.
How often should I stir the nuts while cooking?
Stir the nuts every 30 minutes or so during the slow cooking to ensure the sugars caramelize evenly and prevent any burning. This also helps the nuts toast uniformly for the best flavor.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
You can try it on the stovetop or in the oven, but the slow cooker makes the process incredibly hands-off and yields an evenly cooked, perfectly candied nut mix every time.
How long do the candied nuts keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Freezing extends their life to about three months while maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe is pure snack perfection—simple to make, irresistibly sweet, and packed with warm cinnamon-spiced charm. It’s an absolute joy to have on hand whether you’re entertaining, gifting, or just treating yourself. I can’t wait for you to experience how wonderfully easy and delicious this recipe is. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love!
Print
Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts combines a variety of nuts coated in a sweet vanilla and cinnamon sugar mixture, slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for snacking or gifting, these nuts offer a crunchy, sweet, and aromatic treat that comes together easily in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Nuts
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1 cup cashews
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Coat Nuts: Whisk together egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy. Add the nuts to the slow cooker and pour the egg mixture over them. Toss thoroughly to coat the nuts evenly with the mixture.
- Add Sugars and Spices: Sprinkle the brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt over the coated nuts. Mix well, ensuring all nuts are evenly covered with the sugar and spices.
- Slow Cook the Nuts: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 2 to 3 hours. Stir the nuts occasionally to prevent them from sticking and to allow even cooking and caramelization.
- Cool the Nuts: Once cooked, spread the nuts out onto a baking sheet in a single layer to cool completely. This step helps the nuts crisp up as they cool.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the candied nuts immediately or store them in an airtight container until ready to serve to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Stir occasionally during slow cooking to prevent burning and promote even coating.
- Ensure nuts are spread out fully to cool for best crunchiness.
- Use a 6-quart slow cooker for best results to allow nuts to cook evenly.
- Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Feel free to substitute or add your favorite nuts like walnuts or macadamia nuts.
