If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly sweet, satisfyingly crunchy, and bursting with warm spices, you have to try this Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of toasted nuts coated with a rich, cinnamon-spiced candy shell, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe turns simple pantry staples into a gourmet treat that you’ll want to share at every gathering or keep close for yourself as a delightful nibble any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each item here plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance. From the sturdy nuts that offer crunch to the sweet sugars that caramelize beautifully, every ingredient adds something special to the final result.
- Egg whites: Help the sugar and spices adhere perfectly to the nuts for a flawless candy coating.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a gentle aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
- Pecan halves: Provide a buttery richness and soft crunch.
- Almonds: Add a hearty texture and subtle nuttiness.
- Peanuts: Give earthy depth and classic nutty flavor.
- Cashews: Offer a creamy bite that balances the other nuts.
- Brown sugar: Imparts a deep molasses flavor and moisture.
- White sugar: Helps create a crisp, crunchy candy shell.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to complement the sweetness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cooking spray: Prevents the nuts from sticking to the slow cooker base during cooking.
How to Make Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Begin by spraying the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to ensure the nuts won’t stick as they cook. This simple prep step makes cleaning up a breeze and helps maintain the perfect texture of your candied nuts.
Step 2: Create the Egg White Vanilla Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy. This mixture acts as a glue that will hold the sugars and spices onto the nuts evenly during cooking, guaranteeing every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Nuts
Add all the nuts—pecans, almonds, peanuts, and cashews—into the slow cooker. Pour the egg white mixture over them and toss gently to make sure every nut is coated. This step is crucial because an even coat ensures the sugary cinnamon layer will stick perfectly.
Step 4: Add Sugars and Spices
Mix the brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt together, then sprinkle this blend over the coated nuts. Stir everything thoroughly until all the nuts are evenly covered with this sweet and spiced mixture.
Step 5: Slow Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Allow the nuts to cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes. This slow cooking process caramelizes the sugars while gently toasting the nuts, resulting in a crunchy and flavorful coating that’s hard to resist.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Once the nuts are perfectly candied and fragrant, spread them out on a baking sheet to cool completely. Cooling helps the coating set and become delightfully crisp. After cooling, either dig in or store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to enjoy the magic of this Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts on top of desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or even a rich chocolate tart for a crunchy contrast. They also add beautiful texture and flavor when used as a salad topper, enhancing both nutty and sweet flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve these nuts as an appetizer alongside cheese boards. Their sweetness pairs wonderfully with sharp cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar, adding a delightful balance to your snacking spread at any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Package the candied nuts in festive jars or decorative bags as thoughtful homemade gifts. You can also sprinkle them over oatmeal bowls or blend some into smoothie bowls for an exciting twist of texture and flavor that will wow your friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This preserves their crispness and flavor perfectly, so they’re ready whenever a sweet snack craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to keep your candied nuts longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Just be sure they’re fully cooled first to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy once thawed.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-candied crunch, gently warm the nuts in a low oven (around 250°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. This simple step refreshes their texture without burning the sugary coating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add walnuts, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts to customize the nutty blend to your taste. Just be mindful that cooking times and coating may slightly vary.
Why do I need to use egg whites in the recipe?
Egg whites act as a binding agent, helping the sugar and spices stick evenly to the nuts, creating that irresistible candy shell. Without it, the coating might not adhere as well during slow cooking.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
You can, but the slow cooker really brings out the best flavor and texture by cooking the nuts gently over time. If using an oven, watch closely and stir often to avoid burning your nuts and sugar.
How do I prevent the nuts from sticking to the slow cooker?
Spraying the slow cooker with cooking spray before adding the nuts is essential. It creates a non-stick layer that helps both with cooking evenly and cleaning up afterward.
Are these nuts gluten-free and vegan?
They are naturally gluten-free and vegan as long as you use pure vanilla extract without additives. This makes the Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe a great choice for many dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe has become my go-to treat whenever I want something sweet, crunchy, and downright addictive without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, requires just a handful of ingredients, and delivers a snack that feels special every time. I can’t wait for you to make it, enjoy it, and share it with your favorite people!
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 Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts recipe offers a delightful combination of pecans, almonds, peanuts, and cashews coated in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced sugar glaze. Perfect as a snack or party treat, these nuts are slow-cooked to achieve a crunchy, caramelized texture that’s irresistibly delicious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Nuts
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1 cup cashews
Wet Ingredients
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Others
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent the nuts from sticking and burning.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Nuts: Whisk together the vanilla extract and egg whites until frothy. Add the mixed nuts to the slow cooker and pour the egg white mixture over them. Toss well to coat all nuts evenly.
- Add Sugar and Spices: Combine brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt in a bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the coated nuts and mix thoroughly to ensure a uniform coating.
- Slow Cook the Nuts: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Stir the nuts occasionally to prevent burning and to allow even caramelization.
- Cool the Nuts: Once cooked to a crunchy, golden finish, spread the candied nuts evenly onto a baking sheet to cool completely. This helps them crisp up further.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the candied nuts immediately or store them in an airtight container for later use to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Stir occasionally during cooking, about every 30 minutes, to avoid burning and ensure even coating.
- Use a large enough slow cooker to allow for easy stirring and heat circulation.
- These nuts make a great gift when packed in decorative jars or tins.
- Be cautious while handling hot nuts as they will be very sticky and hot right after cooking.
- You can customize this recipe by adding chili powder or cayenne for a spicy twist.
