If you are searching for a snack that is irresistible, sweet, and packed with crunchy goodness, this Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe will quickly become your new go-to treat. With a perfect balance of warm cinnamon, rich vanilla, and a caramelized sugary coating, these nuts turn simple ingredients into a festive and flavorful delight. Whether you’re preparing for a party, gifting something homemade, or just craving a cozy snack, this recipe takes the guesswork out of candying nuts and delivers consistent, melt-in-your-mouth results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential for achieving that perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors along with a crunchy yet slightly chewy texture. Each type of nut brings its unique taste and character, making the final mix truly special.
- Egg whites: Act as a natural binder to help the sugar and spices cling beautifully to the nuts.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant warmth that elevates the sweetness perfectly.
- Pecan halves: Provide buttery richness with a tender crunch.
- Almonds: Bring a subtle earthiness and satisfying snap.
- Peanuts: Classic crowd-pleasers with a savory bite.
- Cashews: Offer creamy smoothness to balance the mix.
- Brown sugar: Gives deep molasses flavor and moisture to the coating.
- White sugar: Ensures a lovely crispness and sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm, spicy aroma that complements the nuts beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and provides a subtle contrast to the sweetness.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
How to Make Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
To begin, spray the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. This simple step ensures that your candied nuts won’t stick and makes transferring them later much easier. Meanwhile, whisk together the vanilla extract and egg whites until the mixture becomes light and frothy—that airiness helps the sugary coating cling evenly to every nut.
Step 2: Coat the Nuts
Place all your mixed nuts—pecans, almonds, peanuts, and cashews—into the slow cooker. Pour the vanilla and egg white mixture over the nuts and toss them gently but thoroughly to make sure every piece is well-coated. This helps prepare the nuts for the next sugar-step, ensuring every bite is perfectly sweetened.
Step 3: Add the Sugars and Spices
Next, sprinkle the brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt over the coated nuts. Stir everything together so that the sugar mix evenly blankets the nuts, promising rich layers of caramelized flavor and a fantastic crunch after cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Nuts
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat. Allow the nuts to cook gently for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 20 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking process lets the sugars melt and coat the nuts beautifully, while the cinnamon warms the mix through. Patience here is key to achieving that perfect glossy and textured finish.
Step 5: Cool the Candied Nuts
Once the nuts are evenly cooked and coated, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to cool completely. This step is crucial as it allows the sugary coating to harden slightly, giving you that addictive snap when you bite in.
Step 6: Enjoy or Store
Now that your Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe is ready, serve them immediately for a fresh, warm treat or transfer them to an airtight container to savor their crunchiness and flavor later. They make a fantastic snack, party favor, or homemade gift that feels both simple and special.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top after cooling to enhance the sweet and savory contrast. You might also add a few fresh rosemary sprigs or a light dusting of extra cinnamon to make your presentation stand out and add subtle herbal notes.
Side Dishes
These candied nuts are a superb accompaniment to cheese plates, adding crunch and sweetness next to creamy brie or tangy blue cheese. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit or can be tossed onto salads for an unexpected burst of texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe in little mason jars tied with rustic twine as charming gifts. Alternatively, scatter them over homemade ice cream, yogurt bowls, or even oatmeal for an elevated breakfast or dessert treat that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your batch, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly sealed, the candied nuts will maintain their crunch and flavor for up to two weeks, making them perfect to nibble on over time or to share as thoughtful snacks with friends and family.
Freezing
You can freeze your Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. They’ll keep for up to three months in the freezer and can be thawed at room temperature without losing their delightful texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your candied nuts warm, simply spread out the desired portion on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will refresh their crispiness and intensify the aromatic flavors as if they were freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use just one type of nut for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the mixed nuts offer wonderful variety, this recipe works beautifully with just pecans, almonds, or any nut you prefer. Feel free to customize based on what you have or your favorite flavors.
Do I need to stir the nuts while they cook?
Yes, stirring every 20 to 30 minutes is important to ensure even cooking and coating. This helps the sugar caramelize uniformly and prevents the nuts on the edges from burning or sticking.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed specifically for slow cooker use to achieve that perfect slow caramelization, you could try it in the oven using low heat and constant stirring, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Can I omit the sugar or use a sugar substitute?
The sugar is key to the candied texture and flavor, so omitting it would change the dish significantly. You might experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind the texture will differ.
How long will these candied nuts keep their crunch?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay crisp for about two weeks. After that, they might soften slightly but will still taste delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe is one of those simple yet spectacular dishes that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a little kitchen treasure. It’s so rewarding to take humble nuts and turn them into a wonderfully sweet, spiced snack that everyone will ask you to make again. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy and warmth it brings to your table.
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 is a delightful and easy way to prepare a sweet, crunchy snack. Using a slow cooker, the nuts are gently coated in a mixture of sugars, cinnamon, and vanilla, resulting in a rich, caramelized flavor that’s perfect for parties, gifts, or a cozy treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
Nut Mixture
- 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
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 egg whites and vanilla: In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy. This mixture will help the sugar and spices adhere to the nuts.
- Coat the nuts: Place the pecans, almonds, peanuts, and cashews into the slow cooker. Pour the egg white and vanilla mixture over the nuts and toss well to coat evenly.
- Add sugar and spices: Sprinkle the brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt over the coated nuts. Mix everything thoroughly so all nuts are evenly covered with the sugar-spice blend.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the nuts on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Stir the nuts occasionally (about every 30 minutes) to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The sugars will caramelize and create a crunchy, candied coating.
- Cool: Once cooking is complete and the nuts are nicely candied, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to cool completely. This allows them to crisp up.
- Store and serve: Serve the candied nuts once cooled or store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. These make a perfect snack or gift!
Notes
- Stirring occasionally during slow cooking is crucial to prevent the nuts from burning or clumping.
- Use a non-stick spray to help prevent sticking and ease cleaning.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the white sugar by ¼ cup.
- You can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or macadamia nuts based on preference.
- Store the candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
