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
Scale
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.
