If you are looking for a delightfully sweet and crunchy snack to satisfy your cravings or to serve at your next gathering, this Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining a medley of pecans, almonds, peanuts, and cashews, all generously coated in a caramelized blend of brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, these nuts are slow-cooked to perfection in a way that enhances every flavor and texture. The slow cooker takes care of the hard work, making this indulgent treat incredibly easy to prepare while filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Trust me, once you make these, they will become your go-to snack and a beloved recipe for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe keeps things simple with a handful of essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch. From the creamy egg whites that help the sugar coating stick, to the medley of nuts that bring variety and texture, every item is carefully chosen for maximum flavor impact.
- 2 egg whites: Whisked to frothy perfection to help the sugar mixture adhere evenly to the nuts.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that enhances the overall taste.
- 2 cups pecan halves: Bring a buttery richness and wonderful crunch.
- 1 cup almonds: Offer a slightly sweet, nutty flavor along with a firm bite.
- 1 cup peanuts: Introduce a classic, roasted nuttiness that balances the mix.
- 1 cup cashews: Provide a creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
- 2 cups brown sugar: Deep, molasses notes that create a luscious caramel coating.
- 1 ½ cups white sugar: Adds extra sweetness and helps with crispiness.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and a hint of spice to complement the sugars.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- Cooking spray: Prevents the nuts from sticking to the slow cooker for easy cleanup.
How to Make Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Egg Mixture
Begin by generously spraying the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. This important step ensures your candied nuts won’t stick and will be easier to remove once cooked. Next, whisk together the egg whites and vanilla extract until they become frothy, adding a light texture that will help the sugary coating adhere perfectly to every nut. This little trick is key to achieving that irresistible glaze.
Step 2: Coat the Nuts
Place all the nuts directly into the slow cooker, then pour your frothy egg white and vanilla mixture over them. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure every nut is well coated. This ensures that when the sugars are added, they will stick nicely without clumping or leaving parts dry. It’s already starting to smell amazing.
Step 3: Add the Sugars and Spices
Now it’s time to introduce the glorious sugars and cinnamon. Sprinkle the brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt over the coated nuts. Mix gently but evenly so that every nut is blanketed with this perfect blend of sweet and spice. This combination is what transforms the nuts from simple to spectacular.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the nuts to cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally every 30 minutes. This slow, gentle cooking process allows the sugars to melt slowly and caramelize around the nuts, creating that signature candied coating that is crisp and sweet without burning — patience here truly pays off!
Step 5: Cool the Nuts
Once your nuts have turned that beautiful golden brown and are fragrant with cinnamon, carefully spread them out onto a lined baking sheet or parchment paper to cool. This helps them set and crisp up, giving you that satisfying crunch in every bite. Cooling is a crucial step for the perfect texture and snap.
Step 6: Enjoy or Store
Once cooled, your Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe is ready to serve immediately and delight friends and family. If you’re saving some for later, simply transfer the nuts into an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy for days. These will quickly become your favorite homemade snack or an impressive gift.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to impress, sprinkle your candied nuts over salads for a sweet crunch or use them as a topping on desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or even warm oatmeal. A light dusting of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can add an elegant touch that turns a simple snack into a decadent treat.
Side Dishes
These candied nuts pair wonderfully alongside cheese boards or charcuterie boards where their sweetness contrasts beautifully with savory cheeses and cured meats. They also make a fantastic snack addition during holiday parties or casual get-togethers. Their bold flavors stand up well next to strong cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, consider placing your candied nuts in small mason jars tied with rustic twine and a personalized tag—perfect for gifting. Alternatively, add them to clear glass bowls alongside seasonal fruits for a stunning party display. Serving them in individual paper cones or decorative bags is another charming option that’s both practical and visually appealing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe leftovers store beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place, and they’ll maintain their crunch and flavor for up to two weeks, making them perfect to prepare in advance for celebrations or as a handy snack to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these nuts for even longer, freezing is an excellent option. Place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, thawing at room temperature when ready to eat. While freezing may slightly soften the crisp coating, the flavor remains delicious and fresh.
Reheating
To revive any lost crispiness, simply warm the nuts in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. This quick reheat will restore that perfect crunch and bring out the wonderful aroma of the cinnamon and sugars.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of this Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to swap or add your favorite nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.
Is it necessary to use egg whites?
Yes, the egg whites act as a natural binder that helps the sugar and spice mixture evenly coat the nuts. Without them, the sugars may not stick as well, and the coating could become uneven or clumpy.
Can this recipe be made without a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use an oven at low heat (around 250°F) and bake the nuts, stirring every 15 minutes until caramelized. However, the slow cooker method is ideal for gentle, even cooking that prevents burning.
How crunchy are the nuts after cooking?
The nuts develop a satisfyingly crisp coating with a slight chewiness from the caramelized sugars. Cooling them on a baking sheet sets the coating perfectly, resulting in that characteristic crunchy texture you want from candied nuts.
How long will these candied nuts stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these nuts stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freezing is recommended as described above.
Final Thoughts
Making this Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe is like inviting a warm hug of sweetness and spice into your kitchen. It’s simple, rewarding, and creates a snack that’s perfect for every occasion, from afternoon treats to festive parties. I can’t recommend it enough—go ahead and try this recipe; your taste buds will thank you every single time!
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
These Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts are a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat, perfect for snacking or gifting. Combining a variety of nuts coated in a cinnamon-sugar glaze, cooked slowly to perfection, they offer a warm and comforting flavor with minimal effort. A perfect holiday or anytime snack!
Ingredients
Nuts
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1 cup cashews
Coating
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Others
- Cooking spray (for greasing slow cooker)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Grease the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make egg white mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy. This mixture helps the sugar and seasoning adhere to the nuts evenly.
- Coat the nuts: Place all the nuts in the slow cooker. Pour the egg white mixture over the nuts, tossing to coat them thoroughly with the frothy mixture.
- Add sugars and spices: Sprinkle the brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt over the coated nuts. Toss everything again to ensure even coverage of the sugar and spices on all nuts.
- Cook the nuts: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Stir the nuts occasionally every 30-40 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cool the nuts: Once cooked and candied, spread the nuts out on a baking sheet in an even layer to cool completely. This allows the sugar coating to harden and become crunchy.
- Serve or store: Enjoy the candied nuts immediately or store them in an airtight container to retain freshness until ready to serve.
Notes
- Stirring occasionally during cooking is important to prevent burning and ensure even candy coating.
- You can vary the nut mix to suit personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Ensure the nuts are completely cooled before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
- These candied nuts make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative jars or bags.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder with the cinnamon.
