If you’re searching for that perfectly crunchy, sweet treat to munch on during cozy evenings or to impress guests at your next gathering, look no further than this Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe. It’s a magical blend of pecans, almonds, peanuts, and cashews, all coated in a luscious mixture of vanilla, cinnamon, and sugars, slowly cooked to caramelized perfection. The slow cooker does all the work, turning simple nuts into an irresistible snack bursting with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for both gifting and snacking alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe lies in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the creamy sweetness of sugars and vanilla to the warmth of cinnamon and the nutty variety of the mix.
- 2 egg whites: Helps the sugar mixture stick to the nuts, creating that perfect candied coating.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla: Adds a warm, fragrant depth that elevates the sweetness.
- 2 cups pecan halves: Bring a buttery richness and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 cup almonds: Offer a firm texture and subtle nuttiness.
- 1 cup peanuts: Classic nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with sweetness.
- 1 cup cashews: Creamy and smooth, balancing the mix perfectly.
- 2 cups brown sugar: Provides rich caramel notes and moisture.
- 1 ½ cups white sugar: Contributes crisp sweetness and that lovely sparkle on the nuts.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, spicy kick to the mix.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
How to Make Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Start by greasing the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray so the nuts won’t stick. Then whisk together the egg whites and vanilla until frothy—this mixture is key to helping the sugar adhere evenly and form that irresistible crunchy coating.
Step 2: Coat the Nuts
Place all your nuts—pecans, almonds, peanuts, and cashews—into the slow cooker. Pour the whipped egg white and vanilla blend over them, tossing gently to make sure every nut is coated. This ensures every bite will have that sweet, crunchy layer you’re after.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Spices
Next, sprinkle both brown and white sugars over the nuts along with the ground cinnamon and kosher salt. Stir everything thoroughly so that the nuts are evenly covered in this aromatic, sweet-spiced mixture that will caramelize beautifully over cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook the nuts on low for 2 to 3 hours. Be sure to stir every 20 to 30 minutes to prevent burning and to help the nuts toast evenly. This slow, gentle heat transforms the sugar shells into crunchy, candy-like coatings that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 5: Cool the Candied Nuts
Once cooked, spread the candied nuts out onto a baking sheet in a single layer to cool. This step is important as it stops the cooking process and helps the nuts crisp up even more. After cooling, they’re ready to be enjoyed or stored for later.
Step 6: Store or Serve
Whether you’re diving right in or saving these delicious nuts for later, transfer them to an airtight container to maintain their crispness. They keep beautifully and make for a fantastic snack anytime cravings hit.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle these candied nuts over ice cream, yogurt, or even salads to add a sweet crunch and depth of flavor. Their golden caramelized coating and cinnamon scent instantly elevate any dish.
Side Dishes
Serve these nuts alongside cheese boards or charcuterie spreads to add a delightful sweet contrast to savory meats and cheeses. They’re also fantastic paired with warm mulled wine or a cozy cup of spiced cider.
Creative Ways to Present
Fill small mason jars or decorative bags with your slow cooker candied mixed nuts recipe and tie with a festive ribbon for charming homemade gifts. Or use them as edible decorations on cakes and cupcakes to add texture and sweetness that your guests will adore.
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 keeps their crunch and sweetness intact so you can enjoy them well past the initial batch.
Freezing
Want to make these nuts way ahead of time? Freeze them in a sealed container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving to bring back that perfect crunch.
Reheating
If you prefer your nuts warm, simply spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. It revives their freshness and releases those cozy cinnamon and vanilla aromas all over again.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts in this Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add walnuts, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just keep the total nut volume similar for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe without egg whites?
Egg whites help the sugar coating stick well, but if you need an egg-free version, you can try using a small amount of corn syrup or maple syrup, though the texture may differ slightly.
How do I know when the nuts are done cooking?
After about 2 hours on low with occasional stirring, the nuts will be glossy and starting to stick together slightly. If they look dry or the sugar crunch isn’t forming, give them additional time, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spice levels?
Definitely! You can reduce or increase the sugar quantities and tweak the amount of cinnamon to suit your taste. For a little heat, you might even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet-spicy kick.
How long do these candied nuts stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they maintain their freshness and crisp texture for up to two weeks at room temperature and much longer if frozen.
Final Thoughts
Making this Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe is like creating little bites of crunchy, sweet joy that add a festive flair to any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers big on flavor—what more could you ask for? I promise this recipe will quickly become a favorite snack and a crowd-pleaser, so dive in and enjoy every delicious morsel!
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
Enjoy a sweet and crunchy treat with this Slow Cooker Candied Mixed Nuts recipe. A delightful blend of pecans, almonds, peanuts, and cashews coated in a vanilla egg white mixture and a cinnamon-sugar blend, slow-cooked to perfection for a chewy, caramelized finish. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to desserts.
Ingredients
Nuts
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1 cup cashews
Wet Mixture
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Dry Mixture
- 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: Lightly grease the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Mix wet ingredients and nuts: In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy. Add the nuts to the slow cooker and pour the egg white mixture over them. Toss thoroughly to coat all the nuts evenly.
- Add sugar and spices: Combine the brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt in a separate bowl. Add this mixture over the coated nuts, stirring well to ensure an even coating.
- 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 ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Cool the nuts: Once cooked, spread the candied nuts evenly on a baking sheet to cool completely. This step helps them crisp up and prevents clumping.
- Serve or store: Enjoy the candied nuts immediately or store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness until ready to serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easier cleanup after cooling.
- Ensure occasional stirring during cooking to prevent nuts from burning or sticking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Use a 6-quart slow cooker for even cooking; smaller sizes may overfill the mixture.
