Addictive Slow Cooker Candied Nuts Recipe

Sweet & Spicy Slow Cooker Candied Nuts Recipe: Irresistibly Good!

Nutty aromas fill the kitchen as these delectable slow cooker candied nuts create a mouthwatering symphony of sweet and crunchy flavors.

Warm spices dance around perfectly coated pecans and almonds, promising an irresistible snack that melts in your mouth.

The slow cooker method ensures each nut becomes a golden, caramelized treasure without burning or uneven coating.

Cinnamon and sugar transform ordinary nuts into an extraordinary treat that disappears within minutes of serving.

These candied nuts offer a simple yet impressive option for holiday gatherings or casual weekend munching.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe so delicious, you’ll want to make extra batches for sharing – or secretly savoring all by yourself.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 170 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Candied Nuts

For Coating Base:
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides the primary sweetness and creates a crisp, sparkling coating for the nuts.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps create a rich, complex flavor profile.
  • Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spiciness that complements the nuts' natural flavor.
  • Ginger: Offers a subtle, zesty kick that enhances the overall sweetness.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
For Binding Ingredients:
  • Melted Butter: Creates a silky texture and helps the sugar mixture adhere to the nuts.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the sweet flavor profile with its rich, warm essence.
For Nuts:
  • Pecans, Almonds, or Walnuts: Choose fresh, high-quality nuts with a crisp texture and no signs of staleness. Whole or halved nuts work best for an impressive presentation. Opt for raw, unsalted nuts to control the final seasoning.

Tools to Prep Slow Cooker Candied Nuts Without the Mess

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for evenly cooking and coating nuts with sweet glaze.
  • Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing sugar, spices, and creating syrupy coating.
  • Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly without lumps.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring nuts and ensuring even coating.
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Ideal for cooling and preventing sticky mess.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.

Make Slow Cooker Candied Nuts with Zero Fuss

  • Prep Youral Nut Maker

Lightly grease your slow cooker with a touch of butter to keep those delicious nuts from getting stuck. Set the heat to low and get ready for some sweet.

  • Create Your Flavor Explosion

Whisk together sugars, warming spices, and a hint of salt in a bowl. Drizzle in melted butter and a splash of vanilla, stirring until you’ve got a glossy, irresistible coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Massage Nuts with Sweet Love

Dump your chosen nuts into the slow cooker. Pour the sparkling sugar mixture over them, gently tossing to ensure every single nut gets a luxurious sugar bath.

  • Slow Dance the Nuts to Perfection

Pop the lid on and let those nuts simmer on low heat for two hours. Give them a loving stir every half hour to help them soak up all that sugary goodness.

  • Transform and Serve

Once done, let the nuts rest and cool for about 15 minutes. They’ll get wonderfully crisp as they chill. Give them a final gentle mix to break up any clingy clusters. Spread them out on parchment paper to cool completely, then get ready to enjoy your homemade treasure.

Adjustments That Make Slow Cooker Candied Nuts Stand Out

  • Stir nuts frequently during cooking to prevent burning and ensure an even, glossy caramelized layer that's crisp and not sticky.
  • Store cooled candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, making them perfect for holiday gifts or unexpected snacking.
  • Experiment with different nut varieties like pecans, almonds, cashews, or a mixed blend to create unique taste combinations and textures.
  • Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index version, or use monk fruit sweetener for a completely sugar-free alternative that's keto and diabetic-friendly.
  • Add unexpected spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to transform the classic sweet recipe into a more complex, gourmet treat that surprises and delights taste buds.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Candied Nuts at Any Event

  • Festive Party Platter: Arrange the candied nuts on a beautiful wooden board with dried fruits, cheese cubes, and fresh herbs for a stunning appetizer spread that'll wow your guests.
  • Gourmet Gift Idea: Package these sweet nuts in cute mason jars tied with ribbon, creating a delightful homemade present perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because.
  • Coffee Companion: Sprinkle these crunchy, sugary nuts on top of cappuccinos, lattes, or use as a delightful side for morning pastries to add a sweet, warming touch to your beverage.
  • Salad Sensation: Crush these candied nuts and scatter them over green salads for an unexpected crunch and caramelized sweetness that elevates simple leafy dishes with gourmet flair.

Ways to Keep Slow Cooker Candied Nuts Fresh Longer

  • Spread nuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet to accelerate cooling and prevent clumping, ensuring each nut stays crisp and separate.
  • Transfer completely cooled nuts into sealed glass jars or containers with tight-fitting lids, keeping them fresh for 2-3 weeks at room temperature away from direct sunlight and humidity.
  • Pack nuts in freezer-safe zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and store up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to maintain optimal crunchiness.
  • Create charming homemade gifts by filling small mason jars, decorative tins, or kraft paper bags with cooled candied nuts, adding a personalized ribbon or label for a festive touch.

FAQs

  • What type of nuts work best for this recipe?

Any nut variety like almonds, pecans, walnuts, or cashews work perfectly. Choose whole, raw nuts for the best texture and flavor absorption.

  • Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use an oven method. Spread nuts on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.

  • How do I prevent the nuts from burning during slow cooking?

Stir the nuts every 30 minutes and keep the slow cooker on low heat. This helps distribute the sugar mixture evenly and prevents scorching.

  • Are these candied nuts gluten-free?

Yes, the basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all ingredients, especially vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

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Addictive Slow Cooker Candied Nuts Recipe

Addictive Slow Cooker Candied Nuts Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Sweet and spicy Slow Cooker Candied Nuts blend cinnamon and sugar for an irresistible treat. Crunchy nuts provide a perfect snack or gift that will delight anyone craving a delicious homemade specialty.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml / 32 fl oz) mixed nuts (pecans, almonds, cashews, or your favorites)
  • 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) brown sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 egg white
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) water

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Lightly grease the slow cooker with butter or cooking spray. Set the device to its lowest temperature setting for gentle, even heating.
  2. Coating Creation: Whisk together granulated and brown sugars, cinnamon, optional ginger, and salt. Blend in melted butter and vanilla extract until a smooth, glossy syrup forms.
  3. Coating and Cooking: Pour the syrup over the nuts in the slow cooker, thoroughly coating each piece. Cover and cook on low heat, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure uniform caramelization and prevent burning.
  4. Finishing: After 2 hours, let the nuts rest briefly in the slow cooker. Carefully separate any clumped pieces, then spread on parchment paper or a silicone mat to cool completely. The coating will harden, creating a crisp, sweet exterior that encases each nut with a delectable caramelized shell.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticking: Generously grease the slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy nut removal and effortless cleanup.
  • Monitor Heat Carefully: Keep the slow cooker on the lowest setting to avoid burning the delicate sugar coating, stirring every 30 minutes for even caramelization.
  • Customize Flavor Profile: Experiment with different nut varieties like almonds, pecans, or walnuts, and add exotic spices like cardamom or nutmeg for unique taste variations.
  • Achieve Perfect Crispness: Allow nuts to cool completely on parchment paper, which helps create a crisp, crunchy texture and prevents clumping during the cooling process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 40 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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