Crockpot Candied Nuts

Crockpot Candied Nuts, coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, make the best make-ahead snack or appetizer for the holiday season, and they’re easy to prepare, too! Not only are they a tasty treat for yourself, but they also make delightful gifts, spreading the joy of homemade goodness.

You are in the right place if you crave a nutty and delicious holiday treat. These Crockpot candied nuts make a great addition to your holiday table and serve as great gifts for any occasion. Whether you are making these to distribute at holiday parties or simply want to enjoy them as a snack in the winter months, you will surely be pleased with the results. 

One of the best parts of this easy treat is that it is not complicated to put together. These Crockpot candied nuts are perfect for busy parents looking to create a sweet treat, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. No matter the reason or the season for making this easy recipe, it will surely bring everyone a smile. 

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Candied Nuts

• Delicious Flavor: These nuts are coated in a delightful mixture of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, giving them a sweet and warm flavor with a hint of spice. The combination of sweet and nutty flavors creates a warming, comforting treat. 
• Versatile: Cinnamon sugar nuts can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a fantastic standalone snack, a topping for salads, oatmeal, yogurt, or even a flavorful addition to desserts like ice cream or pies.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is relatively simple and requires no ingredients or complicated steps. It is super simple to put together, even on a busy weeknight. 
• Great for Gifting: Homemade cinnamon sugar nuts also make wonderful gifts. You can package them in decorative glass jars or a holiday bag, attach a gift tag, and give them to friends and family during the holidays or as a thoughtful gesture. They even make great hostess gifts. 
• Healthy Snack Option: Nuts are rich in healthy fats and protein. While this recipe adds sweetness, it’s a healthier snack than many other sugary treats you will enjoy over the holidays.
• Festive Appeal: The warm spices and sweet coating make these mixed nuts particularly appealing during the fall and winter. This is such a comforting and festive treat that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients 

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Granulated sugar
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cinnamon 
• Salt 
• Egg whites
• Water
• Vanilla extract
• Mixed Nuts

How to Make Crockpot Candied Nuts

• Step One: Add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.

• Step Two: In another mixing bowl, whisk the egg white, water and vanilla extract until frothy.

• Step Three: Add the mixed nuts to the egg mixture and stir until the nuts are well coated.
• Step Four: Add the sugar mixture to the nuts and stir until combined.

• Step Five: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the nuts to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 3 ½ hours. Mix the nuts every 20 minutes.
• Step Six: After the nuts are finished cooking, allow them to cool and dry in the slow cooker. You can also place the nuts on a sheet pan.

Equipment Needed

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• Half-sheet size baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk 
• Spatula

What to Serve with Crockpot Candied Nuts

There are several things that you can serve with Crockpot Candied Nuts.

• Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
• Oatmeal Pie
• Homemade Plain Yogurt
• Maple Walnut Ice Cream
• Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream

Variations and Substitutions

• Nut Variations: This recipe can be used with several different types of nuts. You can use nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, and more. You can also opt for a mix of your favorite nuts.
• Nut-Free: For nut allergies, use pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds instead of pecans for a crunchy snack. This is a great way to enjoy a variation of this recipe if you are allergic to nuts. 
• Fruit Infusion: Mix dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or apricots with the slow cooker candied nuts. This will create a delicious pop of fruit and add variety to the texture.

Storage Instructions

If you want to store this delicious treat for future consumption, you certainly can. Simply keep your Candied nuts in an airtight container. They will stay in the refrigerator for one week at room temperature or three weeks. 

Can I Freeze? 

Yes. You can easily freeze this delicious recipe to enjoy later. They can be placed in an airtight container and frozen for up to 3 months. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use Fresh Nuts: Start with fresh, high-quality nuts for the best flavor and texture. You can use a mix of your favorite nuts; just make sure they are fresh. 
• Even Coating: Thoroughly coat the nuts with the egg white mixture. This will help the sugar and spices properly stick to the nuts. You will want a nice, even coating. 
• Regular Stirring: During cooking, stir the nuts every 20 minutes. This helps ensure the nuts are evenly coated and prevents them from sticking together or burning. You don’t want them to cook without stirring, as the final result will not be ideal.
• Cooling and Drying: Allowing the nuts to cool and dry after cooking is essential. This will help the sugar coating harden and create a crunchy texture. You can spread them out on a baking sheet or parchment-lined cookie sheet to cool.
• Gift Idea: These candied nuts make a delightful homemade gift. Package them in decorative containers or jars, tie a ribbon around them, and you have a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends and family.

Can You Bake Instead?

This recipe can be made by baking the nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet. 

• Step One: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Prepare a baking sheet of half-sheet size by lining it with parchment paper or a Silpat silicone mat.
• Step Two: In a small bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Keep this mixture aside for now.
• Step Three: In a larger bowl, blend the egg white with water and pure vanilla extract. Whisk this mixture until the egg white reaches a frothy consistency.
• Step Four: Introduce the mixed nuts to the frothy egg white mixture and use a spatula to ensure the pecans are thoroughly coated.
• Step Five: Add the sugar mixture to the nuts and mix once more, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sugary goodness.
• Step Six: Transfer the nuts onto a baking sheet with rims and spread them out evenly (you can use two forks to assist in this process).
• Step Seven: Place the baking sheet into your oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remember to flip the nuts every 15 minutes to ensure they cook evenly. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature before serving. 

Pralines Vs. Candied Pecans

Pralines are creamy, caramel-like confections made with pecans, sugar, cream, and butter, offering a rich, indulgent flavor and smooth texture.

In contrast, candied pecans feature a crunchy, sweet, and nutty profile, with a sugar-coated, crispy exterior and a roasted pecan interior.

While both treats incorporate pecans and sugar, pralines are creamier and more buttery, while candied pecans are known for their satisfying crunch and simpler, nut-forward sweetness.

Why Are They So Sticky?

• Sugar Mixture Not Cooked Enough: The sugar mixture may not have reached the right temperature or consistency during cooking. The sugar should caramelize and harden as it coats the nuts to achieve a non-sticky texture. Ensure to cook the mixture long enough to become thick and glossy before adding the nuts.
• Humidity: Candied nuts can become sticky in high-humidity environments because sugar absorbs moisture from the air. If you live in a humid climate, it can be challenging to achieve a dry texture. 
• Nuts Not Spread Out: After cooking, if the nuts are piled on top of each other or too close together, they can trap moisture and become sticky as they cool. Spread them on a baking sheet or parchment paper to allow air circulation and proper cooling.
• Insufficient Drying Time: The nuts may not have been allowed enough time to cool and dry completely. Even if they seem dry to the touch when you take them out of the crockpot, they can still retain moisture inside. Ensure that you let them cool and dry thoroughly before storing them.

Why Are They Soft?

• Insufficient Cooking Time: The sugar coating on the nuts may not have been cooked long enough to achieve the desired caramelization and crispness.
• Low Crockpot Temperature: If your crockpot isn’t set at the correct temperature (low), it may not allow the sugar to caramelize properly, resulting in softer nuts.
• Excess Liquid: If the sugar coating mixture is too wet or contains excess moisture from the egg whites, it can prevent the sugar from hardening correctly.

How to Serve

• Snack: Serve the candied nuts as a snack on their own. They make a delicious and addictive treat for munching.
• Appetizer: Use candied nuts to create a unique appetizer. Pair them with cheese and crackers, or serve them as part of a charcuterie board for a sweet and savory contrast.
• Salads: Candied nuts can add a delightful crunch and sweetness to salads. To elevate the flavors, sprinkle them over a green salad, fruit salad, or coleslaw.
• Desserts: Incorporate candied nuts into desserts. They can be crushed and sprinkled over ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal. You can also use them as a topping for pies, cakes, and tarts.
• Gifts: Package candied nuts in decorative containers or jars, tie a ribbon around them, and give them as homemade gifts to friends and family during special occasions or holidays. These cute little homemade treats are the perfect gift for any occasion, especially if you dress up the jars and add cute personalized labels.
• Holiday Treats: Candied nuts are perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve them as a festive snack or incorporate them into your holiday baking. No matter what you choose, you are sure to enjoy the season with these treats on hand.
• Trail Mix: Combine candied nuts with dried fruits, chocolate chips, and other snack items to create a sweet and savory trail mix for on-the-go snacking.
• Weddings and Special Events: If you’re hosting your wedding or special event, candied nuts can be served as a part of the dessert table or as wedding favors for guests to take home. This is a great way to thank your guests for attending your event.

Nut Recipes

• Caramel Nut Brittle
• Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
• Fudge Nut Bars
• Cheesecake Squares with Chocolate Nut Crust
• Southwestern Party Nuts Recipe

FAQ

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