If you have a sweet tooth and love crunchy snacks, then you are absolutely going to adore this Sweet Cinnamon Candied Nuts (Crockpot or Oven) Recipe. Imagine perfectly roasted mixed nuts coated in a luscious cinnamon-spiced sugary glaze, with a satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether you choose the slow and easy crockpot method or the faster oven technique, this recipe brings out warm, comforting flavors perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gifting, or simply boosting your snack game. Once you try these nuts, you might just find yourself making them again and again—they are addictive in the best way possible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a pivotal role: the nuts offer texture and heartiness, the egg whites act as a binder for the sugar coating, and the blend of sugars and cinnamon delivers that iconic sweet-spiced flavor that makes these candied nuts so irresistible.
- 12 cups mixed nuts (unsalted pecans, almonds, cashews): A trio of robust, crunchy nuts that create an exciting texture contrast and balanced flavor.
- 4 egg whites: Acts as a sticky binder helping the sugar and cinnamon adhere evenly to the nuts.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, fragrant sweetness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- 2 cups sugar: The primary sweetener, giving the nuts a crisp, caramelized coating.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds depth with its rich molasses notes, enhancing the warmth of the cinnamon.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon: The star spice that brings the signature sweet and spicy aroma to this classic treat.
How to Make Sweet Cinnamon Candied Nuts (Crockpot or Oven) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Nuts
Start by placing your mixed unsalted nuts into a large bowl. Using unsalted nuts is crucial here—it lets you control the seasoning and avoids an overly salty end result. This mix of pecans, almonds, and cashews will give you a variety of textures and flavors that complement each other beautifully.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Whites and Vanilla
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg whites and vanilla extract until just frothy. This frothiness ensures that the nuts will get a light, even coating that holds the sugars perfectly. The egg whites not only help the sugars stick but also create that crackly candy layer after cooking.
Step 3: Coat the Nuts
Toss your nuts into the egg white mixture, making sure every single nut is thoroughly coated. This helps prepare a sticky canvas so when you add the sugar and cinnamon mixture, it clings tightly to the surface of the nuts, setting the stage for delicious candied perfection.
Step 4: Mix the Sugar and Spice Blend
In another bowl, stir together your sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. This balanced blend is the heart of this Sweet Cinnamon Candied Nuts (Crockpot or Oven) Recipe—the sugars caramelize to add sweetness while the cinnamon and salt bring fragrant warmth and a necessary contrast to the sweetness.
Step 5: Combine Nuts with Sugar Mixture
Pour the sugar and spice blend over the coated nuts and toss everything again, ensuring every nut is generously covered. This step is where the magic begins, as the sugar clings to the nuts, preparing to form that irresistible crunchy shell during cooking.
Step 6: Cooking Your Nuts
For the crockpot method, spread your coated nuts evenly in the crockpot. Set it on low and cook for about 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent burning and encourage even coating. For the oven method, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper, spread the nuts evenly, and bake for approximately 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Both methods gently toast the nuts while caramelizing the sugar coating to perfect, golden-brown crunchiness.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once cooked, transfer the nuts to a baking sheet or parchment-lined surface to cool completely. This step is vital; as they cool, the sugary coating hardens into that wonderfully crisp shell you’re aiming for. After this, your Sweet Cinnamon Candied Nuts (Crockpot or Oven) Recipe is ready to snack on, gift, or use as a delightful topping.
How to Serve Sweet Cinnamon Candied Nuts (Crockpot or Oven) Recipe
Garnishes
These candied nuts shine as a garnish on almost anything. Sprinkle them over a fresh salad to add a delightful crunch and sweet spice, or sprinkle on top of a warm bowl of oatmeal or yogurt for added texture and flavor. They also pair beautifully as a topping for cakes, cupcakes, and even ice cream, delivering that extra layer of decadence.
Side Dishes
Serving these nuts alongside cheese boards is a game changer. Their sweet and spicy profile complements creamy cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar perfectly. They also work splendidly as a festive side snack at parties, adding variety and a sweet-savory balance to your offerings.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or entertaining, package your Sweet Cinnamon Candied Nuts (Crockpot or Oven) Recipe in decorative jars tied with a ribbon or nestled in festive treat bags. You can also use them as crunchy toppings for Thanksgiving or holiday dishes, or add a handful to homemade granola bars or trail mix for an extra burst of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keeping them sealed prevents moisture from softening that satisfying crunchy shell, ensuring they stay fresh and crisp each time you want a treat.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delightful nuts longer, freezing is a great option. Place the nuts in a freezer-safe container or bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature. They retain texture and flavor beautifully when frozen properly.
Reheating
If your nuts lose some crispness over time, a brief reheat in a low-temperature oven (around 250°F) for 5 to 10 minutes can revive their crunch. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning the sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I use only one type of nut?
Absolutely! While the mix of pecans, almonds, and cashews offers a delicious variety, you can use just one type like pecans or almonds if that’s your preference. The recipe works well with any unsalted nuts you love.
Is it necessary to use egg whites?
Egg whites act as a binder to help the sugar and cinnamon coat the nuts evenly. If you’re looking for an egg-free alternative, you could try using a light mist of water or a plant-based binder, but keep in mind the coating may not be as uniform or crisp.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar quantities slightly if you prefer a less sweet snack. However, the sugars also help create the crunchy candy shell, so reducing them too much might affect texture.
What’s the best method: crockpot or oven?
Both methods yield fantastic results. The crockpot method is great for a slow, hands-off approach, while the oven method is quicker and perfect if you want your nuts ready sooner. Choose based on your schedule and preference!
Can I add other spices or flavors?
Feel free to experiment! Adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or even a dash of cayenne pepper can add intriguing flavor twists. Just start with small amounts so the new spices don’t overpower the cinnamon’s lovely warmth.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sweet Cinnamon Candied Nuts (Crockpot or Oven) Recipe enough! It’s simple to make, utterly delicious, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re snacking solo, sharing at a party, or gifting some homemade goodness, these nuts are a surefire crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without them!
Print
Sweet Cinnamon Candied Nuts (Crockpot or Oven) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously sweet and crunchy candied nuts made using either a crockpot or oven method. This recipe combines mixed nuts with a flavorful coating of sugars, cinnamon, and vanilla, perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
Mixed Nuts
- 12 cups mixed nuts (unsalted pecans, almonds, cashews)
Wet Ingredients
- 4 egg whites
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Nuts: In a large bowl, add your mixed nuts, ensuring they are unsalted for best flavor balance.
- Mix Egg Whites and Vanilla: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites and vanilla extract until just frothy, which helps the sugar mixture stick to the nuts.
- Coat Nuts: Toss the egg whites into the nuts, stirring thoroughly until all nuts are evenly coated with the frothy mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together both the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Coat Nuts with Sugar Mixture: Add the sugar and spice mixture to the coated nuts. Toss continuously until all nuts are evenly coated with the sugary cinnamon mix.
- Cook in Crockpot or Oven: For the crockpot method, spread the nuts in the crockpot insert and cook on low for about 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent burning. For the oven method, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C), arrange the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping.
- Cool and Store: Once cooked and golden, remove the nuts from heat and spread them out on parchment paper or a cooling rack to cool completely. After cooling, break apart any clusters and store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Notes
- Stirring the nuts regularly during cooking is essential to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or add a splash of bourbon before cooking.
- Store candied nuts at room temperature in a sealed container for up to two weeks.
- If you prefer different nuts, feel free to substitute or mix according to your taste.
- Ensure the egg whites are whisked until just frothy but not stiff to help the coating stick properly.
