Description
Sweet holiday magic happens when homemade Slow Cooker Candied Nuts fill kitchens with irresistible cinnamon-sugar aromas. Crunchy pecans or walnuts become golden-glazed treats you cannot resist munching through festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (960 ml) mixed nuts (pecans, almonds, cashews, or your favorites)
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Binding Ingredients:
- 1 egg white
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker surface with a thin layer of butter or cooking spray, creating a non-stick environment for the delicate nuts. Activate the slow cooker at its lowest temperature setting to promote gentle, uniform heating.
- Craft a luxurious coating by blending granulated and brown sugars with aromatic cinnamon, optional ginger, and a subtle salt accent. Incorporate melted butter and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture transforms into a glossy, cohesive syrup.
- Gently tumble the selected nuts into the slow cooker, then cascade the sweet syrup over them. Tenderly fold the nuts, ensuring each morsel receives a thorough, even glaze.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the nuts to simmer on low heat for approximately 2 hours. Interrupt the cooking process every half-hour to redistribute the nuts, promoting consistent caramelization and preventing potential burning.
- After cooking, let the nuts rest briefly within the slow cooker, allowing residual heat to solidify the sugary coating. Carefully separate any clustered nuts with a gentle stirring motion. Transfer the candied creation onto parchment paper or a silicone mat, permitting complete cooling and achieving a crisp, delectable texture.
Notes
- Enhance flavor depth by toasting nuts briefly in a dry skillet before adding to the slow cooker, which will unlock richer nutty notes and create a more complex taste profile.
- Customize sweetness levels by adjusting sugar quantities, using alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar or monk fruit for low-carb and diabetic-friendly options.
- Prevent moisture buildup during cooking by leaving the slow cooker lid slightly ajar or using a kitchen towel underneath to absorb condensation and maintain crisp nut texture.
- Experiment with spice variations like adding cardamom, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper to create unique flavor combinations that elevate the classic candied nut recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 221
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 58 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg