Sweet & Spicy Crockpot Spiced Nuts Recipe
Nothing transforms an ordinary afternoon snack into something unforgettable quite like a batch of warm, Sweet & Spicy Crockpot Spiced Nuts. The incredible aroma that fills your kitchen creates the kind of cozy, comforting vibe that makes everyone wander in to see what’s cooking. Slow cooking the nuts allows the flavors to gently soak in, giving you a mix of sweetness, heat, and toasty crunch in every bite.
What makes this recipe so appealing—beyond the irresistible flavor—is how incredibly simple it is to prepare. A few pantry staples, a handful of nuts, and a slow cooker are all you need to create a snack that feels gourmet. Whether you’re prepping treats for the holidays, a weekend gathering, or your weekly snack rotation, these spiced nuts are the perfect combination of easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. You’ll love how the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you relax, work, or get other things done.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a table of the core ingredients along with an approximate calorie count for each (based on standard measurements):
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, cashews, etc.) | 3 cups | 2,400 calories |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | 410 calories |
| Maple syrup or honey | ¼ cup | 260 calories |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 2 tbsp | 200 calories |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | 6 calories |
| Paprika | ½ tsp | 3 calories |
| Cayenne pepper | ¼–½ tsp | 4 calories |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 calories |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 calories |
| Egg white (helps coating stick) | 1 | 17 calories |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Nuts
Add all the mixed nuts to the slow cooker. Use raw or roasted—either works—but unsalted nuts give the best control over flavor.
2. Whisk the Wet Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the egg white until frothy. Add melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Mix until combined and slightly glossy.
3. Add the Spices
Stir in cinnamon, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. The blend should smell sweet, warm, and a little fiery.
4. Coat the Nuts
Pour the mixture over the nuts in the slow cooker. Stir until every nut is evenly coated.
5. Slow Cook on Low
Cook on LOW for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring every 30–40 minutes to prevent sticking and burning.
The mixture will caramelize and become slightly sticky before drying.
6. Finish & Cool
Spread the hot nuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to cool for 20–30 minutes.
They will crisp up beautifully as they cool.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Adjust the Heat
- Want more kick? Add an extra pinch of cayenne or a dash of chili flakes.
- Prefer mild? Reduce the cayenne to just a pinch.
Switch Up the Sweetener
- Maple syrup gives a more caramelized flavor.
- Honey adds a floral sweetness.
- Agave syrup keeps it vegan.
Try Different Spices
- Pumpkin spice for fall
- Smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky finish
- Nutmeg or clove for holiday warmth
Go Sugar-Free
Use a brown sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
Add Mix-Ins
After cooling, stir in:
- Dried cranberries
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Dark chocolate chips (when nuts are fully cool)
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 9g |
These values may vary based on the nuts and sweetener used.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday appetizer: Serve in small bowls with cheese and crackers.
- Party snack: Add to charcuterie boards for sweet heat and crunch.
- Gifting idea: Package cooled nuts in small mason jars with ribbon.
- Salad topper: Sprinkle over leafy salads for texture and flavor.
- Yogurt or oatmeal upgrade: Adds delightful crunch and warmth.
- Travel snack: Perfect for road trips or lunchboxes.
Sweet & Spicy Crockpot Spiced Nuts
6–8
servings10
minutes2
hours220
kcalIngredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| ————————————- | ——– |
| Mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, cashews) | 3 cups |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Maple syrup or honey | ¼ cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 2 tbsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | ¼–½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Egg white | 1 |
Directions
- Prepare the nuts: Add mixed nuts to the slow cooker. Use raw or roasted, unsalted preferred.
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk egg white until frothy. Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla.
- Add spices: Mix in cinnamon, paprika, cayenne, and salt.
- Coat nuts: Pour mixture over nuts in the slow cooker. Stir to coat evenly.
- Slow cook: Cook on LOW for 2–2½ hours, stirring every 30–40 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Cool: Spread nuts on parchment-lined baking sheet. Let cool 20–30 minutes; they will crisp up as they cool.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Stir the nuts frequently while slow cooking to prevent burning and ensure even coating.
Nuts will appear slightly sticky when hot but will crisp as they cool—don’t skip the cooling step.
Feel free to experiment with different nut combinations for unique flavors and textures.
FAQs
1. Can I make these spiced nuts without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 25–30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent burning. The flavor will still be delicious, though the slow cooker gives a more even caramelization.
2. Can I use different types of nuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, cashews, walnuts, and even pistachios all work. You can mix and match based on preference or what you have on hand.
3. How long do these nuts stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. You can also refrigerate them for up to a month or freeze for longer storage.
4. Can I make them sugar-free or vegan?
Yes. Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey and a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol instead of brown sugar. Use vegan butter to make it fully plant-based.
5. How spicy are these nuts?
The recipe has a mild heat from cayenne, which balances the sweetness. You can adjust the cayenne to your taste—more for a kick, less for a milder snack.
Conclusion
Sweet & Spicy Crockpot Spiced Nuts deliver everything a great homemade snack should: bold flavor, irresistible crunch, and effortless preparation. The slow cooker handles the hard work, leaving you with a batch of beautifully caramelized nuts packed with warmth and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at gatherings, or simply enjoying them throughout the week, these spiced nuts bring a satisfying combination of sweetness and fire that keeps you coming back for more.
