Sweet & Spicy Crockpot Spiced Nuts
These sweet and spicy crockpot nuts are coated in a crunchy, caramelized sugar glaze with just enough heat to keep them addictive. The slow cooker does most of the work, and you’ll end up with a batch that’s perfect for snacks, gifts, or topping salads.
🧡 Why You’ll Love It
- Hands-off cooking: The crockpot handles the slow caramelizing for you.
- Big-batch friendly: Makes about 6–7 cups of nuts — ideal for gifting or meal prep.
- Budget-smart: Use whatever nuts you have on hand.
- Customizable heat and sweetness: Easy to adjust to your taste.
- Smells amazing while cooking: Bonus benefit, but the real win is the flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
Base Mix
- 4 cups mixed nuts (raw or roasted — almonds, pecans, walnuts, and cashews are great)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use ½ teaspoon for mild, 1½–2 teaspoons for spicy)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Binding & Flavoring
- 1 large egg white
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons water (added near the end for crunch)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup for a deeper caramel flavor
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of BBQ depth
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg or allspice for a holiday twist
You’ll need a 4–6 quart slow cooker — a standard model like this Crock-Pot works perfectly.
🍳 Steps
- Prep your slow cooker:
Spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. - Whisk the coating:
In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla until frothy — about 1 minute. This helps the sugar coating stick evenly to the nuts. - Add the nuts:
Toss your mixed nuts into the bowl and stir well until every nut is shiny and coated. - Combine dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the sugars, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt. Pour the sugar mixture over the nuts and stir until everything looks evenly coated. - Transfer to crockpot:
Pour the coated nuts into your slow cooker and spread them evenly. - Cook low and slow:
Cover and cook on LOW for 2½ to 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. This step is key — regular stirring keeps the sugar from burning around the edges. Use a heat-resistant silicone spatula like this set. - Finish with water:
In the last 30 minutes, drizzle in the 3 tablespoons of water. Stir to coat. This helps dissolve the sugar slightly, creating a shiny, crunchy shell when cooled. - Cool and crisp:
Once cooked, spread the nuts out immediately on parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (grab one here) in a single layer. Let them cool completely — about 30–45 minutes — before breaking apart any clusters.
💡 Helpful Tips & Substitutions
- Raw vs. roasted: Raw nuts absorb the coating better, but roasted work fine — just reduce the cook time slightly (2 to 2½ hours).
- Add-ins: A pinch of espresso powder or cocoa powder adds a grown-up twist.
- For more heat: Stir in a dash of hot sauce before cooking.
- To make extra crunchy: After slow cooking, spread nuts on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F for 10–12 minutesto firm up the coating.
- No crockpot? You can bake these on a lined sheet pan at 300°F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Avoid burning: Don’t cook on HIGH — sugar burns fast. Stick to LOW.
🎁 Serving Ideas
- Snack bowls: Perfect for parties, game day, or movie nights.
- Salad topper: Sprinkle over greens with goat cheese and cranberries for a sweet-spicy crunch.
- Breakfast boost: Add a handful to oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes.
- Gift jars: Spoon into mason jars (these work great) and tie with ribbon for a quick homemade gift.
- Trail mix: Mix with dried cranberries, chocolate chips, and pretzels for a balanced snack.
🕒 Make-Ahead & Storage
- To store: Keep completely cooled nuts in an airtight glass jar or container for up to 3 weeks at room temperature.
- To freeze: Store in freezer-safe bags (like these) for up to 3 months.
- To re-crisp: Spread on a baking sheet and warm at 300°F for 5–7 minutes before serving.
- Gifting tip: Make them a few days in advance; they keep their crunch and flavor beautifully.
These sweet and spicy crockpot nuts hit the perfect balance — crunchy, caramelized, and just the right amount of heat. The slow cooker makes the process foolproof, and the result is a snack that tastes fancy but takes almost no effort. Great for everyday munching or packing up as thoughtful homemade gifts.