Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors! Our Sweet n Spicy Candied Nuts are not just a snack; they’re a gourmet experience that will have your friends and family coming back for more. Imagine the satisfying crunch of mixed nuts coated in a luscious glaze of sugar, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a unique gift, or simply craving a delicious treat, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to impress. Dive into the world of irresistible flavors and discover how to make this crowd-pleasing delight in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the nuts from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts) with a pinch of salt. Stir to ensure the salt is evenly distributed among the nuts.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Add 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the melted butter. Stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved and the spices are well incorporated, creating a smooth glaze.
- Pour the glaze over the mixed nuts in the bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, toss the nuts until they are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.
- Spread the coated nuts evenly on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Stir the nuts halfway through the baking time to ensure they roast evenly and do not burn.
- Keep a close eye on the nuts as they bake, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly. You want them to be golden brown and fragrant.
- Once the nuts are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. As they cool, they will harden and become crunchy.
- After cooling, break apart any clusters that may have formed and transfer the sweet and spicy candied nuts to a serving bowl or an airtight container for storage.
- Enjoy your Sweet n Spicy Candied Nuts as a delicious snack, or use them as a topping for salads, desserts, or cheese boards!
Tips
- Choose Your Nuts Wisely: While the recipe calls for almonds, pecans, and walnuts, feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts or whatever you have on hand. Cashews and hazelnuts make excellent additions!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon or even omit it altogether. For those who love a kick, don’t hesitate to add more!
- Watch the Oven: Nuts can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on them while they bake. A minute or two can make all the difference between perfectly toasted and burnt nuts.
- Cool Completely: Allow the nuts to cool completely on the baking sheet to ensure they harden properly. This will give you that perfect crunchy texture that everyone loves.
- Storage Tips: Store your Sweet n Spicy Candied Nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They also make a fantastic gift when packaged in a decorative jar!
- Versatile Uses: Don’t just snack on them! Use these candied nuts as a topping for salads, desserts, or cheese boards to elevate your culinary creations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
