Homemade candied nuts are like little crunchy nuggets of happiness, just waiting to take your taste buds on a delightful ride. Picture this: warm, caramelized sweetness dancing on freshly roasted nuts while comforting aromas waft through the kitchen, tempting even the most disciplined snackers to indulge. holiday cookie favorites perfect sweet treat pairing These delectable morsels are perfect for cozy nights in, holiday gatherings, or just because you deserve a treat. cozy breakfast option For more inspiration, check out this Banana Foster Chex Mix recipe recipe.
I remember the first time I made homemade candied nuts; it was during a snowstorm that trapped me inside with my mischievous cat and an insatiable craving for something sweet. savory and healthy wrap The moment those nuts hit the oven, I knew I was about to create something magical. And let me tell you, they didn’t last long!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These homemade candied nuts are a breeze to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish
- The rich flavor profile combines sweet and salty notes that perfectly balance each other
- Their stunning golden hue makes them an eye-catching addition to any table or gift basket
- Beyond snacking, they make fantastic toppings for salads or desserts, adding crunch and flair.</p><div class='hb-ad-inpage'><div class='hb-ad-inner'><div class='hbagency_cls hbagency_space_238832' id='hbagency_space_238832_3'></div></div></div>
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Friends went wild over the batch I took to our game night; they disappeared faster than our team’s chances of winning.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Mixed Nuts: Use your favorites; almonds, walnuts, and pecans work wonderfully together for texture and flavor.
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Granulated Sugar: This will create that irresistible sweet coating that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
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Unsalted Butter: A touch of richness is added here; always choose unsalted for better control over seasoning.
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Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth; feel free to adjust based on your personal preference.
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Salt: A pinch enhances the overall flavor—sweet can’t live without its salty counterpart!
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract brings a lovely aromatic quality that elevates the final taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Melt the Butter and Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt together butter and sugar until smooth and bubbly. Stir constantly to prevent burning—nobody likes burnt sugar!
Add Flavorings and Nuts: Stir in cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined. Toss in mixed nuts until they’re fully coated in this decadent mixture.
Spread on Baking Sheet: Pour the coated nuts onto your prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Spread them out so they can roast evenly and develop that lovely crunch.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on them; nobody wants burnt offerings at their snack table!
Cool Before Serving: Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into clusters. Patience pays off here as they firm up nicely while cooling!
Enjoy these homemade candied nuts as a delightful snack on their own or sprinkled atop yogurt or salad for an extra crunch! For more inspiration, check out this crunchy snack ideas recipe.
You Must Know
- Homemade Candied Nuts are more than a snack; they’re a delightful treat perfect for parties or cozy evenings at home
- The sweet aroma fills your kitchen and the crunchy texture keeps everyone coming back for more
- Plus, you can customize them to suit any taste!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix nuts with sugar and spices before spreading them evenly on the sheet. Bake until golden brown, tossing halfway through for even coating.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap almonds for pecans or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick. Drizzle some maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness; it takes these Homemade Candied Nuts to the next level!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Homemade Candied Nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If they lose their crunch, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about five minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh nuts for the best flavor; stale nuts can ruin your candied creation
- Make sure not to overcrowd your baking sheet, as this prevents even cooking
- Lastly, watch closely during baking to avoid burning!
Sometimes I find myself snacking on these while binge-watching my favorite show, and my friends always ask for seconds. Their smiles make all the work worthwhile!
FAQ
What nuts work best for Homemade Candied Nuts?
Pecans, almonds, and walnuts are perfect due to their unique flavors and textures.
Can I make Homemade Candied Nuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! They store well and make fantastic gifts or party snacks when prepared in advance.
How do I prevent my candied nuts from sticking together?
Make sure they cool completely before storing them separately or dusting with powdered sugar.
Homemade Candied Nuts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Homemade Candied Nuts are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of caramelized sugar with the crunch of your favorite nuts. Perfect for snacking, topping desserts, or gifting, these irresistible morsels can elevate any occasion. With a sweet and salty flavor profile, they are an easy-to-make indulgence that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and sugar until smooth. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
- Add cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract to the mixture.
- Toss in mixed nuts until fully coated.
- Spread nuts evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden brown.
- Cool completely before breaking into clusters.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz (28g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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