Crock pot candied nuts are one of the easiest homemade treats you can make when you want something sweet, salty, crunchy, and just a little spicy. Made with heart-healthy roasted mixed nuts, warm spices, and simple pantry ingredients, they're perfect for snacking, sharing at parties, gifting during the holidays, or setting out on game day.

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The backstory.
Candied nuts are one of those recipes that always seem to show up around the holidays, but honestly, they're too good to save for just one season. I love making a batch for parties, game day, or whenever I need an easy homemade snack to have on hand. Since the slow cooker does all the work, it's one of my favorite ways to make a sweet, crunchy treat without much effort.
It's a must make.
These crock pot candied nuts that are incredibly easy, packed with flavor, and perfect for everything from holiday gifts to everyday snacking.
- They're sweet, salty, and perfectly spiced. Every bite has the perfect balance of sugary sweetness, warm cinnamon, ginger, and just enough cayenne for a subtle kick.
- They're almost effortless. The slow cooker does the work while you stir just a couple of times, making this one of the easiest homemade snacks you'll make.
- They're perfect for every occasion. Serve them as party food, an appetizer before dinner, a game day snack, or package them into jars for thoughtful homemade gifts.
- They're easy to customize. Swap your favorite roasted mixed nuts or adjust the spice level to make them exactly how your family loves them.
Let's talk flavor and texture.
These nuts are everything you want in a homemade snack. The buttery sugar coating caramelizes into a lightly crisp shell that's sweet with hints of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, while a pinch of cayenne adds just enough spicy warmth to keep you reaching for another handful. Inside, the almonds, cashews, pistachios, pecans, and macadamia nuts stay perfectly crunchy, giving every bite a delicious contrast of textures.
What you'll need.

Making crock pot sweet and spicy nuts couldn't is easy. Here's everything you'll need to create this irresistible snack.
- Roasted mixed nuts: A combination of unsalted roasted almonds, cashews, pistachios, pecans, and macadamia nuts gives every handful plenty of variety. Using unsalted nuts lets you control the final flavor.
- Butter: Melted butter helps coat every nut and creates that rich candied finish. I used unsalted butter to control how much salt is in the recipe.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps form the crunchy coating.
- Brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.
- Ground ginger: Adds gentle warmth and a little zing.
- Ground cinnamon: The classic spice that makes these nuts smell incredible while they cook.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- Ground cloves: Adds a cozy depth that's perfect during the holidays.
- Cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to create that sweet and spicy combination. Add a little more if you enjoy extra spice.
For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!
How to make this crockpot sweet and spicy mixed nuts recipe.
Here's an overview on how to make this recipe. See the recipe card below for complete instructions. Enjoy!
- Add all ingredients to a 3-6 quart greased slow cooker.
- Cook everything together on LOW for about 2 hours, stirring once halfway through and again when cooking is finished.
- Pour the coated nuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread them into an even layer.
- Let the nuts cool completely.
- They'll seem soft at first but become wonderfully crunchy as they cool.
- Transfer to an airtight container and enjoy whenever a sweet, crunchy snack sounds good.
Make it your way.
This sweet and spicy mixed nuts recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to customize with whatever you have on hand.
- Use any combination of unsalted roasted or toasted nuts, but be used as long as they equal to a 4-cup equivalent. If salted nuts are used - be very careful how much you add to the recipe, or it will be too much. Start with a small amount, then taste.
- Substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar for a deeper, richer sweetness. Syrup is a bit more potent in flavor and sweetened intensity so add to taste a little at a time.
- Use all pecans to make crock pot candied pecans.
- Increase the cayenne if you prefer a spicier snack or decrease for less spice.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for extra holiday flavor.
- Stir in a splash of vanilla extract after cooking for another layer of sweetness.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt after cooling for an extra sweet and salty finish to your candied nuts in crock pot.
- Toast your own nuts before cooking if you're starting with raw nuts.
If you're putting together a spread of snacks for the holidays, game day, or your next get-together, these recipes pair perfectly together. Sweet Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters are always a crowd favorite, while this Parmesan Ranch Slow Cooker Chex Mix adds a savory, crunchy bite that's impossible to stop snacking on. For something warm and hearty, Crockpot Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon disappear fast and are always one of the first appetizers to go.
How to enjoy them.

A batch of crock pot candied nuts is always welcome on the table, whether you're entertaining or simply looking for an afternoon snack.
- Serve them in a decorative bowl for holiday gatherings or family movie nights.
- Add them to a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, crackers, and fresh fruit.
- Sprinkle over salads for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Package them in mason jars or treat bags for homemade gifts during the holidays.
- Set them out as party food or an appetizer before dinner.
- Keep a container in the pantry for an easy snack whenever you're craving something crunchy.
Kori's tips.
- Let them cool completely - They'll crisp up as they cool, so don't worry if they seem soft when they first come out of the slow cooker.
- Stir twice during cooking - One stir halfway through and another at the end helps coat every nut evenly.
- Use unsalted roasted nuts - This gives you the best balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper - Cleanup is much easier and the nuts won't stick.
- Store them in an airtight container - They'll stay fresh and crunchy for up to one month.
- Make a double batch for the holidays - These disappear quickly and make wonderful homemade gifts.
📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

FAQ's
Once cooled, transfer the nuts to an air-tight container. Spiced nuts will keep up to 1 month if stored in a pantry.
Yes! Place the cooled nuts in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Add spices according to the recipe you are following. Most commonly you add them at the beginning of your cooking process. The ingredients will absorb the spices while cooking if they are present. You can always add more spices to taste after cooking.
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📖 The recipe.

Crock Pot Sweet and Spicy Nuts
Ingredients
- 4 cups unsalted roasted mixed nuts (we used a blend with almonds, cashews, pistachios, pecans, and macadamia nuts)
- ⅓ cup butter (melted)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (use ¼ teaspoon (or more) if you like it spicier)
Instructions
- Grease the inside of a crockpot (or use a liner sprayed with nonstick spray). Add all ingredients to a 3 to 6-quart slow cooker and stir.

- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring halfway through and at the end.

- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the nuts in a single layer across the baking sheet. Cool for at least 1 hour. Store in an airtight container.

Video
Notes
- Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
- VARIATIONS: Maple syrup could be substituted for the brown sugar; any combination of unsalted roasted or toasted nuts may be used as long as you have a 4 cup equivalent. To toast your own nuts, preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Place nuts (remove any skin) on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until golden.
- TIPS: Nuts will be soft after cooking but will harden once cooled.
- STORAGE: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
© 2025 Slow Cooked Eats
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