These maple syrup candied nuts Stirred with cinnamon and nutmeg for an easy appetizer, snack, or holiday gift. A bit of cayenne pepper also adds spicy character to every bite!
It's easy to elevate your holiday gifts and baking projects with these roasted candied nuts. All you have to do is mix everything together and bake until golden brown and toasty. When ready, wrap them beautifully or sprinkle them over your favorite dessert. They add extra crunch and lots of comforting, warming spice to everything.
Why You’ll Love This Candied Nuts Recipe
If you like to take your holiday desserts and treats to the next level, these candied nuts are perfect for you.
- Great for gift giving. Store them in a small box or jar, tie a bow on them, and give them as a delicious gift.
- Perfect for the holidays. Candied nuts with warm spices are perfect for fall and winter. Add them to your favorite recipes!
- Versatile. Make them on the stove, add a touch of fruity cardamom, or turn them into crunchy chocolate.
- A twist on a classic. A little heat sets them apart from traditional candied nuts, which are nothing more than sweet.
what do you need
Chili peppers add mild heat and enhance the flavor of warm spices. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient quantities.
- nut– You’ll need pecans, cashews, and almonds.
- Maple Syrup – Raw honey and agave nectar also work.
- Cinnamon- It adds a warm, earthy flavor to the mix. Don't skip it.
- nutmeg- Feel free to swap it out for more cinnamon.
- chili – This is optional.
- Salt – Kosher salt is best because it's very fine and doesn't leave large chunks of salt in the nuts.
What are the best nuts to use?
You can use your favorite nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts to make these spiced candied nuts. A combination of your favorite nuts will also work. However, make sure they are unsalted and raw (not baked) so that the maple syrup mixture can adhere to them properly. If you use roasted nuts, the batch may burn in the oven.
How to Make Candied Nuts
All you have to do is mix the ingredients and bake! Scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe card.
- Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 350F. Line a baking sheet with baking paper. Set it aside. You can also use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Season them. Gently mix all ingredients together until well combined. You can also mix the spices and maple syrup together and then add the nuts.
- Bake them. Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, stir well and bake for another 12-13 minutes. Remove from oven. Let them cool and enjoy!
Tips and variations
Sweet spices and cocoa powder add even more toasty flavor to these festive candied nuts.
- More spice. Stir 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder and 1/8 teaspoon clove powder into the mixture to add depth.
- Use the stove. If you don't want to turn on the oven, place the skillet over medium heat. Grease with cooking spray and add 1/4 of the nutty maple mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until maple syrup caramelizes, 15-18 minutes. It should thicken and be almost dry. Remove from the heat and place them on a plate lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining nut mixture.
- Go all out for the holidays. Add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a festive twist.
- more nuts. Add 1 cup of Brazil nuts, walnuts, or macadamia nuts to the mixture to add more crunch.
- Make them chocolatey. Add 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder to the maple syrup and stir until smooth, then combine with the remaining ingredients of the Chocolate Candied Nuts.
How to use
These candied nuts make a great topping for your favorite holiday dessert. i love them in mine Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes and Vegan Pumpkin Pie Sticks. They're great for me too Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Oatmeal Pecan Streusel. To get in the Christmas spirit, try my Peppermint Cream Chocolate Cake.
Store correctly
Store them in an airtight container away from direct heat and sunlight for up to 10 days. Also keep them away from moisture to prevent them from softening.
More holiday snacks to try
describe
This homemade candied pecan recipe with warm spices and spicy chili will bring a sweet crunch to your holiday season.
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
- Place maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and salt in a bowl and stir to combine. In another medium bowl, add nuts.
- Pour maple mixture over nuts. Stir gently with a spoon to coat the nuts in the sauce.
- Spread on prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Stir halfway through. Let it cool and enjoy.
