Spiced Candied Nuts
Sweet and spicy candied pecans with warm cinnamon flavor, perfect as a snack, topping, or gift for those who enjoy crunchy, caramelized nuts with a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the sugar and ground cinnamon in a saucepan.
- Stir in evaporated milk and water.
- Cook to soft ball stage, stirring constantly.
- Add vanilla and whole pecans.
- Stir until you cannot stir any more.
- Turn out onto wax paper and separate the nuts.
- Keep in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure the nuts are evenly coated, stir continuously while cooking the sugar mixture to prevent burning. If you prefer a different flavor, consider substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or nutmeg to the sugar mixture. This recipe is also great for making homemade gifts, especially during the holiday season.
Serving Suggestions
These spiced candied nuts make a delightful snack on their own or can be served as a topping for salads or desserts. They pair beautifully with the flavors of Vegetarian recipes like roasted Brussels sprouts or a mixed greens salad. Consider serving them alongside a cheese platter for a sophisticated appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the spiced candied nuts in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy. They can last up to two weeks at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them warm, briefly microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can affect their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Candied Nuts contains roughly 390 calories, with 6g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (185% of the Daily Value), calcium (72% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 52g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the nut used, so monitor them closely while cooking to ensure they don't burn.
What can I do if my candy mixture hardens too quickly?
If your mixture hardens too quickly, try adding a teaspoon of water or evaporated milk to soften it while reheating on low heat. Stir gently until the mixture becomes pliable again, allowing you to coat the nuts properly.
How can I make this recipe lower in sugar?
To reduce the sugar content, consider using a sugar substitute suitable for baking, such as erythritol or stevia. Adjust the quantity according to the substitute's sweetness level, and keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly from the original recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).