Print

Sweet and Spicy Nuts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 127 reviews

Sweet and Spicy Nuts combine a delightful mix of almonds, cashews, pecans, and walnuts coated in a flavorful blend of brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and vanilla. Baked to a perfect golden brown, these nuts offer a tasty balance of sweetness and heat, making a perfect snack or party appetizer.

Ingredients

Mixed Nuts

  • 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts)

Spice and Sugar Coating

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Binding Ingredients

  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
  2. Whisk Egg White: In a large bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well to create a sticky coating that will help the spices and sugar adhere to the nuts.
  3. Coat Nuts: Add the mixed nuts to the bowl and stir until they are evenly coated with the egg white and vanilla mixture.
  4. Prepare Spice Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the coated nuts and toss thoroughly to coat all the nuts with the flavorful blend.
  5. Arrange Nuts: Spread the spiced nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
  6. Bake: Bake the nuts for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning and help the nuts brown evenly. Remove when they are golden brown and fragrant.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the nuts to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving so they become crisp and easy to handle.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your spice tolerance for a milder or spicier snack.
  • Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent nuts from sticking to the baking sheet.
  • Store cooled nuts in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
  • Experiment with different nut combinations such as pistachios or macadamia nuts for variety.
  • The egg white coating helps the sugar and spices stick and creates a light glaze on the nuts.