Slow Cooker Spiced Nuts

Food gifts, like these slow cooker spiced nuts, are a great way to share the love this holiday season!

How to have a merrier holiday season.

We all know that the holidays often come with all kinds of stress and emotions, especially when it comes to food. And while I’m not here to open a big can of worms about food and emotions today I am here to share this recipe for Slow Cooker Spiced Nuts because I think it’s one that you definitely need to add to your rotation for holiday meals. They’re a great addition to lots of different dishes – both sweet and savory – and they make a lovely gift for teachers, your hairstylist, gym bestie, host or hostess, mail carrier, neighbor, or anyone who loves food.

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These may be habit-forming (in a good way)

It really couldn’t be any simpler than adding nuts, maple syrup, honey, orange zest, vanilla and spices (and LOVE) to a parchment paper-lined slow cooker and letting the low and slow heat work it’s caramelizing magic to create this simply amazing holiday treat.

There’s just something about the heavenly scent of cinnamon, ginger, allspice cardamon, nutmeg and vanilla that fills your home when these spiced nuts are cooking. You may find yourself making several batches this month. Some for you and some to gift to others!

You really should make these merry-making, holiday-enhancing, incredibly snackable Slow Cooker Spiced Nuts right now before things get too busy. I love to add them to a cheese or vegetable and hummus plate or sprinkle them over roasted pears or apples. And chances are good that your guests – like mine – will love them no matter how they’re served.

And, they really do make the sweetest little gift when packed into little jars. 

Or better yet, try tucking them into other types of reusable containers like a silicone sandwich bag, a stack of stainless steel lunch containers, an insulated coffee tumbler or water bottle for a fun, eco-friendly gift that can be enjoyed all year round.

Don’t Forget to Make Merry with these Two Simple Steps (paying particular attention to #1)

1. Spend more time with family and friends, both old and new. The act of gathering together over food or gifting another with a homemade treat connects people in a way that social media or a quick ‘hello’ can never do. At it’s most basic, food is love.
2. Make these Slow Cooker Spiced Nuts and share them with all of your friends. Or make them for your next holiday gathering. Or make them for a sweet little treat for lunch boxes or to add to your morning bowl of yogurt or oats. Just make them soon!

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Let's Get Cookin'

Slow Cooker Spiced Nuts

A lightly sweet treat that everyone will love. Made in the slow cooker, these Slow Cooker Spiced Nuts are simple to make and are the perfect food gift for the snack lovers on your list.

• Author: The Real Food Dietitians
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 mins
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 mins
• Yield: 16 1x
• Category: Slow Cooker, Sweets & Treats

Print Recipe

★★★★★ 4.5 from 2 reviews

Ingredients

• 4 cups raw mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, etc.)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp. honey (or additional maple syrup for vegan-friendly)
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. ground ginger
• ¼ tsp. ground allspice
• ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp. ground cardamom
• ¼ tsp. salt

Instructions

1. Line a slow cooker with parchment paper, pressing the excess paper against the sides and creasing as needed so it lays flat against the side of the slow cooker insert.
2. Place nuts in the slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and stir until nuts are evenly coated.
3. Place lid on the slow cooker and set to LOW heat. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and stir nuts. Replace the lid.
4. Continue cooking, stirring every 30 minutes, until nuts are sticky and fragrant (about 2 – 3 hours depending on your slow cooker).
5. Use parchment paper to carefully lift the nuts out of the slow cooker. Place them, on the parchment paper, on a large baking sheet, stirring occasionally until completely cool.

Notes

Recipe Testing Note: While most any nut (or seed) will work for this recipe, we found that pistachios burned easily and therefore should be avoided. 

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 228
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g

What are your favorite food gifts to give and receive? Share in the comments below.

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Photo Credit: The photos in this blog post were taken by Jess of Plays Well with Butter.