Dessert

Candied Nuts Recipe

Name: Candied Nuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups pecan halves; 2 1/2 cups dry roasted unsalted cashews; 1 cup dry roasted unsalted almonds; 2 large egg whites; 2 tbsp water; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed; 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp fresh grated nutmeg, or ground nutmeg; 2 tsp kosher salt

ByMariam Harutyunyan January 12, 2026January 12, 2026

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Introduction

Candied nuts make a perfect sweet and crunchy snack or a delightful topping for salads and desserts. This easy recipe blends pecans, cashews, and almonds with warm spices and a sugary coating for irresistible flavor. Ready in just about 30 minutes, they’re a great homemade treat to enjoy or gift.

A close-up image of mixed nuts covered in a rough, crumbly brown sugar coating. The nuts include pecans, cashews, and walnuts, each piece richly textured with a sugary layer that appears slightly grainy and crunchy. The nuts vary in shades of golden brown to deeper toasted brown, filling the entire frame with a tight, detailed arrangement. The surface beneath has been changed to a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups pecan halves
2 1/2 cups dry roasted unsalted cashews

1 cup dry roasted unsalted almonds
2 large egg whites

2 tbsp water
2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp fresh grated nutmeg, or ground nutmeg
2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the pecans, cashews, and almonds. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg whites, water, and vanilla extract until frothy. Pour this mixture over the nuts and toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Sprinkle this sugar-spice mixture over the nuts and toss well to ensure all nuts are coated.
Step 4: Spread the coated nuts in a single even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding; use two pans if necessary. Bake for 15 minutes, then toss the nuts to promote even cooking, and bake for another 15 minutes.

Step 5: Remove the nuts from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, break any clusters apart. Store in an airtight container to keep fresh.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of your favorite nuts such as walnuts, macadamia nuts, or hazelnuts to customize the flavor.
For extra crunch, bake nuts a few minutes longer but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sugar mixture for a spicy-sweet twist.
Make these nut clusters gluten-free and vegan by ensuring your sugars and all ingredients meet those standards.

Storage

Store cooled candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. They don’t require refrigeration. If you want to keep them longer, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy after freezing, let them come to room temperature before serving. Reheating is not necessary but can be done briefly in a low oven to refresh crunch.

How to Serve

A metal bowl filled with a pile of sugar-coated nuts, showing rough textures and a mix of golden brown and darker brown colors, some nuts spilling out around the base on a white marbled surface covered with a cloth that has light and dark brown stripes. The nuts look crunchy with a sugary coating that sparkles in the soft light coming from the side. The background is blurred with soft light and shadow effects. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw nuts instead of dry roasted nuts?

Yes, you can use raw nuts, but dry roasted nuts provide extra flavor and crunch. If using raw nuts, you may want to roast them lightly beforehand for best results.