Get ready for a snack that’s truly hard to resist: Hot Nuts! This recipe transforms a simple mix of pecans, cashews, and almonds into an unbelievably addictive, crunchy, and perfectly balanced sweet and spicy treat. Coated in a warm honey-coconut oil glaze infused with cinnamon and an optional kick of cayenne pepper, these roasted nuts are perfect for snacking, entertaining, or even as a delightful homemade gift.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Hot Nuts are my absolute go-to snack when I’m craving something with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and a little bit of heat. What I love most is how effortlessly they come together – a quick mix, a gentle bake, and you’ve got a gourmet-feeling snack ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of nutty pecans, creamy cashews, and crunchy almonds provides a fantastic textural mix. The honey-cinnamon glaze caramelizes beautifully as it bakes, creating a sticky, irresistible coating, and the cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of warmth without being overpowering. They’re incredibly satisfying and always a huge hit with everyone!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these addictive Hot Nuts:
- 1 bag of pecans (about 1.5-2 cups)
- 1 bag of cashews (about 1.5-2 cups)
- 1 bag of almonds (about 1.5-2 cups)
- 1 bag of dried cranberries (about 1.5-2 cups)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 6 T coconut oil (solid or melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon (ground)
- Cayenne pepper (optional, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, adjust to taste)
Swaps and Notes
- Nuts: The recipe calls for pecans, cashews, and almonds. You can use any combination of your favorite nuts like walnuts, peanuts, or pistachios. Ensure they are unsalted or adjust the salt in the recipe.
- Dried Cranberries: Adds a lovely chewiness and tart sweetness. Dried cherries, blueberries, or even chopped dried apricots could be used.
- Honey: Any type of honey works. Maple syrup can be substituted for a slightly different flavor.
- Coconut Oil: Adds a hint of tropical flavor and helps with the coating. Unsalted butter (melted) or another neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil can be used.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and warmth.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key for the warm spice.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): This adds the “hot” to Hot Nuts! Start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase to 1/2 teaspoon or more if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Salt (Optional): If using unsalted nuts, you might want to add a tiny pinch (1/4 tsp) of salt to the honey mixture to enhance the flavors.
Instructions
Let’s get these delicious Hot Nuts baking!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Honey-Oil Mixture: In a medium microwave-safe bowl (or a small saucepan), combine the 1/2 cup honey and 6 tablespoons of coconut oil. Heat in the microwave (or over low heat on the stovetop) until the coconut oil is melted and the honey is warmed and smooth. Stir well.
- Add Flavorings to Glaze: Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon into the honey-oil mixture. If desired, add the cayenne pepper (start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste for spice). Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Coat Nuts and Cranberries: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pecans, cashews, and almonds. Add the dried cranberries. Pour the warm honey-oil mixture over the nuts and cranberries. Stir well with a spoon or spatula until all the nuts and cranberries are evenly coated with the glaze.
- Bake: Spread the coated nuts and cranberries out in a single, even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven at 275 degrees F (135 degrees C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Stir Every 10 Minutes: During baking, stir the mixture every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. This helps them get beautifully golden and crunchy.
- Adjust for Crunch: I removed mine after about 25 minutes, but you can bake for the full 30 minutes for a more pronounced crunch. Just watch them closely to ensure they don’t burn.
- Cool & Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the Hot Nuts cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, they will become crispier. Once cooled, break any clumps apart and enjoy! Store in an airtight container.
Tips for Success
- Low Oven Temperature: Baking at a lower temperature (275°F) allows the nuts to roast and the glaze to caramelize slowly without burning.
- Stir Frequently: Stirring every 10 minutes ensures even roasting and prevents the nuts from sticking together too much.
- Cool Completely: The nuts will crisp up significantly as they cool. Do not judge their crispness straight from the oven.
- Adjust Cayenne: Add cayenne pepper gradually and taste the mixture before baking to get your desired level of heat.
- Single Layer Baking: Spread the nuts in a single layer on the baking sheet for even roasting. Use two sheets if needed.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container once completely cooled to maintain crispness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Hot Nuts are an incredibly versatile snack, perfect for many occasions:
- Snack Mix: Enjoy as a delicious and satisfying snack on their own.
- Party Food: Serve in a bowl at gatherings, holiday parties, or game nights. They are always a huge hit!
- Gift Idea: Package them in decorative jars or bags for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
- Salad Topper: Chop roughly and sprinkle over a green salad for a sweet, spicy, and crunchy element.
- Oatmeal/Yogurt Topper: A small sprinkle over oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast.
- For other sweet and salty treats, check out our Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks or Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These Hot Nuts store wonderfully, making them great for prepping ahead!
- Room Temperature: Store completely cooled Hot Nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the sweet, spicy, and crunchy nature of these Hot Nuts, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic snack and dessert recipes:
- For another fantastic sweet and savory baked treat, check out our Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas.
- If you’re a fan of no-bake, protein-packed snacks, our These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls Are My Favorite Snack to Keep on Hand are a must-try!
- And for a delightful small chocolatey treat perfect for any time, don’t miss our These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime!
- Finally, for a simple and delicious dessert bar, our Frit Bars Are the Perfect Combination of Crunch and Creamy Goodness are always a winner.
Final Thoughts
These Hot Nuts are a brilliant solution for bringing a truly addictive, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying snack to your table. They’re easy to make, packed with that perfect sweet-spicy crunch, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or simply for personal indulgence.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite spiced nut mix? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy snacking!
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