Looking for a flavorful, fuss-free treat that’s sure to impress? This Sweet & Smoky Maple Slow Cooker Nuts recipe offers a perfect balance of rich maple sweetness and subtle smoky spice. It’s a crowd-pleasing snack that’s both simple to prepare and delightfully gourmet.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mixed raw nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and pecans)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
Instructions
Start by lightly coating your slow cooker with non-stick spray or a small dab of oil to ensure an easy cleanup. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and cayenne (if using). Once combined, stir in your favorite mix of nuts, making sure each nut is coated with the sweet, smoky mixture.
Transfer everything to the slow cooker and spread the nuts into a relatively even layer. Set the slow cooker to its low setting and cook for about 90 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
When the nuts look and smell toasted, transfer them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. This step is key—letting everything rest and cool will help the coating become crisp and slightly glossy. It’s tempting to snack on them right away, but they taste even better once they’ve cooled down and the flavors have mingled.
Serve them in a bowl, package them in cute little jars for gifts, or use them to add pop to salads and cheese boards.
Whether you’re a busy home cook or just want to satisfy a savory-sweet craving, these nuts are a dream. They’re naturally gluten-free, and you can easily swap the maple syrup for honey or use your preferred spice blends. Lower the heat level by omitting the cayenne, or pump it up with extra chili flakes.
This recipe’s flexibility and effortless nature make it perfect for holiday entertaining, quick snacking, or even a last-minute homemade gift—and you’ll love how easily the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
