Candied Nuts Recipe Vegan: Easy Sweet Treats to Try

If you’re searching for a delightful, crunchy snack that’s both sweet and satisfyingly nutty, look no further than this vegan candied nuts recipe. Perfect for gifting, topping salads, or just munching straight from the jar, these candied nuts bring a burst of flavor with every bite.

And the best part? They’re entirely plant-based, making them suitable for vegans and anyone looking to reduce dairy or animal products in their diet.

With simple pantry ingredients and easy steps, you’ll whip up a batch of these golden, caramelized nuts in no time. Whether you prefer almonds, pecans, walnuts, or a mix, this recipe is incredibly versatile and customizable to your taste preferences.

Let’s dive into the sweet, crunchy goodness of vegan candied nuts!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan candied nuts recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it offers a quick and easy way to elevate plain nuts into a gourmet treat without any animal products.

The combination of coconut sugar and maple syrup provides a rich, natural sweetness that’s healthier than refined sugar alternatives.

Second, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can use your favorite nuts or seeds, adjust the spices to suit your palate, and even add a pinch of heat with cayenne or cinnamon for a warm twist.

Plus, it’s perfect for holiday gifts, snack bowls, or as a crunchy salad topper.

Finally, these candied nuts store beautifully, making it easy to enjoy their deliciousness for weeks. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just someone who loves a tasty snack, this recipe is a keeper!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
• Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the syrup mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the maple syrup, coconut sugar, and coconut oil. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and optional cayenne pepper if using.
3. Combine nuts and syrup: Place the mixed nuts in a mixing bowl. Pour the warm syrup mixture over the nuts and stir quickly to coat each nut evenly.
4. Spread nuts on the baking sheet: Transfer the coated nuts to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them into an even layer. Make sure they are not clumped together to allow for even roasting.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
6. Cool completely: Remove the nuts from the oven and allow them to cool fully on the baking sheet. They will harden as they cool, developing a crisp, crunchy coating.
7. Store: Once cooled, break apart any clusters and transfer the candied nuts to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, try toasting the nuts dry in a pan for a few minutes before coating them with syrup. This step brings out their natural oils and enhances the overall taste.

If you want to experiment with different sweeteners, agave syrup or brown rice syrup can be good alternatives to maple syrup, but they may alter the flavor slightly. Also, consider adding spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of orange zest for a fresh twist.

For a savory-sweet option, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or fresh rosemary over the nuts before baking. This makes a fantastic appetizer or snack for gatherings.

Don’t hesitate to try different nuts or even seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to customize your mix.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan candied nuts are incredibly versatile and can enhance many dishes. Sprinkle them over your morning oatmeal or smoothie bowls for a sweet crunch.

They’re also excellent on top of salads, especially those featuring bitter greens like arugula or kale, adding balance and texture.

Try them as a topping for vegan desserts such as dairy-free ice cream, puddings, or even a slice of vegan lemon ricotta pasta with arugula for a surprising twist (check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for inspiration).

They make a thoughtful, homemade gift too. Package them in decorative jars with a ribbon and a personalized note.

For party snacks, pair them with vegan cheese boards or alongside dishes like our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for a complete vegan spread.

Conclusion

This vegan candied nuts recipe is a simple yet impressive way to transform everyday nuts into a sweet, crunchy delight. It’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a gourmet touch to your meals.

With wholesome ingredients like maple syrup and coconut sugar, you get natural sweetness without any refined sugars or animal products. Plus, the flexibility to customize spices and nuts means you can make this recipe truly your own.

If you love easy-to-make, delicious vegan snacks, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. For more creative vegan ideas, explore our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or try the delicious Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe to complement your snacks perfectly!

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