These Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts with Pecans and Almonds are lightly sweetened, with just the right amount of spice. They make a great party appetizer or holiday gift!
*This post was originally published 12/2013. Updated 2017 and 2022*
Hi Friends!
When I originally made this recipe I was on a big almond kick so I made them with just almonds. Since then, I’ve tweaked and updated the recipe and found that making them with pecans is actually my favorite, followed by a mix of almonds and pecans, but if you’re a walnut lover you could definitely throw those in as well.
Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts
These nuts are actually inspired by the sweet and spicy pecans from Trader Joe’s that I absolutely love. When I first tried to recreate them, I just focused on the sweet and spicy. I tried using sriracha – don’t do that Then I tried just cayenne pepper, which worked alright.
But after many attempts, the secret seems to be in the combination of spices. Mixing cinnamon, ginger and cinnamon on the sweet side with chili powder and cayenne pepper on the spicy side gives them a depth of flavor that I love!
Sweet and Spicy Pecans and Almonds
Here’s the recipe I used:
Sweet and Spicy Nuts Recipe
Sweet & Spicy Mixed Nuts
A lightened-up, healthier version of your favorite candied nuts- with a kick!
Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
4 cups raw nuts (I usually use almonds, walnuts & pecans or do all pecans)
1 egg white
1 teaspoon water
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp cayenne pepper (more if you want- I use 2.5 – 3 tsp!)
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
Place the nuts in a large bowl.
In a bowl, whisk the egg white and water together until foamy.
Pour over nuts and stir to coat.
Add sugar and spices and stir to coat.
Pour nuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 300 degrees F for 15 minutes. Stir and bake 15 minutes more.
Remove from oven, let cool and break apart large clusters.
Notes
I’ve updated this recipe to improve it but here’s the original recipe – 3 cups raw nuts (I used almonds, walnuts & pecans, 1 egg white + 1 Tablespoon water + 1/4 cup sugar + 1.5 tsp cayenne pepper
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @theleangreenbean on Instagram
These are addicting! I’d definitely recommend the parchment paper- makes cleanup a breeze! Feel free to adjust the sugar and spice to your liking. These are not overly sweet but they’re perfect for me. The sweetness hits you first and the spice kicks in later! You could easily increase the sugar from 1/3 to 1/2 cup.
These make a great gift for the holidays! Make a double batch and split them up into cute holiday bags or mason jars and voila! Need more homemade gift ideas? Check out these Edible Christmas Gift Ideas.
Want more recipes using nuts?
Chipotle & Rosemary Spiced Nuts
The perfect savory nut blend with just a little bit of heat! Perfect for a party appetizer!
Lemon Energy Balls
Bursting with citrus flavor, these Lemon Energy balls make the perfect snack. Made with just 5 ingredients, they’re gluten-free, paleo-friendly and perfect for stashing in the fridge or freezer!
Puppy Chow Almonds
These Puppy Chow Almonds are a fun twist on a classic treat. The nuts add an extra boost of protein and healthy fats, making it perfect for a special snack or dessert!
Sweet & Spicy Roasted Party Nuts
A delicious mix of nuts, pepitas, maple syrup and fresh rosemary that are absolutely irresistible.
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–
