Spiced Nuts Recipe: Flavorful, Healthy and Easy to Make
Spiced nuts recipes are a delicious blend of crunchy, savory and subtly sweet flavors that make them a perfect snack or party treat. Whether you enjoy them as a protein-rich midday pick-me-up, a holiday appetizer, or a topping for salads and desserts, spiced nuts are incredibly versatile, and this spiced nuts recipe is just one of many to try.
In fact, spiced nuts can be made in countless variations, ranging from mildly sweet with cinnamon and honey to bold (like this spiced nuts recipe) and savory with cayenne and smoked paprika.
Homemade spiced nuts not only allow you to control the flavor and sweetness, but also provide a healthy dose of nutrients from heart-healthy fats, antioxidants and plant-based protein. By choosing wholesome ingredients like pecans, almonds, walnuts, honey and cinnamon in this spiced nuts recipe, you can enjoy a snack that’s both satisfying and beneficial for your health.
Key ingredients
This spiced nuts recipe utilizes some of the healthiest nuts to eat, along with honey for natural sweetness and some healthy spices. Here are the main players in this recipe:
Honey
Honey is more than just a natural sweetener; it’s packed with antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which may help combat oxidative stress in the body. Its natural sugars provide quick energy without the artificial additives found in many processed snacks.
Raw honey, in particular, contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals and has been studied for its potential antimicrobial properties, making it a delicious and functional addition to spiced nuts recipes.
Pecans
Pecans are a rich source of monounsaturated fats, which support heart health by helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels. They also provide dietary fiber, vitamin E and plant sterols, all of which contribute to cardiovascular benefits.
Pecans are especially high in manganese, a mineral essential for metabolism and antioxidant defense. Their naturally buttery flavor pairs perfectly with warm spices, making them a staple in many spiced nuts blends.
Almonds
Almonds are nutrient powerhouses, offering plant-based protein, vitamin E, magnesium and healthy fats. Research has revealed that almonds may support blood sugar control, making them a great snack option for those aiming for steady energy levels.
They also provide antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage.
In spiced nuts recipes, almonds add a satisfying crunch and mild flavor that balances out bolder spices.
Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a key role in brain health and inflammation reduction. They also contain polyphenols, plant compounds with antioxidant properties, that may support heart health.
Their slightly earthy, rich taste pairs beautifully with sweet and savory spice blends, making them a popular choice for spiced nuts recipes.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds more than just warmth and aroma; it’s rich in antioxidants and has been linked to improved blood sugar regulation. Its natural sweetness can reduce the need for added sugars in recipes, while its antimicrobial compounds may help fight unwanted bacteria.
In spiced nuts, cinnamon enhances the flavor profile while offering a subtle health boost. Best of all, the benefits of honey and cinnamon are even greater when they’re combined, as they are in this spiced nuts recipe.
This recipe also calls for the optional additional addition of cayenne pepper to give these nuts a little kick, along with added antioxidant benefits.
How to make spiced nuts
This spiced nuts recipe is ready in just 10 minutes. Here’s how to make it:
Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to go when you are. While it warms up, grab a mixing bowl, and toss in all your ingredients, making sure the nuts get a nice, even coating of all that sweet and spicy goodness.
Next, spread the coated nuts out on a cookie sheet in a single layer. (This helps them toast evenly.) Slide the sheet into the oven, and let them toast, giving them a quick stir every so often.
You’ll know they’re ready when the kitchen smells amazing, usually after about four to five minutes.
Take them out, let them cool for a few minutes and you’re ready to enjoy.
Serve them as a snack straight from the bowl, sprinkle them over a salad for a crunchy twist or add them to your favorite holiday dishes for a festive touch.
More nuts recipes
Here are some more healthy recipes that feature nuts:
- Salty Lime Roasted Nuts
- Banana Nut Muffins
- Antioxidant Trail Mix
- Candied Pecan Butternut Squash Salad
- Raw Walnut Tacos
Spiced Nuts Recipe: Flavorful, Healthy and Easy to Make
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This spiced nuts recipe is packed full of healthy fats and only sweetened with honey. Try this amazing snack, and indulge without the guilt today.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 F.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and toss until nuts are completely coated.
- Spread nuts on a cookie sheet in a single layer, and toast, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, and let cool.
- Serve by themselves, or add to salad or holiday dish.
Notes
- You can use whichever nuts you’d like, including Brazil nuts, pistachios, peanuts, etc., but the nutrition facts will differ slightly.
- This recipe is easily customizable. You can use whatever type of spices your prefer for the flavor you’re seeking.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 44g
- Calories: 208
- Sugar: 18.2g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 13.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21.5g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Protein: 3.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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