Whole30 Sweet & Spicy Candied Nuts

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory with Whole30 Sweet & Spicy Candied Nuts, a healthier twist on a classic snack. This paleo-friendly recipe features a medley of raw mixed nuts—think almonds, pecans, walnuts, and cashews—coated in a naturally sweet date paste infused with warm cinnamon, a hint of cayenne pepper, and a dash of sea salt. A touch of coconut oil and vanilla extract (Whole30-compliant) adds richness and flavor depth, while baking in the oven transforms them into crunchy, caramelized perfection. Ready in just 25 minutes, these candied nuts are not only gluten-free and dairy-free but also refined sugar-free, making them the ideal snack, salad topper, or holiday gift. Perfect for meal prep, these nuts stay fresh for up to a week, delivering big flavor with clean ingredients!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Raw mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, or cashews)
• 6 pieces Pitted dates
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 1 tablespoon Coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cayenne pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract (alcohol-free, Whole30-compliant)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2

In a food processor or blender, combine the pitted dates and water. Blend until a smooth paste forms, scraping down the sides as necessary.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil. Add the date paste and stir to combine.

Step 4

Turn off the heat and mix in the ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined.

Step 5

Add the raw mixed nuts to the saucepan and gently toss them in the date mixture until they are evenly coated.

Step 6

Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7

Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the nuts are fragrant and slightly toasted. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 8

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the nuts cool completely. They will harden as they cool, developing a candied texture.

Step 9

Once cooled, store the nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(316.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1640.3

Total Fat 138.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 585.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 83.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.1g	0%
Total Sugars 38.2g
Protein 41.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 272.0mg	0%
Iron 9.4mg	0%
Potassium 1813.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 71.5%

Protein: 9.4%

Carbs: 19.1%