Spicy and savory flavors unite in this delightful recipe for Chocolate-Dusted Spicy Nuts, perfect for impressing your guests at parties or gatherings. I often find that appetizers can set the tone for the entire meal, and this unique combination of spice and chocolate creates an unforgettable experience that will have everyone asking for more. So let’s look into the simple steps to create this flavor-packed treat!
Chocolate-Dusted Spicy Nuts
A delectable mix of roasted nuts coated with a spicy cocoa blend, offering a perfect balance of sweet and heat for an irresistible snack.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 25 min
Servings: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw pecan halves
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 large egg white
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract.
- Add the pecans, almonds, and cashews to the egg white mixture, stirring until the nuts are well coated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, nutmeg, and chili powder.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the nuts and toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the nuts are toasted and aromatic.
- Remove from the oven and let the nuts cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Nutrition
- Calories: 210 per serving
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 5g
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Facebook PinterestTo start, you’ll need some basic ingredients. Here’s what I recommend gathering:
- 2 cups mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for dusting
Now that you have all your ingredients lined up, we can move on to the preparation. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I typically love the aroma that fills my kitchen when I roast nuts. In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed nuts and olive oil. This will help the spice blend adhere to the nuts. Next, add the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper, giving everything a good stir to ensure the nuts are evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I usually let them roast for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, till they’re golden and fragrant. While the nuts are toasting, I melt the dark chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water, or in the microwave, stopping to stir every 30 seconds until smooth. Once the nuts come out of the oven, you can drizzle the melted chocolate over them, stirring gently to coat them evenly.
Next, take your honey or maple syrup and drizzle it over the chocolate-covered nuts. This adds a bit of sweetness and helps the cocoa powder to stick. Now, for the final touch, sprinkle the cocoa powder over the nuts and give them a gentle toss to combine.
Once everything is well coated, I recommend spreading the nuts back onto the parchment paper to cool completely. This can take about 20-30 minutes. During this time, the chocolate will harden, leaving you with a delightful appetizer that’s both crunchy and rich in flavor.
Once they’re cool, you can serve your Chocolate-Dusted Spicy Nuts in a decorative bowl or a mason jar for an attractive presentation. I love to pair them with a refreshing drink or serve them alongside a cheese platter. Enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
