Mashuga Nuts

We’re excited to share our homemade Mashuga Nuts recipe - a favorite in our household, and we’re sure it’ll become a staple in yours, too. These candied nuts are delicious and incredibly versatile - perfect as a snack, thoughtful gift, or charming addition to your party spread.

But…what exactly is a mashuga nut?

The name ‘Mashuga’ comes from a Yiddish word meaning “crazy,” trust us, one taste, and you’ll understand why – they’re crazy good!

Usually made with pecans or almonds, chosen for their rich flavor and satisfying crunch, these nuts are taken to the next level with a sweet, crusty coating. And for those who like a little excitement, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of heat.

Why make it at home?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about why making Mashuga Nuts at home is a game changer. Firstly, convenience is unbeatable; you’ll find most of these ingredients right in your pantry, and when you prepare them yourself, you control the quality of the ingredients - ensuring a healthier, fresher batch every time. Plus, the aroma of baking nuts and spices filling your home? Divine!

Choosing your nuts

The highlights of our Mashuga Nuts recipe are undoubtedly the pecans and almonds; these nuts are chosen for their taste and exceptional crunchiness. Feel free to experiment with other nuts, too! Cashews, peanuts, walnuts, and Brazil nuts all make fantastic additions.

• Cashews have a soft, almost creamy texture and delicate sweetness that add a lovely contrast.
• Peanuts, a classic favorite, offer a familiar yet always welcome earthy depth.
• Walnuts, known for their distinctive and slightly bitter edge, give the mix a little twist.
• Brazil nuts, with their large size and rich, meaty texture, provide a satisfying weight to the nut mix.

For this recipe, we use a tub of unsalted mixed nuts to add variety to our mashuga mix.

Spice and sweetness

Our seasoning blend is simple yet magical. We combine cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla - classic flavors that create an irresistibly sweet and aromatic candied crust. If you’re like us and enjoy a bit of zing, throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper.

The secret to that crunch

Here’s the trick to making Mashuga nuts: using an egg white. We whisk it until frothy and then gently toss the nuts in it. this helps the spices and sugar cling to the nuts, ensuring each one is perfectly coated. After baking, you’ll get nuts with a crispy, crackly finish that’s just heavenly.

Mashuga flair

Do you feel like a bit of experimentation for your mashuga nuts? Here are a few ideas;

• Spiced mashuga nuts: Add spices like nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin spice for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Sweet and salty mashuga nuts: Combine the sweetness of the sugar coating with a pinch of sea salt for a contrasting taste.
• Chocolate drizzled mashuga nuts: After baking, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the nuts for a decadent touch.
• Honey glazed mashuga nuts: Substitute sugar with honey for a different kind of sweetness and a glossier finish.
• Espresso mashuga nuts: Mix some finely ground espresso beans with the sugar and spices for a coffee-flavored treat.
• Coconut tossed mashuga nuts: Toss the nuts in shredded coconut before baking for a tropical flavor.
• Lemon zest mashuga nuts: Add lemon zest to the coating for a citrusy zing.
• Maple cinnamon mashuga nuts: Use maple syrup instead of sugar and emphasize the cinnamon for a cozy, autumn-inspired flavor.
• Chili lime mashuga nuts: Combine chili powder and lime zest for a zesty, spicy variation.