Easy Candied Walnuts Recipe

Introduction

Easy candied walnuts are a perfect sweet and crunchy snack or topping for salads and desserts. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this delightful treat at home in minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup walnuts
• ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed (do not use dark brown)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt, divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a large plate or sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside for cooling the walnuts later.
2. Step 2: In a medium nonstick skillet, combine walnuts, light brown sugar, water, unsalted butter, and most of the salt (reserve some for topping). Cook over medium-high heat, stirring every minute.
3. Step 3: As the liquid evaporates, stir constantly until moisture is gone and walnuts clump together, become glossier, and darken slightly. Avoid letting them brown too much.
4. Step 4: Immediately transfer the candied walnuts onto the parchment paper, spreading them into a single layer. Sprinkle the reserved salt evenly over the top.
5. Step 5: Allow the walnuts to cool completely, then break apart with your fingers. Store in an airtight container for later use.

Tips & Variations

• Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• If doubling the recipe, use a larger skillet to cook evenly.
• Use raw walnuts instead of toasted for best results.
• Prepare your parchment paper in advance, as the caramel sets quickly once removed from heat.

Storage

Store candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To refresh their crispness, warm briefly in a low oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds work well with this recipe, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on the nut size and moisture.

How do I avoid the walnuts becoming too sticky or burnt?

Stir constantly as the liquid evaporates and remove from heat as soon as the nuts clump and darken slightly. Using a nonstick skillet helps prevent burning and sticking.

Easy Candied Walnuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 110 reviews

This easy candied walnuts recipe creates perfectly sweet, glossy, and crunchy walnuts coated in a light brown sugar caramel. Ready in just a few minutes on the stovetop, these candied walnuts make a delicious snack or a flavorful topping for salads, desserts, and more.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 1 cup of candied walnuts 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw walnuts
• ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed (do not use dark brown sugar)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt, divided

Instructions

1. Prep: Line a large plate or sheet pan with parchment paper and have it ready for the candied walnuts once cooked.
2. Cook: In a medium nonstick skillet, combine the walnuts, light brown sugar, water, unsalted butter, and most of the salt (reserve some salt for topping). Cook over medium-high heat, stirring every minute. As the liquid evaporates, stir continuously to prevent burning. Continue until the walnuts clump together, turn glossy, and are a slightly darker golden color, but avoid browning them too much.
3. Cool: Immediately transfer the candied walnuts to the parchment-lined plate and spread them out in a single layer. Sprinkle the reserved salt evenly over the top. Let them cool completely, then break apart any clusters with your fingers. Store in an airtight container once fully cooled.

Notes

• Use a nonstick skillet only to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• If doubling the recipe, use a large skillet to accommodate the increased volume.
• Use raw walnuts rather than toasted walnuts for the best texture and flavor.
• Prepare your parchment paper before starting the cooking process; the caramelized sugar sets quickly once removed from the skillet.

Keywords: candied walnuts, easy candied nuts, sweet walnuts, caramelized walnuts, quick snack, homemade candied nuts