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Easy Candied Walnuts Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sweet, caramelized magic happens when cinnamon-spiced walnuts dance in golden sugar syrup. Crisp, glossy nuts make perfect snacks or salad toppers that crunch with irresistible candied charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) walnuts
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Warm a dry skillet over medium heat, allowing the surface to become evenly heated.
  2. Gently scatter walnuts across the skillet, stirring periodically to prevent burning and ensure uniform toasting for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  3. Introduce sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt directly into the skillet with the toasted walnuts, maintaining continuous stirring to prevent sugar from crystallizing.
  4. Continue mixing until the sugar transforms into a smooth, glossy caramel-like coating, approximately 2-3 minutes, ensuring all nuts are thoroughly enveloped in the sweet mixture.
  5. Immediately transfer the glistening candied walnuts onto a parchment-lined surface, spreading them apart to prevent clumping and allow rapid cooling.
  6. Let the walnuts rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, during which the glaze will harden and create a crisp, sweet shell around each nut.
  7. Once completely cooled and solidified, break apart any clusters and serve as a delectable snack or elegant salad topping.

Notes

  • Toast walnuts carefully to prevent burning, watching them closely and stirring frequently to ensure even golden-brown color without scorching.
  • Create perfect caramelization by using medium heat and constantly stirring the sugar mixture to avoid crystallization or burning.
  • Separate cooled candied walnuts immediately after spreading to prevent them from sticking together in large clumps.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum crispness and prevent moisture from making them soggy.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 274
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg