The aroma of sweet, caramelized walnuts wafts through the air, wrapping around you like a warm hug. With their glossy finish and delightful crunch, these nuts are a treat that elevates any dish or stands deliciously alone as a snack. savory chicken soup with nuts
Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, the fireplace crackles gently in the background, and you’re hosting your closest friends for game night. You want something that will wow them without requiring a culinary degree. pumpkin cookies recipe for fall Enter the best candied walnuts recipe—an easy, crowd-pleasing delight that will leave your guests begging for more. brownie mix cookies with nuts red velvet cake with walnuts. For more inspiration, check out this easy yogurt cake recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These candied walnuts are not only easy to prepare but also burst with flavor
- Their delightful crunch paired with sweetness makes them irresistible
- The vibrant color adds visual appeal, making them perfect for gatherings or snacking anytime
- Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—great on salads or as toppings for desserts!
When I first made these candied walnuts, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them, insisting I should sell them at the local farmer’s market!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Walnuts: Choose fresh walnuts; their natural flavor shines through when toasted and candy-coated.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar works best for the perfect sweet crunch.
- Unsalted Butter: This adds richness; feel free to use high-quality butter for deeper flavor.
- Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon elevates the flavor profile to cozy levels.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for an aromatic touch that makes everything better.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Workspace: Gather all your ingredients and tools—this includes a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are.
Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until it becomes liquid gold. Stir in the sugar until it combines into a thick syrupy mixture that smells heavenly.
Add Spices and Nuts: Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Toss in the walnuts until they are well-coated with this luscious concoction.
Spread on Baking Sheet: Carefully spread the candied walnut mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Make sure they have some space between them to ensure even cooking.
Bake to Perfection: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch closely as they transform into golden-brown nuggets of joy!
Cool and Enjoy!: Once baked, remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking apart any clumps. Now you can enjoy these crunchy delights straight away or store them for later!
With every step of this process, your kitchen will fill with mouth-watering aromas that make it hard to resist sneaking a taste!
Now that you’ve mastered the best candied walnuts recipe, get ready to impress friends at gatherings or enjoy them solo during movie marathons! For more inspiration, check out this spicy Thai basil chicken recipe.
You Must Know
- Candied walnuts can elevate any dish, from salads to desserts
- The sweet crunch adds a delightful contrast that will impress your guests
- Plus, they’re easy to make and store, allowing you to enjoy their flavor anytime!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting the walnuts on medium heat before adding sugar and spices. This brings out their natural flavor and ensures an even coating.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in spices like cinnamon or cayenne for a kick. You can also substitute maple syrup for sugar for a unique twist on sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. No need to reheat; they taste great right out of the jar!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect candied walnuts, ensure they are toasted before adding sugar to enhance flavor
- Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking
- Always stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve that golden perfection
Sharing my first attempt at this recipe always makes me chuckle. I accidentally added too much salt instead of sugar, and my friends still tease me about it!
FAQ
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds work beautifully in this recipe for a different flavor.
How do I know when the walnuts are done?
The walnuts should be golden brown, fragrant, and crisp when finished cooking.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Absolutely! Honey adds a unique flavor but may require adjusting cooking times slightly.
Irresistible Candied Walnuts
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful crunch of sweet, caramelized walnuts that are perfect for snacking or as a topping for salads and desserts. This easy candied walnuts recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing treat that elevates any gathering. With just a few steps, you’ll master the art of making these irresistible bites that will have your friends asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar until it forms a thick syrup.
- Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.
- Toss in the walnuts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Let cool completely before breaking apart any clumps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz (28g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
