Candied walnuts are like little bites of happiness, offering a delightful crunch and a sweet, buttery flavor that dances on your taste buds. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you toast these beauties, filling the air with warmth and sweetness—it’s enough to make anyone’s mouth water and heart skip a beat. cranberry orange muffins.
Every time I prepare candied walnuts, I think back to family gatherings where we would toss them into salads or simply snack on them by the handful. They are perfect for elevating any dish or just satisfying a sweet craving. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will have you dreaming of these delightful morsels long after they’re gone! For more inspiration, check out this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes these candied walnuts a go-to snack or topping
- Their irresistible flavor profile enhances both sweet and savory dishes
- Visually appealing with their glossy coating, they add elegance to any table setting
- Versatile enough for salads, desserts, or simply enjoying straight from the bowl
I remember the first time I made candied walnuts for my friends; their eyes widened with delight as they savored each bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Walnuts: Look for fresh, whole walnuts to ensure maximum flavor and crunchiness.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best for achieving that perfect caramelization.
- Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it enhances the richness without overpowering flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Workspace: Gather all ingredients and tools before starting. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Toast the Walnuts: Spread walnuts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes until fragrant, stirring halfway through.
Create the Sweet Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir continuously until melted and bubbly—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Candy Those Nuts!: Add toasted walnuts to your bubbling mixture and stir quickly to coat every walnut evenly. This step requires speed because you want all those nuts fully covered before they cool down!
Bake Again for Perfection: Spread the coated walnuts back onto the lined baking sheet in one even layer. Bake for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown—watch closely as they can burn quickly!
Cool Down & Enjoy!: Remove from oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will harden as they cool, resulting in perfectly crunchy candied walnuts that are ready to be enjoyed!
Now that you’ve mastered this delightful recipe for candied walnuts, feel free to experiment by adding spices or using different nuts! The possibilities are endless! pumpkin whipped cream. pumpkin frosting recipe no-bake pumpkin cheesecake.
You Must Know
- Candied walnuts are more than a snack; they can elevate salads, desserts, and even breakfast!
- Their sweet, crunchy texture and warm aroma will make any recipe unforgettable
- Experiment with spices for unique flavors and enjoy the delightful transformation from plain to extraordinary
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting the walnuts for five minutes at 350°F before adding sugar and stirring continuously. This ensures they become beautifully caramelized without burning.
Add Your Touch
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar mix for an extra flavor kick. You can also use different nuts like pecans or almonds as delightful substitutes.
Storing & Reheating
Store candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. There’s no need to reheat; simply enjoy them as is!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh walnuts for the best flavor; older nuts can taste stale
- Stir constantly while cooking to prevent burning, as sugar can go from golden to charred quickly
- Once cooled, break apart any clumps for perfect snacking!
Creating candied walnuts reminds me of my college days when I made them as gifts. My friends raved about them, turning me into their unofficial “walnut dealer.” Every batch brought back those memories of laughter, late-night study sessions, and sweet treats shared among friends. For more inspiration, check out this Cranberry Shortbread Bars recipe.
FAQ
What can I use candied walnuts for?
Candied walnuts are great in salads, desserts, or even as toppings on yogurt.
How do I prevent my walnuts from burning?
Keep stirring constantly while cooking to ensure even caramelization without burning.
Can I make candied walnuts ahead of time?
Yes! They store well for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.
Candied Walnuts
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Candied walnuts are a delightful treat that combines a crunchy texture with a sweet, buttery flavor. Perfect for snacking, topping salads, or enhancing desserts, these nuts will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Enjoy the nostalgic joy of sharing them with friends at gatherings or simply indulging in their sweetness on your own. With easy preparation and versatile uses, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnuts
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread walnuts in a single layer on the baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until melted and bubbly (about 3-4 minutes).
- Quickly add toasted walnuts to the mixture and stir to coat thoroughly.
- Return coated walnuts to the baking sheet in an even layer and bake for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool completely on the sheet before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
