These crunchy candied walnuts are easy, quick and so delicious that you better hope that some of them make it out of the kitchen before you snack them all down!
They are great as grab-and-go snacks, as a salad topping or with desert. They also make an amazing gift bag for the holidays. I guarantee your friends and family will love them!
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Why This Recipe Works
- This recipe is so quick and easy that you can make these delicious candied walnuts in 5 minutes or less! They are delicious in these 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins!
- Great as grab-and-go snacks, as a salad topping or with desert.
- Super cute for a holiday gift bag.
- Spinkle them on these Banana Flour Pancakes, Tres Leches Pancakes or vegan and dairy free Almond Milk Pancakes!
What are ingredients in candied walnuts, candied pecans, spicy candied walnuts, maple candied walnuts and spiced nuts?
Your basic candied walnut recipe has the following ingredients:
- Raw walnuts (halves and pieces or whole)
- Granulated white sugar
- Butter
You can mix it up with the following variations:
- Brown sugar candied walnuts (use brown sugar).
- Maple candied walnuts (using maple syrup).
- Granulated stevia or monk fruit (gluten free, low-carb and paleo!)
- Coconut sugar.
Note: I have not tried this recipe with alternative sweeteners so you will want to research ratios.
Fun Seasonings: Cinnamon, chai spice or pumpkin pie spice (nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon) can be used to make spiced nuts or you can even add cayenne powder to make spicy candied walnuts. You can even add a splash of vanilla extract for some extra vanilla depth.
How to make candied pecans?
You can use this same recipe to make candied pecans! You heard that right – this is a 2 for 1 recipe. Feel free to switch it up and use most any nut of your choosing. For example, almonds, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts or even pistachios.
Are candied walnuts gluten free?
Plain, unprocessed nuts are generally gluten-free. However, you must be careful as many nuts can be processed in facilities that have exposure to other gluten containing products which could cause cross contamination.
The same goes for sugar and butter. While generally both sugar and butter are gluten free, if you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, you must always be very careful of cross contamination and pick you products wisely.
While I myself do not have a gluten sensitivity (ie: I cannot personal vouch), this brand of walnuts on Amazon specifically indicates they are “Batch Tested and Verified Gluten-Free.” However, it is always best to double check your packaging to assure the company has not changed their process.
Can candied walnuts be frozen?
Yes, candied walnuts, candied pecans and most candied nuts freeze extremely well. Generally, they are best when stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How to serve candied walnuts
- Plain: Great as a grab-and-go snack or holiday gift. You might want to enjoy a Gingerbread Martini while you are making them. Just saying!
- Salads: Candied walnuts for salad of any kind, specifically you might enjoy these candied walnuts for beet salad.
- Topping: Sprinkle on sweet potato or in a Buddha Bowl.
How to make this recipe
- Place a sheet or parchment paper or empty sheet pan out (to transfer candied walnuts onto once done cooking). You will want to set this up ahead of time as the transfer process is quick.
- In sauté pan or skillet, on high heat, combine butter, sugar and walnuts.
- Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until butter melts. Keep stirring.
- Add 1 tablespoon of water. It should sizzle and star to bubble causing the sugar to melt.
- Keep stirring for another 2-3 minutes until the nuts are thoroughly coated in sugar mixture.
- Remove from heat and quickly transfer coated nuts onto parchment paper or empty sheet pan and separate them with a spoon or spatula while hot so they don’t clump.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes.
- Try not to eat them all in one sitting!
Related recipes
For an amazingly delicious salad that you can toss these candied walnuts on, check out my Roasted Beet Salad.
For a delicious and super easy healthy snack, check out my Mexican fruit cup.
For a kid-friendly, healthy snack, check out my Chickpea Cookie Dough. It is amazing with pretzels for dipping!
For amazing an croissant and bread spread, check out my Manuka Honey Butter.
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Candied Walnuts
Equipment
- Saute pan or skillet, heat-safe spatula or spoon, sheet pan or parchment paper.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Raw walnuts (halves and pieces or whole)
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Water
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon or spice of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Place a sheet or parchment paper or empty sheet pan out (to transfer candied walnuts onto once
done cooking). You will want to set this up ahead of time as the transfer process
is quick. - In sauté pan or skillet, on high heat, combine butter, sugar and walnuts.
- Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until butter melts. Keep stirring.
- Add 1 tablespoon of water. It should sizzle and star to bubble causing the sugar to
melt. - Keep stirring for another 2-3 minutes until the nuts are thoroughly coated in sugar
mixture. - Remove from heat and quickly transfer coated nuts onto parchment paper or empty sheet
pan and separate them with a spoon or spatula while hot so they don’t clump - Let cool for about 5 minutes.
- Try not to eat them all in one sitting!
Notes
- Sweetener: Brown sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, granulated stevia or monk fruit. Note: I have not tried this recipe with alternative sweeteners so you will want to research ratios.
- Nut: Pecans, Brazil nuts, almonds, hazelnuts or pistachios (to name a few).
- Seasonings/Flavoring: Cinnamon, chai or pumpkin pie spice (nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon), cayenne powder, vanilla extract.
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