Sticky-Sweet Candied Walnuts Recipe: A Delightful Homemade Treat

Crafting delectable candied walnuts transforms ordinary snacking into a delightful culinary adventure.

Nutty flavors dance with sweet caramelization, creating an irresistible treat.

Clusters of golden-brown goodness emerge from a simple kitchen process.

Crunchy textures mingle with sugary notes, promising pure satisfaction.

You’ll find these morsels perfect for salads, desserts, or solo munching.

Quick preparation means minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness.

Prepare to be amazed by how such simple ingredients can create something so extraordinary.

Candied Walnuts – Sweet and Crunchy Treats

• Craft Gourmet Treats: Transform ordinary walnuts into a luxurious snack with professional-level culinary techniques that impress friends and family.
• Master Simple Caramelization: Learn a foundational cooking skill that elevates basic ingredients into a sophisticated sweet-and-salty delicacy without complicated steps.
• Perfect Party Nibble: Create an irresistible appetizer or garnish that adds crunch and sweetness to salads, desserts, cheese boards, and festive gatherings with minimal ingredients.
• No-Fuss Cooking Method: Achieve restaurant-quality results using just a pot, wooden spoon, and basic pantry staples, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Candied Walnuts

• Granulated Sugar: The key ingredient that creates the sweet caramelized coating for the walnuts.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and create a smooth caramelization process.

• Walnuts: The main star of the recipe that gets coated in a delicious sweet glaze.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the candied walnuts.

How to Make Candied Walnuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Have a trivet ready nearby for hot cookware.

This setup will help you manage the candying process smoothly and safely.

Step 2: Create Sugar Syrup

Grab a heavy-bottomed pot and combine sugar and water.

Gently swirl the mixture until sugar completely dissolves. This creates a smooth base for coating the walnuts with delicious sweetness.

Step 3: Heat and Bubble

Place the pot on medium-high heat. Watch as the sugar-water mixture begins to bubble and transform.

The magic of caramelization is about to begin.

Step 4: Add Walnuts and Season

Toss in the walnuts and sprinkle with salt.

• Even coating
• Preventing burning
• Achieving perfect caramelization

Step 5: Watch for Golden Perfection

Keep stirring until the sugar turns a beautiful golden brown color. This indicates the walnuts are perfectly candied and ready to be removed from heat.

Step 6: Transfer and Spread

Use tongs or forks to carefully transfer walnuts onto prepared baking sheets. Spread them out so they don’t stick together.

Each walnut should have its own delicious space.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the walnuts cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, they’re ready to be munched on, gifted, or added to your favorite dishes.

Tips for Perfect Candied Walnuts

• Prepare your workspace beforehand by laying out parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticky messes and make cleanup easier.
• Watch the sugar carefully during caramelization to avoid burning, which can quickly turn your sweet treat bitter and unusable.
• Use a wooden spoon for stirring to prevent scratching your pot and ensure even coating of the walnuts with caramelized sugar.
• Space the walnuts individually on the prepared surface to create perfectly separated, crisp candied nuts that won't clump together.
• Store cooled candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain their delightful crunch and sweetness.

Variations on Candied Walnuts

• Maple Glazed Pecans: Replace walnuts with pecans and swap granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor profile.
• Spiced Candied Almonds: Substitute walnuts with almonds and add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warming, aromatic variation.
• Coconut Sugar Walnut Crunch: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar to create a deeper caramel taste with subtle molasses undertones.
• Savory Herb Candied Walnuts: Incorporate dried rosemary or thyme during caramelization for a sophisticated, herb-infused snack with complex flavor notes.

Pairings That Complement Candied Walnuts

• Scatter these sweet, crunchy walnuts alongside creamy brie, sharp aged cheddar, and soft goat cheese for a delightful texture contrast.
• Toss these candied gems over mixed greens with crumbled blue cheese, dried cranberries, and a light vinaigrette for a gourmet touch.
• Pair with rich, full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or a smooth bourbon whiskey to complement the caramelized sweetness.
• Crumble over vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate mousse, or warm apple pie for an added crunch and sweet-nutty flavor profile.

Storage Advice for Candied Walnuts

• Refrigerate: Store cooled candied walnuts in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, preventing moisture and maintaining their crisp texture.
• Freeze: Seal candied walnuts in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They'll stay fresh for 1-2 months. Freeze in single layers to prevent clumping.
• Room Temperature: Place in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 7-10 days. Keep in a cool, dry spot to preserve crunchiness.
• Reheating: Warm briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. This method restores their original crispy texture without burning.

FAQs

• Are candied walnuts healthy?

While delicious, candied walnuts are high in sugar and calories. Walnuts themselves offer great health benefits like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, but the added sugar reduces their nutritional value. Enjoy in moderation as a treat.

• Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or cashews. Each nut will bring a unique flavor and texture to the candied recipe. Just ensure the nuts are raw and unsalted for best caramelization.

• How do I prevent the sugar from burning?

Keep stirring constantly and watch the color carefully. Once the sugar turns golden brown, immediately remove from heat. Use a heavy-bottomed pot and maintain medium-high heat to prevent scorching.

Candied Walnuts Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade candied walnuts offer a delightful blend of sweet caramelization and nutty crunch. Crisp walnuts glazed with sugar create an irresistible snack perfect for salads, desserts, or solo enjoyment. You’ll savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon (tsp) salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a heat-resistant work surface by laying out parchment paper or silicone mats, and have a trivet ready for the hot pot.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pot, blend granulated sugar and water, gently swirling until sugar completely dissolves.
3. Set the pot over medium-high heat, bringing the sugar mixture to a rolling boil.
4. Introduce walnuts into the bubbling syrup, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to coat evenly while sprinkling salt for balanced flavor.
5. Monitor the caramelization process, watching for a rich golden-brown color that indicates optimal sugar transformation.
6. Immediately remove the pot from heat when the desired caramel shade develops, preventing potential burning.
7. Using tongs or forks, delicately transfer the glazed walnuts onto the prepared surface, spreading them to prevent clumping.
8. Let the candied walnuts rest and cool completely at room temperature, allowing the sugar coating to harden and crisp.
9. Once fully cooled, break apart any clusters and store in an airtight container for optimal crunch and freshness.

Notes

• Prep Surfaces Strategically by laying parchment paper or silicone mats on a heat-resistant surface beforehand, ensuring easy walnut transfer and quick cooling.
• Monitor Caramelization Carefully by watching the sugar transformation closely, preventing burning and achieving a perfect golden-brown color without distraction.
• Use Precise Stirring Technique with a wooden spoon, ensuring uniform sugar coating and preventing walnuts from sticking or burning during the caramelization process.
• Control Heat Effectively by maintaining medium-high temperature, which allows sugar to caramelize evenly without scorching the nuts or creating bitter flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 261 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 61 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg