Candied Walnuts
Crunchy, sweet, and perfectly spiced walnuts with a crisp candy coating. A simple yet elegant snack or topping for salads and desserts, ready in under 15 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare your cooling station
- a.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This is crucial for preventing the hot, sticky walnuts from adhering to the pan. Set it aside within easy reach of your stove.
- 2
Create the sugar syrup
- a.In a medium, non-stick skillet or saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, ground cinnamon, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir constantly with a heatproof spatula until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- 3
Candy the walnuts
- a.Add the walnut halves to the simmering syrup. Begin stirring continuously. The process will go through several stages over 5-7 minutes: first, the syrup will bubble vigorously; second, it will thicken; third, it will crystallize and look dry or sandy. This is normal! Keep stirring over the heat, and the crystallized sugar will melt back down into a smooth, amber-colored glaze that coats each walnut.
- 4
Finish and cool
- a.As soon as the sugar has re-melted into a smooth glaze, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Quickly stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and fully incorporated. The mixture will be fragrant.
- 5
Spread and separate
- a.Immediately pour the hot walnuts onto the prepared baking sheet. Working quickly, use two forks or a spatula to spread them into a single layer, separating them as much as possible before the candy coating hardens. Let them cool completely at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. Once cool and hard, break apart any remaining clumps. Store in an airtight container.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a non-stick pan for easier cleanup and to prevent the sugar from sticking and burning.
- 2Do not stop stirring once the walnuts are in the pan. The sugar can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds.
- 3The stage where the sugar crystallizes and looks sandy can be alarming. Trust the process and keep stirring over medium heat; it will melt back into a beautiful glaze.
- 4Work very quickly when spreading the walnuts on the parchment paper. The candy coating hardens fast.
- 5Ensure the walnuts are completely cool before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness. They will last for up to two weeks at room temperature.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes along with the cinnamon for a sweet and spicy kick.
Different NutsDifferent Nuts
This recipe works wonderfully with pecans or almonds as well. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed.
Citrus ZestCitrus Zest
Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh orange or lemon zest with the vanilla and butter for a bright, citrusy aroma.
Sesame CrunchSesame Crunch
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the walnuts immediately after spreading them on the parchment paper.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Walnuts are an excellent plant-based source of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), an essential omega-3 fatty acid that supports heart and brain health.
Source of Antioxidants
Both walnuts and cinnamon are loaded with antioxidants, which help protect your body from cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Provides an Energy Boost
The combination of healthy fats from walnuts and quick-absorbing carbohydrates from sugar provides a rapid and satisfying energy boost, making it a great occasional treat.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of candied walnuts (approximately 1/2 cup) contains around 580-600 calories. They are a calorie-dense treat due to the high content of sugar and healthy fats from the walnuts.