Worlds best candied walnuts
An Easy Candied Walnut Recipe You’ll Love
My oldest and I made some candied walnuts the other day for a spinach salad I was making. Oh my goodness, they were delicious and so quick and easy to make. These would also make fabulous gifts around the holidays!
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a unique topping for salads, or simply craving a delicious treat, these candied walnuts will quickly become your go-to. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this easy recipe.
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1 pound walnut halves
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Instructions:
- Prepare the Walnuts: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts evenly on a lined baking sheet and toast them for about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the walnuts.
Create the Candied Coating: While the walnuts are cooking, stir together sugar, cinnamon, salt, and milk in non-stick skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely, and the syrup starts to simmer.
Add the Walnuts: Carefully fold in the toasted walnuts, ensuring they are evenly coated with the syrup. Continue to cook and stir for another 3-5 minutes until the syrup thickens and coats the walnuts thoroughly.
Cool and Separate: Once the walnuts are coated to perfection, spread them on a sheet of parchment paper to cool. Be sure to separate them into a single layer to prevent sticking.
Enjoy! Once the candied walnuts have cooled and are at room temperature and the candy coating has hardened, you’re ready to enjoy this delightful treat!
Ways to Serve the caramelized walnuts
Great addition to a cheese board/charcuterie board
Mixed in an apple salad or the top of salads
Served with fresh fruits for a sweet and salty snack
A perfect standalone snack
Delightful topping for desserts especially ice cream
Tips
Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of cinnamon for a unique flavor twist.
Consider packaging these candied walnuts in a mason jar for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
Store the candied nuts in an airtight container
There you have it – a quick and easy candied walnut recipe that’s sure to impress! With minimal effort, you can create a crunchy, sweet snack that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to the delightful experience of homemade candied walnuts. Your taste buds will thank you!
Now try not to eat them all in one sitting!
Kristen, I am a huge walnut lover and these sound SOOOO delicious! I love the idea of making this for holiday gifts. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe with us. Pinning! Have a wonderful week!
Hmmmmm I’ve never made them with milk before! Can’t wait to try this your way! They look yummy. I love candied walnuts and pecans on my spinach salad too…..with strawberries, craisins and poppy seed dressing!
This is a new version for me, I have made them before but not quite this way… going on the list!!
Accidentally used 2 cups of sugar. This is a tricky recipe for a beginner. Lol
I just worked up an appetite! I wonder if they’d go with eggs and toast this morning.
Hmm…or cereal
OR pancakes.
So hungry now 🙂
Yum. We make sugared pecans during the holidays, but I will have to try these for salad toppings.
Say what?? These look amazing and so easy!! YUM! Pinning and definitely keeping in mind for the holidays too.
xoxo
Those look so delicious!!! I love candied anything 🙂
walnuts are so good for you!! yum yum. I eat nuts like a mad woman. These look delicious Kristin.
They look and sound delicious…I want to reach through the computer screen and pop one in my mouth!
I’ll do the next best thing and pin the recipe to try. Thanks for sharing!
p.s. love the idea of making these for holiday treats.
OMG you were not kidding. Super easy and DELISH
So glad you enjoyed them 🙂
Just made these, seemed so easy. It was, yum yum yum!!!! 🙂
So glad you liked them!
I tried these today and they ARE delish. Although I don’t think I cooked the sugar stuff long enough so they may be gooeyer than they should be. Do I care that much, you ask? Nah
Maybe even better, glad you liked them
Do you cook the sugar mixture for a total of 8 minutes or 8 minutes after mixture starts to bubble?
Thank you.
A total of 8 minutes 🙂
Hi,Do you think Stevia could be used with success? Thank You,Georgia
I would think so, maybe make a very small batch to make sure, let me know 🙂
Theses are very good and very easy. My kind of recipe.
Thank you so much Sheila, glad you enjoyed them 🙂
Just made these. Yummmm. 2nd batch added a 1/2 tsp each of cocoa and Chili powder. Next up cocoa & orange zest. Great Recipe. Thank You!!
That sounds amazing. I hadn’t thought of adding a little kick to them, going to try it for the holidays, thank you!
Love this recipe! I used almond milk instead of milk, no problems at all. Thank you.
Sounds yummy, I’ll have to try that!
Can I make them with brown sugar instead of white?
I have not used brown sugar with this exact recipe but I have seen brown sugar used in other recipes so I’m sure it would be fine, Let me know how they turn out.