There’s nothing quite like the heartwarming aroma of freshly baked goodies wafting through the kitchen, and these Crispy Homemade Candied Walnuts will transport you there in no time. I stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a cozy evening at home, when I wanted a little something sweet yet wholesome to snack on. With only six simple ingredients, this is a fuss-free way to elevate your culinary creations—whether it’s topping a vibrant salad or creating a charming gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
Each crunchy bite offers a perfect marriage of sweetness and spice, making them the ideal antidote for those tired of the same old fast food choices. The best part? You can easily swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds, allowing for endless variations. If you’re looking for a gluten-free snack that wows without the hassle, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some candied walnuts together!
Why are Candied Walnuts a must-try?
Simplicity at its best: With only six ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
Versatile use: Not just for salads! Enjoy these nuts as a delightful snack or impress loved ones by giving them as gifts.
Irresistible crunch: Each walnut is coated in a sweet, spiced glaze, resulting in a satisfying texture that’s hard to resist.
Crowd-pleasing: These candied walnuts are guaranteed to be a hit at gatherings, pleasing both kids and adults alike.
Healthy indulgence: Packed with healthy fats and a hint of sweetness, they make for a wholesome alternative to fast food. Try using these in your favorite salad for an added crunch!
Candied Walnuts Ingredients
• Get ready for a sweet treat!
For the Nuts
- Walnuts – the heart of the recipe, providing healthy fats and a satisfying crunch; opt for raw, unsalted for best results.
- Egg White – helps bind the sugary mixture to the walnuts, ensuring every bite is coated perfectly.
For the Flavoring
- Vanilla Extract – infuses the walnuts with a rich, aromatic taste; pure vanilla elevates the flavor beautifully.
- Granulated Sugar – sweetens the walnuts and forms a delightful candy coating; you can use regular or organic cane sugar as your preference.
- Sea Salt – enhances all the wonderful flavors; if needed, iodized table salt works as a good substitute in half the amount.
- Ground Cinnamon – adds a lovely warmth and spice; make sure to use high-quality cinnamon for the best flavor profile.
Now that you’re all set with these candied walnuts ingredients, let’s get cooking!
How to Make Candied Walnuts
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 250°F. Grease a large baking sheet lightly, avoiding parchment paper or foil to ensure the walnuts bake evenly.
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Mix the Sugar Blend: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. This fragrant mixture will create the delightful candy coating for your walnuts.
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Whisk the Egg White: In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla extract together until thick and frothy, about 1 minute. This is crucial for binding the toppings to the walnuts.
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Coat the Walnuts: Add your raw walnuts to the egg mixture, gently stirring until they’re fully coated. Each walnut should be glistening with the egg and vanilla!
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Sugar Overload: Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the walnuts and stir gently until they are evenly covered in the sweet goodness.
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Spread Out the Walnuts: Evenly spread the coated walnuts in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t crowded, allowing for even baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake the walnuts in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This step is essential to ensure they turn out crispy and delicious!
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Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, let the walnuts cool on the baking sheet. You can also enjoy them warm if patience isn’t your strong suit.
Optional: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for an extra warm spice accent.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Candied Walnuts
- Bake Fully: Always bake for the full hour, even if they seem done earlier; this ensures they achieve that delightful, crispy texture.
- Oven Temperature Check: If the walnuts turn out soft, check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer for accurate results.
- Proper Coating: Make sure every walnut is evenly coated in the egg mixture before adding the sugar; this prevents clumping and ensures uniform sweetness.
- Cooking Space: To double your recipe, spread the walnuts across two baking sheets, preventing overcrowding for better airflow and crispiness.
- Storage Readiness: Keep your candied walnuts in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness; they stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature.
Storage Tips for Candied Walnuts
Room Temperature: Store candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain their delightful crunchiness.
Fridge: For extended freshness, refrigerate the walnuts in a sealed container for up to 1 month; however, note that they may lose some crispness.
Freezer: To freeze your candied walnuts, place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Reheating: If you prefer warm candied walnuts, lightly reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes; this brings back their delicious crunch.
Candied Walnuts Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own with delightful twists and substitutions!
- Nut Alternatives: Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a unique flavor profile. Each nut brings its own distinct taste and texture!
- Maple Sweetened: Replace granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness that works beautifully with the nuts.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sugar mixture for a surprising touch of heat that balances the sweetness.
- Cocoa Dusted: Sprinkle unsweetened cocoa powder over the walnuts after baking for a chocolatey, indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.
- Dairy-Free: To make these fully dairy-free, simply omit the egg white and use aquafaba (chickpea brine) as a replacement for optimal binding.
- Asian Flair: Incorporate sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to give the walnuts an Asian-inspired touch. It’s a sweet and savory twist!
- Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the sugar mixture for a refreshing citrus aroma and taste that brightens the walnuts.
- Cinnamon Twist: Boost the warm flavors by mixing in a dash of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon to enhance the spices beautifully.
Your culinary journey with candied walnuts is just beginning—enjoy playing around with these variations!
What to Serve with Candied Walnuts?
Elevate your meals with these delightful add-ons that complement the sweet, crunch of your homemade treat!
- Mixed Green Salad: Toss these walnuts on a bed of fresh greens with a tangy vinaigrette for a perfect contrast of flavors.
- Creamy Goat Cheese: The rich, creamy texture of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet candied walnuts, creating a heavenly bite.
- Fruit and Cheese Platter: Combine nuts with a variety of cheeses and fruits for a sophisticated and colorful snack option—perfect for gatherings!
- Caramelized Veggies: Sweet, caramelized Brussels sprouts or carrots will balance the sweetness, offering a delightful medley of tastes.
- Dark Chocolate: Dip some of your candied walnuts in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent snack or dessert that’s simply irresistible.
- Savory Roasted Beets: The earthiness of roasted beets creates a wonderful harmony with the sweetness of the walnuts, making for an elegant dish.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing drink option to cleanse the palate while enjoying the crunch; its acidity will balance out the sweetness wonderfully.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream: For dessert, pair warm candied walnuts with creamy cinnamon ice cream for a decadent, comforting treat.
These suggestions not only enhance the flavors of candied walnuts but also create a vibrant and satisfying dining experience.
Make Ahead Options
These candied walnuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can easily mix the egg white and vanilla and coat the walnuts up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the fridge to keep everything fresh. Keeping the coated walnuts in the refrigerator helps prevent them from sticking together. As for the sugar and spice mixture, it can be prepared and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week. When you’re ready to bake, simply toss the walnuts with the sugar mix, spread them out on a greased baking sheet, and bake as instructed. You’ll have delicious, crunchy candied walnuts with minimal effort—ideal for busy weeknights!
Candied Walnuts Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe walnuts?
Absolutely! When choosing walnuts, opt for fresh, raw, and unsalted versions. Look for nuts that are firm and free of dark spots; avoid those that appear shriveled or have a rancid smell. Fresh walnuts are key to achieving that delightful crunch in your candied walnuts!
What’s the best way to store candied walnuts?
To maintain their scrumptious crispiness, store your candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 1 month, although this may cause some loss in texture. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze my candied walnuts?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your candied walnuts, simply place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. They can be stored for up to 3 months this way. When you’re ready to snack, just remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature—we want to keep that crunch intact!
What if my candied walnuts come out soft?
Very common, don’t worry! If your walnuts turn out softer than expected, it could mean they weren’t baked long enough. Make sure you’re baking them for the full hour, stirring every 15 minutes. If they’re still soft, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer; sometimes they may need a bit of extra time, so feel free to bake an additional 10-15 minutes for that perfect crispiness.
Are candied walnuts safe for pets and allergy considerations?
It’s best to avoid giving candied walnuts to pets, especially dogs, as nuts can be hard for them to digest. Additionally, be mindful of nut allergies—if you’re preparing these for a gathering, you can use other nuts like almonds or pecans, but be sure to communicate this if guests have allergy concerns! Always check with individuals beforehand to ensure everyone can enjoy your delicious creation.
Sweet & Crunchy Candied Walnuts for Salads and Snacking Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 250°F. Grease a large baking sheet lightly.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, sea salt, and ground cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla extract together until thick and frothy.
- Add the raw walnuts to the egg mixture, stirring until fully coated.
- Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the walnuts and stir gently until evenly covered.
- Spread the coated walnuts in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the walnuts in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Let the walnuts cool on the baking sheet before enjoying.