Candied walnuts are a sweet and crunchy snack that you can make at home in just a few minutes. This easy candied walnuts recipe needs only a few ingredients and simple steps.
You can enjoy them on their own or add them to salads, desserts, or oatmeal. The warm, caramel flavor and crisp texture make them perfect for any time you crave something delicious and homemade.
Easy Candied Walnuts for Every Occasion
Making candied walnuts at home is much easier than it looks. You only need walnuts, sugar, butter, and a few minutes on the stove. The sugar melts and coats the walnuts in a shiny, crunchy layer that tastes amazing.
These sweet nuts are perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping your favorite salads and desserts. Simple ingredients, quick steps, and delicious results make this treat a must-try for anyone who loves easy homemade recipes.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before you begin, let’s talk about what goes into this recipe. You don’t need fancy ingredients or special equipment.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Amount |
| Walnut halves | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Water or maple syrup | 1 tablespoon |
Tools
- Large nonstick skillet or heavy pan
- Wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat
- Bowl for cooling
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Candied Walnuts
1. Get Your Workspace Ready
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat so the walnuts won’t stick. If you want them extra crispy, turn on your oven to 200°F now.
2. Toast the Walnuts (This Step Is Really Good)
Put walnut halves in a dry pan on medium heat. Stir them around for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a little golden and smell really good. This brings out how tasty they are. Take them out and set them aside.
3. Melt the Sugar
In the same pan, add half a cup of sugar and one tablespoon of water. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the sugar slowly melt. Don’t stir a lot—just swirl the pan gently so it melts evenly without burning.
4. Mix in Butter and Flavor
When the sugar gets smooth and starts to bubble, add two tablespoons of butter. Stir until it all blends together nicely. Add a pinch of salt and cinnamon, plus a little vanilla if you want. The mixture should look shiny and thick.
5. Coat the Walnuts
Put the toasted walnuts back in the pan. Stir them gently so every piece gets covered with the sweet coating. Keep the heat low so nothing burns. Stir for about two minutes until they’re all covered and shiny.
6. Spread Out and Let Cool
Pour the walnuts onto your baking sheet right away. Spread them out with a spoon and break up any big clumps. Let them sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. The coating will get hard and crunchy as it cools.
7. Extra Crispy Option
Want them even crunchier? Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes. This dries them out more. Let them cool all the way before storing.
8. Keep Them Fresh
Once they’re cool, break apart any pieces stuck together. Put them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to two weeks, or stick them in the fridge to make them last longer. Snack on them straight, throw them on a salad, or give them as a gift.
Read Also: The Best Cowboy Butter Recipe to Spice Up Any Meal
Tips to make it perfect
- Use low to medium heat. High heat burns the sugar fast.
- Stir constantly once sugar melts. This keeps it smooth.
- If sugar crystallizes try adding a teaspoon of water and heating gently. Stir until smooth.
- Do not add too much liquid to the pan. It slows the coating.
- If pieces stick together, tap the pan lightly while cooling to separate them.
- For a glossy finish, do not stir the nuts once they are on the sheet.
Why This Easy Candied Walnuts Recipe Works So Well
This method is simple because it uses basic ingredients and straightforward steps. The egg white acts as glue. The sugar creates the sweet coating. Cinnamon adds flavor without being complicated. Everything comes together in under thirty minutes.
The result is a snack that tastes homemade and special. It’s better than store-bought versions. You know exactly what went into it. There are no weird additives or strange chemicals.
Final Thoughts
Making candied walnuts at home is easier than most people think. This easy candied walnuts recipe produces results that taste amazing. The process takes less than an hour. The ingredients are simple and common. Your family will love them fresh from the oven.
Try this candied walnuts recipe this week. Start with just these basic steps. Soon you’ll be making them again and again. They’re perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to other dishes. For more recipes, visit Modern Food Catering.
