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Candied Walnuts Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

These easy candied walnuts are a perfect sweet and crunchy snack or topping made by cooking walnuts with brown sugar, butter, and a touch of salt. The cloves of walnuts are quickly cooked in a skillet until glossy and clumped, then cooled to create a delicious treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Walnut Mixture

  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (divided)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Line a large plate or sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside to cool the candied walnuts once cooked.
  2. Cook: In a medium nonstick skillet, combine the walnuts, light brown sugar, water, butter, and most of the salt (keeping some salt aside for topping). Cook over medium-high heat, stirring every minute. As the liquid evaporates, stir constantly until the moisture is gone and the walnuts begin to clump together, turning glossy and slightly darker in color. Be careful not to let the walnuts brown too much to avoid bitterness.
  3. Cool: Immediately transfer the cooked walnuts to the parchment-lined plate. Spread them out into a single layer, then evenly sprinkle the reserved salt on top. Allow the walnuts to cool completely, then break them apart with your fingers. Store in an airtight container for freshness.

Notes

  • Use light brown sugar to maintain ideal sweetness and color; avoid dark brown sugar as it changes flavor.
  • Constant stirring during cooking prevents burning and ensures even coating of the sugar mixture.
  • Cool the walnuts completely before breaking them apart for the best texture.
  • Store candied walnuts in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to two weeks.
  • This recipe yields a crunchy, sweet-salty snack ideal for salads, desserts, or directly as a snack.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/candied-walnuts-recipe/