Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple yet absolutely irresistible treat, this Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. The perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and lightly spiced flavors makes these walnuts a wonderful snack on their own or a delightful addition to salads, desserts, and even savory dishes. It’s astonishing how a handful of everyday ingredients come together so quickly to create something truly special that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is the first step toward creating that delicious balance of crunch and sweetness you’ll adore. Each component plays a crucial role: the walnuts provide that rich, buttery base, while brown sugar brings caramel-like depth, and the hint of cinnamon and vanilla adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- Walnut halves: The star of the show, delivering a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds caramel sweetness and helps create the sticky, glossy coating.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and creates the syrup needed to candy the nuts.
- Cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle warmth and spice that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- Vanilla extract: A fragrant finishing touch that softens and rounds out the sweetness.
How to Make Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking setup
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper; this will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze later on. Having this ready ensures you can move quickly once the walnuts are candied.
Step 2: Create the sugar syrup
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, water, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely. When the mixture begins to bubble gently, you know the magic is starting. This syrup is the key to that perfect candied texture.
Step 3: Coat the walnuts
Toss the walnut halves into the bubbling syrup, stirring to coat them evenly. This step ensures every bite will offer that luscious sweetness wrapped around each nut’s crunchy goodness.
Step 4: Candy the walnuts
Keep cooking and stirring frequently for about 5 to 7 minutes. The syrup will thicken and cling to the walnuts like a glossy glaze. Be careful not to let the sugar burn—it should stay smooth and shiny, enveloping each walnut perfectly.
Step 5: Add vanilla extract
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This final flavor burst is subtle but essential, lending a lovely depth to your candied walnuts.
Step 6: Cool the nuts
Spread the coated walnuts onto your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure to gently separate any clusters. Let them cool completely so that the coating hardens into a crisp, addictive shell.
Step 7: Store and enjoy
Once cooled, transfer the candied walnuts to an airtight container. They’re best enjoyed within two weeks, perfect for nibbling whenever the craving strikes.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
These Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts are fantastic sprinkled over leafy green salads, adding sweetness and crunch that elevate simple greens into something extraordinary. They also make an eye-catching and tasty topping on oatmeal or yogurt bowls.
Side Dishes
Serve candied walnuts alongside roasted vegetables or alongside cheeses on a charcuterie board for a perfect combination of textures and flavors. They provide a sweet contrast to savory or creamy dishes that your guests will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try mixing these candied walnuts into your favorite desserts like apple crisp, cheesecake, or ice cream for an unexpected delight. You can even use them as a festive garnish on cupcakes or holiday treats to impress everyone at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe fresh by storing the cooled nuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will hold their crispiness and flavor for up to two weeks, making them perfect for snacking or use whenever inspiration strikes.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option. Place the candied walnuts in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove excess air. When properly frozen, they can last up to three months without losing their delicious texture.
Reheating
To refresh frozen candied walnuts, simply let them thaw at room temperature. If you want to crisp them back up, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn, and enjoy like they’re freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts in place of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, and even cashews work beautifully with this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different nuts may toast quicker or slower.
Is the cinnamon necessary?
Cinnamon is optional but highly recommended. It adds a lovely warmth and depth to the flavor, but the recipe is still delicious without it if you prefer a straightforward sweet taste.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning?
Cook the sugar syrup over medium heat and stir frequently. Removing the pan from heat at the right moment to add vanilla helps avoid overcooking. If the sugar tries to darken too fast, reduce the heat slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses no animal products. Just make sure your vanilla extract does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, which most are free from.
What’s the best way to use leftover Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe?
Besides snacking, toss them in salads, use to top desserts, mix into granola, or even blend into homemade trail mix. They are incredibly versatile and add a sweet crunch anywhere you want a bit of indulgence.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe. It’s quick, straightforward, and the results are simply foolproof. Whether you’re jazzing up a salad or just craving a sweet and crunchy snack, these candied walnuts offer a warm, cozy flavor that will make you smile every time. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts are a sweet and crunchy treat perfect for snacking, topping salads, or adding to desserts. The walnuts are cooked in a caramelized brown sugar syrup with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, creating a deliciously sticky and flavorful coating. Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy recipe yields a delightful batch that can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later.
Ingredients
Walnuts
- 2 cups walnut halves
Brown Sugar Syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to cool the candied walnuts later.
- Make sugar mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, water, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely and begins to bubble.
- Add walnuts: Stir in the walnut halves, making sure they are evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
- Cook walnuts: Continue cooking on medium heat, stirring frequently for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens and walnuts are evenly coated without burning the sugar.
- Add vanilla: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Cool the walnuts: Spread the coated walnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, separating any that stick together.
- Set the coating: Allow the walnuts to cool completely on the baking sheet until the sugary coating hardens and becomes crisp.
- Store: Transfer the cooled candied walnuts to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Make sure to stir constantly once the walnuts are added so the sugar doesn’t burn.
- Use parchment paper to easily remove the candied walnuts and prevent sticking.
- If the walnuts clump together while cooling, gently separate them once partially set.
- These candied walnuts make a great topping for salads, desserts, or a sweet snack on their own.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the walnuts beforehand but be careful not to burn them before candying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
