If you have a craving for something sweet, crunchy, and totally addictive, this Candied Walnuts Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the rich, buttery goodness of walnuts with the deep caramel notes from dark brown sugar, it creates a delightful treat that you can whip up in just minutes. Whether you want to elevate a simple salad, jazz up a cheese board, or snack on something irresistibly delicious, these candied walnuts bring that perfect touch of sweetness and crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Candied Walnuts Recipe uses just a handful of ingredients that are both simple and essential, each playing a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and richness.
- 1 cup walnut halves: We LOVE California Walnuts for their freshness and perfect crunch—feel free to chop them if you prefer smaller pieces.
- 1 tablespoon salted butter: Adds richness and helps the sugar caramelize beautifully while coating the walnuts.
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that gives the walnuts their signature candied coating.
How to Make Candied Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet
Start by heating a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat—this will ensure even cooking and prevent your walnuts from sticking. The right temperature is key to melting the sugar without burning it, so be attentive but relaxed.
Step 2: Coat the Walnuts in Sweetness
Next, add the walnuts, butter, and dark brown sugar all at once to the skillet. Stir constantly with a spatula as the butter melts and the sugar starts to melt down, coating each walnut piece in that glossy, irresistible sugary glaze. Keep stirring until everything is perfectly combined and shiny—then turn off the heat to avoid overcooking.
Step 3: Spread and Cool
Immediately pour the candied walnuts onto a piece of parchment paper, spreading them out in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t clumped together to keep each piece crisp and crunchy once cooled. This step is crucial for their texture to stay perfect.
Step 4: Let Them Dry
Allow the walnuts to cool and dry for about 2 minutes. This quick drying time lets the sugar harden into that lovely candy shell that everyone loves without feeling sticky.
Step 5: Ready to Enjoy
Once dry, your candied walnuts are all set! They’re perfect right out of the pan or a fabulous topping for dishes like our Baked Brie Bread Bowl for an irresistible combo of melty cheese and crunchy sweetness.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Dig in and savor the delightful contrast of buttery, sweet, and crunchy in every bite. This Candied Walnuts Recipe is truly a little slice of heaven.
How to Serve Candied Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Candied walnuts make an elegant garnish for a variety of dishes. Sprinkle them over creamy salads, roasted vegetables, or even desserts like ice cream or yogurt for a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness that livens every bite.
Side Dishes
They shine beautifully alongside cheese boards, especially when paired with sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or blue cheese. Tossed into green salads or grain bowls, they add the perfect textural contrast and a hint of indulgence to your side dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, try placing candied walnuts in small bowls alongside dips, or use them to crown a charcuterie platter. You can also incorporate them into baked goods like muffins or sprinkle them on top of warm oatmeal to elevate ordinary breakfasts into something extraordinary.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover candied walnuts (though it’s hard to resist eating them all!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making them a great make-ahead treat.
Freezing
You can freeze candied walnuts if you want to keep them longer. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
If you want to reintroduce a little warmth and refresh their texture, gently toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes. This also helps melt any slight sugar crystallization, giving them their fresh-out-of-the-pan feel again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts for this Candied Walnuts Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts are heavenly, pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts work wonderfully, offering similar rich, nutty flavors with their own unique crunch.
Do I have to use salted butter?
Using salted butter adds an excellent balance to the sweetness, but if you prefer unsalted butter, just add a small pinch of salt to replicate that flavor profile.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning?
Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly to ensure even melting. Turning off the heat promptly once the sugar is melted will prevent burning and bitterness.
Can I add spices to this recipe?
Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of cayenne pepper can add warmth or a spicy kick to your candied walnuts, making them uniquely yours.
How long do candied walnuts stay crisp?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these walnuts stay crisp for up to two weeks, but they’re best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Candied Walnuts Recipe is one of those little kitchen miracles that takes just minutes but delivers huge flavor and texture impact. Whether you’re elevating weeknight dinners or looking to impress guests, these sweet, buttery, crunchy morsels are an absolute must-try. Go ahead and make a batch—you might find yourself reaching for them long after the salad or cheese board is gone!
