Description
Deliciously sweet and crunchy Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts made with a simple blend of brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Perfect as a snack, salad topping, or thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
Scale
Walnuts
- 2 cups walnut halves
Syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for the candied walnuts to cool and harden.
- Make sugar mixture: In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble, about 2 minutes.
- Add walnuts and candy: Add the walnut halves to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 5–6 minutes. The sugar mixture will thicken and begin to coat the nuts thoroughly.
- Cool walnuts: Quickly transfer the coated walnuts onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer. Let them cool completely; the nuts will harden as they cool.
- Store and serve: Once cooled and hardened, break apart any clusters if needed. Store the candied walnuts in an airtight container for snacking, garnishing salads, or gifting.
Notes
- Great for snacking on their own, or as crunchy toppings for salads and desserts.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds using the same recipe and method.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For added flavor, feel free to sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the warm nuts before cooling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Snack, Topping
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
