Welcome to the world of sweet and crunchy bliss with these Candied Walnuts Delight! Perfect for snacking or topping your favorite salads, this simple recipe transforms ordinary walnuts into a magical treat with just a handful of ingredients.
Walnuts: The star of our show, they provide a rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that irresistible candied coating.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and form the syrup needed to coat the nuts evenly.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the candied coating.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and adds a touch of contrast, making the flavors pop.
These candied walnuts are a fantastic addition to a cheese board for a sweet and savory contrast. Toss them into salads for a delightful crunch, or chop them up and sprinkle them over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze and prevent those delicious nuts from sticking.
Next, take a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat. Pour in the sugar, water, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves. You’ll know it’s ready when the liquid is clear and smooth.
Now, toss in the walnuts. Stir them around to ensure each piece is well-coated. Keep stirring frequently. You'll want to cook this mixture until it thickens and the walnuts are nicely coated, which takes about 5 minutes.
Spread the coated walnuts in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This helps them bake evenly. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them — they should turn golden and smell amazing.
Finally, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break apart any clusters with your hands or a spoon. And there you have it — homemade candied walnuts!
Share