Easy Candied Walnuts
Published 11/21/2020 • Updated 10/19/2023
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Sweet, a little salty, and perfectly crunchy candied walnuts come together with 4 simple ingredients in 10 minutes. These are a must-make!
If you like a little crunch in everything, these candied walnuts are for you! Made on the stovetop in 10 minutes with walnuts, butter, maple syrup, and salt, homemade candied walnuts are a quick and easy way to instantly elevate any dish (and make for a great grab-and-go snack).
Instead of roasting the walnuts in the oven, we like to make these candied walnuts on the stovetop for a shortcut. We’ve tested this recipe with different kids of sugar (white, brown, and maple) and maple syrup took the cake! The candied flavor is just as delicious (if not better than roasted walnuts) and it’s a really approachable recipe to try if you’re a newbie in the kitchen.
There are a few fun ways to put your own twist on these candied walnuts, so let’s get started!
Featured Comment
“Super easy to make and delicious! We used them on top of a kale salad!” – Kendra
What You Need for Candied Walnuts
Only 4 simple ingredients needed for these homemade candied walnuts (you likely already have them on hand!):
- Walnuts: Can’t have candied walnuts without them! Use raw (unroasted, unsalted) walnuts for this recipe.
- Butter: Creates the caramel flavor we love about candied nuts.
- Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of coarse sea salt offsets the sweetness.
Substitutions for Candied Walnuts
There are a few fun ways to mix up these candied nuts:
- Instead of walnuts, use the same amount of raw pecans or even cashews.
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan option.
- Feel free to use honey or molasses instead of maple syrup.
- Sprinkle in a little cinnamon or other cozy spice for flavor.
- Add some heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper!
FAQ
Nope! Place the raw walnuts directly in the skillet, no pre-soaking required.
Some type of fat is needed for these candied walnuts. Instead of butter, use coconut oil for a vegan alternative. Keep an eye on the nuts as they cook – they may “candy” more quickly than if you used butter.
Yes! Make sure your skillet is large enough to hold 4 cups of nuts. If it’s not, these nuts only take 5 minutes to candy on the stovetop, so making 2 individual batches takes no time at all.
Storage
Once these candied walnuts are completely cool, transfer them to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 week.
Freezing Candied Walnuts
Make a batch of candied walnuts (or a couple!) and store them in the freezer. Let the walnuts cool to room temperature, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, use them right from the freezer – they thaw quickly. We even like to eat them directly from the freezer for a midday snack!
Serving Suggestions
Grab a handful of candied walnuts for an on-the-go snack or add them to your favorite salad. For a little something extra, sprinkle some chopped candied walnuts on the top of muffins or mix them into cookies. The sweet and salty crunch is a welcome addition no matter how you serve them!
Homemade Gift: Make a batch of these easy candied walnuts for a homemade holiday, housewarming, or “just because” gift. Let the nuts cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and add a bow for a homemade gift ready in mere minutes!
Easy Candied Walnuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole walnuts*, raw (unroasted, unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place the walnuts, butter, and maple syrup into a large skillet pan set over high heat. Bring the butter and maple syrup to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir, making sure all of the walnuts are coated in maple syrup and butter. Let the walnuts simmer over low heat for 2 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and pour the walnuts onto the parchment paper. Spread them out so they are not touching. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Place the walnuts in the refrigerator until they are cool, about 5 minutes.
Tips & Notes
- Storage: Transfer completely cooled candied walnuts to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 week.
- Freezing Instructions: Let the walnuts cool to room temperature, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Nuts: Instead of walnuts, use the same amount of whole, raw pecans.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Super easy to make and delicious! We used them on top of a kale salad!
Looks delicious! What’s the best way to store them and how long are they good for? Thanks!