If you've never tried making candied walnuts, you're in for a treat! These crunchy, sweet bites are perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite dishes. From classic recipes that are simple and delicious to more adventurous flavors like spiced maple and chocolate-covered, there's a candied walnut recipe for everyone. Plus, you can even whip up a savory version with rosemary! Curious yet? Let's investigate these fantastic recipes together!
Classic Candied Walnuts
Classic candied walnuts are a delightful treat that can enhance both sweet and savory dishes. Perfect for salads, desserts, or simply as a snack, these crunchy, sweet, and nutty morsels are easy to make and are sure to impress.
Whether you're preparing them for a party or just to enjoy at home, this recipe will guide you through the simple steps to achieve the perfect candied walnuts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and salt over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Once the mixture begins to simmer, add the raw walnuts and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly until the liquid thickens and coats the nuts.
If you choose to use cinnamon and vanilla, add them now and continue stirring for another 2 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and spread the walnuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
To achieve a more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or even a splash of maple syrup in addition to the vanilla.
Make sure to work quickly after removing the walnuts from the heat, as they'll start to harden as they cool.
If you find the walnuts sticking together, you can break them apart gently with your fingers once they've cooled.
Store your candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, but they're best enjoyed fresh!
Spiced Maple Candied Walnuts
Spiced Maple Candied Walnuts are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of spices with the rich sweetness of maple syrup. Perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or using as a topping for desserts, these walnuts are easy to make and will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a crunchy, flavorful snack that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups walnut halves
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the butter has melted.
Add the walnut halves to the saucepan and stir to coat them evenly with the syrup mixture. Spread the coated walnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to guarantee even cooking.
Remove from the oven when the walnuts are golden brown and fragrant, then let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
Extra Tips:
Be careful not to overbake the walnuts, as they can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
For added flavor, consider experimenting with different spices, such as cardamom or ginger, to customize the recipe to your taste.
Store the cooled walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, but be warned—they might disappear faster than that!
Chocolate-Covered Candied Walnuts
Chocolate-covered candied walnuts are a delightful treat that combines the crunch of walnuts with the rich sweetness of chocolate. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or as an elegant dessert topping, these treats are simple to make yet sophisticated enough to impress.
The process involves candied walnuts coated in luscious melted chocolate, resulting in a sweet and nutty flavor that's hard to resist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoothness)
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
Begin by preparing the candied walnuts. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, vanilla extract, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.
Add in the walnuts and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the walnuts are coated and the syrup thickens. Remove from heat and spread the walnuts onto parchment paper, allowing them to cool and harden.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Once the walnuts are cool, dip each one into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off, then place them back on the parchment to set.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee your chocolate coating is smooth and shiny, make sure to temper the chocolate if you want a more professional finish.
You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate, for varied flavors. If you find the candied walnuts too sticky, consider adding a pinch of cornstarch to the sugar mixture to help with the texture.
Finally, for a fun twist, sprinkle some sea salt or crushed peppermint on top before the chocolate sets for added flavor and visual appeal!
Orange Zest Candied Walnuts
Orange Zest Candied Walnuts are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts with the bright, citrusy notes of fresh orange zest. Perfect as a snack, a topping for salads, or even as a unique addition to desserts, these candied walnuts are easy to make and sure to impress.
The zesty flavor complements the sweetness of the sugar, creating a balanced and aromatic snack that's both crunchy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
To make the Orange Zest Candied Walnuts, start by preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, and butter, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Add the walnuts to the saucepan and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and the walnuts are well-coated. Stir in the orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, continuing to cook for another minute until the walnuts are glossy and the mixture is syrupy.
Remove from heat and spread the walnuts onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they're in a single layer. Allow them to cool completely before serving.
When making Orange Zest Candied Walnuts, it's essential to keep an eye on the sugar mixture as it cooks, as it can quickly burn if left unattended. You can adjust the amount of orange zest to your liking, depending on how pronounced you want the citrus flavor to be.
For added spice, consider incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar mixture while cooking. Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their crispness, as humidity can make them soggy. Enjoy your deliciously sweet and zesty treat!
Savory Candied Walnuts With Rosemary
Savory candied walnuts with rosemary are a delightful twist on the traditional sweet version, offering a unique flavor profile that combines the nutty richness of walnuts with the aromatic essence of fresh rosemary.
This dish serves as an excellent snack, a flavorful salad topping, or an elegant addition to cheese boards. The combination of sweet and savory notes creates a perfect contrast that will impress your guests or enhance your everyday meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking Instructions:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and add the brown sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
Once the mixture is bubbling, toss in the walnut halves, fresh rosemary, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring that the walnuts are evenly coated and toasted.
Once they're golden brown and fragrant, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the walnuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
When cooking candied walnuts, be mindful of the heat to prevent burning; keep the skillet on medium to medium-low heat for best results.
You can experiment with different herbs or spices, such as thyme or cayenne pepper, to customize the flavor according to your preference.
These walnuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them a convenient snack to have on hand. Enjoy them as a topping for roasted vegetables, mixed greens, or even alongside your favorite cheeses for a sophisticated touch.