5-Minute Candied Walnuts

Here’s the thing – Candied Walnuts make everything better.

Well, maybe not everything – you probably don’t want to top a bowl of Clam Chowder with them, but a Butternut Squash Soup? Sure, that would work. They add extra pizzaz to everything from salads to afternoon snacks with their candied crunch and you know what? You can make them in just five short minutes.

How much better is a salad when it’s topped with Candied Walnuts? It’s leagues above a basic salad, but I often think of it as something that’s reserved for restaurants and not something to make in my own kitchen. But that’s just silly. They’re easy to keep on hand, you can use them for so many things, and they take just a few minutes to make on the stovetop. So why not make them at home? Go ahead and elevate your salad game!

You’re not going to believe how easy this is. You take some walnuts – about two cups will do – and place them in a non-stick skillet with some brown and white sugar, water, and butter.

And then you bring it to a boil.

You let it cook, stirring here and there, until the liquid evaporates and the nuts start to clump together. (That should take you about five minutes.)

Then you dump it all out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it sit until the nuts have hardened.

Break it apart and you’re ready for snacking or topping, or my favorite, holiday gifting! Add a little cinnamon and vanilla to the rest of the ingredients and these take on more of a holiday-spice flavor. Pack them in little jars with a festive ribbon and they make a great holiday gift.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just five minutes!
• Versatile: Perfect for salads, snacks, or gifts.
• Delicious: Adds a sweet, crunchy element to any dish.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large non-stick skillet
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Ingredients

• 2 cups walnuts
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. To a large non-stick skillet, add the walnuts, granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, and butter. (And cinnamon, if using.)
3. Place over high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until all moisture has evaporated and the walnuts become glossy and start to clump together. This should take about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in salt and quickly transfer nuts to prepared baking sheet. Spread out into a single layer and set aside to cool.
5. Once hard, break apart and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Keep an eye on the walnuts while cooking to prevent burning.
• Use a non-stick skillet for easy cleanup and even cooking.
• Allow walnuts to cool completely before breaking them apart to ensure they are fully hardened.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Substitute pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Try adding a splash of vanilla extract for added depth.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, pecans or almonds work well too.
• How long do these candied walnuts last? Store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
• Can I make these in advance? Absolutely, they are perfect for making ahead of time.

In conclusion, these 5-Minute Candied Walnuts are a game-changer for your kitchen. Whether you’re topping a salad, making a snack, or gifting them for the holidays, they’re sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! We’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative variations you’ve tried.