Crispy, crunchy, lightly caramelized shell for the BEST Candied Walnuts with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon—the perfect cozy snack and gift!
This is one of my snacks recipes you’ll love!
Candied Walnuts: An Easy, Impressive Recipe
Today’s recipe is not too sweet, not too salty—the perfect in-between treat! Welcome to the very best Candied Walnuts recipe! All you need are 4 ingredients and just a few minutes of prep for the crunchy, caramelized, candied walnuts that are sure to impress!
The Ingredients
- Walnuts – I like walnut halves better than walnut pieces or chopped walnuts. They’re more visually impressive and pack a bigger walnut taste.
- Vanilla – pure vanilla extract is best. Avoid imitation vanilla.
- Maple Syrup – use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup or otherwise
- Coconut Sugar – or brown sugar
- Optional Ingredients – this includes cinnamon and salt. Just like those two ingredients make Cinnamon Streusel Muffins so much better, so it does in this recipe.
What Are Candied Walnuts?
Candied walnuts are a sweet treat that includes cooking walnuts in the oven or on the stovetop. Walnuts are coated with a glaze that “candies” upon cooking.
These can be used as a salad topper, alone as an edible gift, and more.
How to Make Candied Walnuts
Learn how to candy walnuts in the oven with just a few simple steps. Here, we’ll go over each step with photos, just like in streusel topping.
Be sure to check out detailed instructions & precise ingredients in the recipe card, toward the bottom of the post! 🙂
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil that’s been lightly greased.
Then, stir together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl: walnuts, cinnamon, and salt.
Next, add vanilla, maple syrup, and sugar to the same bowl. Stir until walnuts are fully coated in maple–this will be the candy coating.
Pour walnuts onto a lined baking sheet. Spread into an even layer to ensure walnuts are candied in the oven correctly.
Bake for 15 minutes, flip, then bake for an additional 6-12 minutes.
Cool, and enjoy the best candied walnuts!
Q&A
Are Candied Walnuts Gluten Free?
This recipe for candied walnuts is gluten free since it uses only naturally gluten free ingredients.
How Long Do Candied Walnuts Last?
This recipe will last for 1-3 months if stored in an airtight container at room temperature, similar to pumpkin granola.
How to Candy Walnuts with Maple Syrup?
You can candy walnuts with maple syrup in this recipe. The 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar or brown sugar simply adds to the crunchiness and flavor of this treat.
How to Store Candied Walnuts?
You can store candied walnuts at room temperature or in the freezer. Store in an airtight container for 1-3 months.
Can You Freeze Candied Walnuts?
Yes, you can! These freeze well. After cooling completely, store candied walnuts in a freezer-friendly container in the freezer for 1-3 months.
Are Candied Walnuts Healthy?
Not all candied walnut recipes are the same. This particular recipe uses only 3 total tablespoons of sugar for a whopping 2 ½ cups of walnuts. No oil or butter is used, making these candied walnuts relatively healthy.
Are Candied Walnuts Vegan?
Yes, these are vegan. If using brown sugar, make sure it’s organic to ensure that it’s processed free from animal products.
How Many Calories in Candied Walnuts?
This recipe is 168 calories per 1/4-cup serving. Here’s the full nutritional breakdown:
- Calories: 168
- Fat: 15.9g
- Sugar: 3.9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 6.9g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.7g
- Protein: 3.7g
More Snack Recipes
- Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
- Peanut Butter Granola Bars
- 3 Ingredient No Bake Cookies
- How to Toast Slivered Almonds
Tools You Need
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Kitchen tools set
- Precut parchment paper sheets
- Glass mixing bowls
- Ceramic baking sheet
I’m Walnuts About You!
Can you feel it? 🙂 I hope you love everything I have coming your way for the holidays. If you make a BB recipe, take a pic and share it on Instagram and Facebook using the tags @beamingbaker and #beamingbaker. I can’t wait to see it! ‘Til our next sweet adventure…
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
Print
Candied Walnuts
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 ¼-cup servings (about 3 cups) servings 1x
Description
Crispy, crunchy, lightly caramelized shell for the BEST Candied Walnuts with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon—the perfect cozy snack and gift!
Ingredients
Tools Needed
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Kitchen tools set
- Precut parchment paper sheets
- Glass mixing bowls
- Ceramic baking sheet
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups walnuts
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greased foil. Set aside for later.
- Add all Dry Ingredients to a large mixing bowl: walnuts, cinnamon and salt (if using). Stir until walnuts are fully coated in cinnamon and salt. Skip stirring if not using either.
- Add vanilla, maple syrup and sugar. Stir until all the walnuts are fully coated.
- Pour walnuts onto prepared baking sheet. Spread into an even, single layer, making sure to leave empty pockets of space to let air through while baking. This will allow the walnuts to get crispy!
- Bake for 15 minutes. Stir and flip.
- Bake for an additional 6-12 minutes, until crisp and candied. For this side, mine took 8 minutes.
- My grand total bake time was 23 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Using a heatproof spatula, spoon or fork, carefully nudge walnuts apart if desired. Cool for about 30 minutes, break apart if necessary, and enjoy!
Notes
Storing Instructions: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-3 months. Keep in a cool, dark environment.
How to make Vegan: Use coconut sugar or organic brown sugar.
How to make Gluten Free: Keep the recipe as is.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Bake
😋 📸 ❄️
📸 Did you make this candied walnut recipe? Take a pic and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker & tag @beamingbaker. I’d love to see it! 📸
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denise says
Another fantastic recipe!!! Thank you!! They came out so great…have already made them twice!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Woohoo! That’s so awesome to hear, Denise! 😊 I know, aren’t they wonderful to have waiting for you?
Catalina says
I have so many walnuts at home, so I need to make this treat for my kids!
★★★★★
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Oh how perfect! I bet the little ones will love this! 🙂
Sandra says
I didn’t know it’s so easy to make candied walnuts! I’ll make a big batch next time and have it for snacks!
★★★★★
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
It’s seriously so easy. A total must to have during the holidays!
katerina @ diethood.com says
I would love to snack on these all day!! They are incredibly delicious!!
★★★★★
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
I know! It’s seriously so hard to resist these. 😋
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says
Looks totally irresistible! Can’t wait to make this!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
I know you’re really gonna love these!
Dorothy Reinhold says
This is the perfect snack to have on hand for the holidays! So good!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Yes, they always come through in a pinch!
Beth says
Those look absolutely delicious! I love candied walnuts. They’re my favorite food of the holiday season.
★★★★★
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
I know, aren’t they the best? 😊 Perfect way to get in the holiday munching mood.
Betty says
I live where I only can use a crockpot. No stove, no oven etc. Can you make candied walnuts in a crock pot? If so, how. I have a 2 qt. and a 6 qt. crockpot.
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Hi Betty, unfortunately, I haven’t tried this recipe in a crockpot, so I can’t say. If you do end up trying it, let me know how it turns out and what works. Good luck!
denise says
What do you think about air frying them?
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Hi Denise, I’m not certain… From what I’ve experienced with an air fryer, you’d have to reduce the temperature by about 25 degrees, and *sometimes* reduce the bake time a bit. You can give it a go, but check it about halfway through and adjust the cook time accordingly. Also, be aware that the maple syrup and brown sugar might cause a drippy, burning mess (yikes!). Good luck & let me know how it turns out! 🙂