Description
These 5-Minute Candied Walnuts are sweet, crunchy, buttery, and incredibly easy to make! Prepared in one skillet with just a handful of ingredients, they develop a delicious caramelized coating without needing to pre-toast the walnuts. Enjoy them as a snack, sprinkle them over salads, or use them to add a crunchy touch to your favorite desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnut halves
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the walnut halves, granulated sugar, water, butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- As the sugar begins to melt, stir constantly until the walnuts are evenly coated with the caramelized sugar.
- Continue cooking until the coating becomes glossy and amber-colored.
- Immediately transfer the walnuts onto a sheet of parchment paper.
- Quickly separate the walnuts using two spatulas before the sugar hardens.
- Allow the walnuts to cool for 5–7 minutes until the coating becomes firm and crunchy.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy!
Notes
- As a snack: Enjoy these sweet, crunchy walnuts on their own whenever you want something delicious.
- For salads: Sprinkle them over spinach salads, apple salads, pear salads, or mixed greens.
- For desserts: Use them as a topping for ice cream, cheesecakes, brownies, yogurt, and cakes.
- For breakfast: Add them to oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or Greek yogurt.
- For cheese boards: Pair them with brie, goat cheese, cheddar, grapes, and crackers.
- Room temperature storage: Allow the walnuts to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
- Storage time: Keep them at room temperature for up to 1–2 weeks in a cool, dry place.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality.
- Prevent sticking: Separate the walnuts immediately after cooking, before the caramel coating hardens.