Unleash a burst of sweet, crunchy flavor with these exquisite Candied Walnuts. Effortlessly simple to prepare, they elevate any dish from a basic salad to a gourmet dessert, or serve as a delightfully addictive snack. They also make a thoughtful, homemade gift that’s sure to impress!

The Best Homemade Candied Walnuts Recipe

For many years, making candied pecans has been a cherished holiday tradition in my kitchen. I always prepare large batches to ensure I have a ready supply for sprinkling over vibrant salads and incorporating into festive desserts. However, my culinary journey took an exciting turn after a memorable restaurant experience where I tasted the most incredible candied walnuts on a salad. That moment ignited a passion to recreate their exquisite flavor and texture at home, and I haven’t looked back since.

Let me tell you, there’s truly nothing quite like the experience of fresh, warm candied walnuts straight from the oven! The irresistible aroma that fills your home as they bake is reason enough to whip up a batch. Beyond their incredible taste, these sweet delights have become my ultimate go-to for holiday gifting. Imagine presenting a beautiful mason jar or an elegant bag filled with these golden nuggets, tied with a simple bow – it’s a personalized, festive treat that speaks volumes about your care and culinary skill.

Beyond being a fantastic gift, homemade candied walnuts offer incredible versatility for every season and occasion. They’re a game-changer for salads, adding a much-needed crunch and sweetness that transforms ordinary greens into something extraordinary. They also shine as a standalone snack, satisfying sweet cravings with a wholesome twist, or as a sophisticated addition to cheese boards and dessert platters. This recipe promises not just a treat for your taste buds, but a delightful sensory experience from start to finish, filling your home with a comforting, sweet fragrance.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Candied Walnuts

Creating these delightful candied walnuts requires only a handful of common pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and flavor, resulting in a truly irresistible treat:

• Walnuts: The undisputed star of our recipe! Walnuts provide a rich, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor that is beautifully contrasted and complemented by the sweet candied coating. Their natural oil content also contributes to a satisfying crunch. For the best results, always use fresh, high-quality walnut halves.
• White Granulated Sugar: This fine sugar forms the base of our sweet coating. It contributes to the initial sugary crust and, when baked, helps achieve that desired crisp, caramelized exterior, giving the walnuts their signature glossy finish.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adding light brown sugar introduces a deeper, molasses-rich flavor and a slightly softer, chewier element to the candied coating. This enhances the complexity of the taste and adds another layer of texture. Ensure it’s lightly packed for accurate measurement.
• Ground Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that beautifully complements the nutty flavor of the walnuts and the sweetness of the sugars. Cinnamon adds a comforting, inviting note that makes these candied nuts feel especially festive and cozy.
• Salt: Often overlooked in sweet recipes, salt is absolutely essential here. A pinch of salt perfectly balances the intense sweetness from the sugars, preventing the walnuts from tasting overly cloying. It also helps to enhance and bring out the natural richness and other subtle flavors of the walnuts and spices.
• Large Egg Whites: These are the secret binder that makes this recipe work so well! When whisked, egg whites create a frothy, adhesive mixture that allows the sugars and spices to cling evenly to each walnut. This ensures a consistent, delicious coating on every single piece, leading to uniform caramelization.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor profile significantly. It adds a warm, sweet, and complex aroma that pairs wonderfully with both walnuts and cinnamon, rounding out the taste and making it truly gourmet.
• Water: A small amount of water is incorporated to help dissolve the sugars and to thin out the egg white mixture slightly. This makes it much easier to coat the walnuts thoroughly and ensures an even distribution of the delicious seasoning blend.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Candied Walnuts

Making homemade candied walnuts is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these simple, detailed steps for a perfect batch every time – crunchy, sweet, and bursting with flavor:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to a low 250°F (120°C). This low and slow temperature is absolutely key for even baking and proper caramelization without the risk of burning the sugar or the nuts. Line an extra-large sheet pan (approximately 15×21 inches is ideal) with parchment paper or a high-quality silicone baking mat. If you don’t have an extra-large pan, use two smaller sheet pans to ensure the walnuts can spread out in a single layer. Proper spacing prevents steaming and encourages a uniform, crispy coating.
2. Whisk the Wet Ingredients Until Frothy: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the egg white, vanilla extract, and water. Using a whisk, beat the mixture vigorously until it becomes light, frothy, and slightly foamy. The frothiness of the egg white mixture is crucial as it acts as a binder, helping the sugar and spice mixture adhere effectively and evenly to each walnut.
3. Coat the Walnuts with Egg Mixture: Add the raw walnut halves to the frothy egg white mixture in the bowl. Gently toss the walnuts using a spatula or your hands until each individual piece is thoroughly coated. Ensure there are no dry spots, as this will affect how the subsequent sugar mixture sticks and caramelizes.
4. Add Dry Ingredients and Coat Thoroughly: Now, sprinkle the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt directly over the egg-coated walnuts in the bowl. Continue to toss gently but thoroughly. The goal here is to ensure every single walnut is completely covered with the sweet and spicy mixture, forming a thick, even coating on all sides. Take your time with this step for the best results.
5. Arrange and Bake to Perfection: Carefully spread the coated walnuts in a single layer across your prepared baking sheet(s). It is vital that the nuts are not overlapping or crowded; this allows hot air to circulate freely around each walnut, promoting even baking, crisping, and consistent caramelization. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. During this hour, make sure to stir and flip the walnuts every 15 minutes. This regular stirring prevents sticking, ensures even browning, and helps create that desirable, all-around crunchy texture.
6. Cool Completely for Crispness: Once baked and beautifully golden, remove the candied walnuts from the oven. Immediately transfer them from the hot baking sheet to a fresh piece of parchment paper or a clean cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes. As they cool, the sugary coating will crystallize and harden, transforming into that wonderfully crisp, non-sticky shell we desire. Resist the urge to touch them too much while they are cooling to prevent the coating from becoming sticky or clumping together.

Expert Tips for Candied Walnut Success

Achieving perfectly candied walnuts that are crunchy, sweet, and never sticky is easy with a few insider tips. These suggestions will help you produce a batch that’s consistently flavorful and absolutely irresistible, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice.

• Embrace the Large Sheet Pan: The importance of ample space cannot be overstated when baking candied nuts. Using a 15×21 inch pan (or even two smaller ones) for baking is absolutely crucial. This ensures that the walnuts spread out in a single, uncrowded layer, allowing for optimal air circulation. Good airflow promotes even caramelization and, more importantly, prevents the nuts from steaming rather than roasting. Steaming can lead to a soft, gummy, or sticky coating. Crowding the pan is a common mistake that almost always results in unevenly cooked and less crispy candied nuts.
• Proper Pan Lining is Your Best Friend: Always, without exception, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a reusable Silpat® silicone baking mat. These non-stick surfaces are absolutely essential for a clean release once the sugary coating has hardened. They prevent the caramelized sugar from sticking stubbornly to the pan, saving you from a messy cleanup. Avoid using wax paper, which can melt and adhere to the nuts at oven temperatures, or aluminum foil, which can cause the sugar to stick and burn in places, leading to an uneven texture.
• Explore Creative Flavor Twists: While cinnamon is a beloved classic that perfectly complements walnuts, don’t hesitate to experiment with other spices to customize your candied walnuts and match the season or your preference. For a cozy, autumnal or holiday twist, consider adding an extra ½ to 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice to the sugar mixture. Other fantastic additions include a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, a dash of ground cardamom for an exotic touch, or even a tiny amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising sweet and spicy kick.
• The Art of Cooling Patience: Patience during the cooling process is paramount to achieving that coveted crunch. Once out of the oven, it’s natural for the walnuts to still feel slightly sticky or soft. As they cool completely at room temperature, the sugar coating will crystallize and harden, resulting in that wonderfully satisfying crispness. Spreading them out on a clean surface or cooling rack immediately after baking helps them cool faster and, crucially, prevents them from clumping together into one giant sticky mass. Resist the urge to snack until they are fully cooled and firm.
• Quality Ingredients Make a Difference: The foundation of any great recipe lies in its ingredients. Always start with fresh, high-quality walnut halves. Rancid or old nuts will impart an unpleasant, bitter flavor that even the most delicious candied coating can’t hide. Similarly, use fresh eggs for the egg white mixture and a good quality vanilla extract (preferably pure vanilla) for the best overall taste and aroma.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Candied Walnuts

These sweet and crunchy candied walnuts are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless creative ways. Their delightful texture and flavor make them a fantastic addition to almost any meal or snack:

• Salad Enhancer Extraordinaire: This is arguably their most popular and transformative use! Sprinkle them generously over your favorite green salads, spinach salads, or vibrant fruit salads for an irresistible sweet and savory crunch. They pair wonderfully with tangy ingredients like goat cheese or blue cheese, crisp apples, juicy berries, and balsamic vinaigrettes.
• Perfect Snack Time Favorite: Enjoy them straight out of the jar as a satisfying and energizing snack. Their combination of healthy fats from the walnuts and a sweet, crunchy coating makes them a delightfully addictive treat that can curb sweet cravings in a more wholesome way.
• Gourmet Dessert Topping: Elevate your desserts to new heights! Use them to top scoops of vanilla ice cream, creamy yogurt parfaits, warm oatmeal, fluffy pancakes, crispy waffles, or even as an elegant garnish for cakes, cupcakes, and tarts.
• Morning Breakfast Booster: Add a handful of chopped or whole candied walnuts to your morning cereal, homemade granola, overnight oats, or a smoothie bowl for an extra layer of flavor, texture, and nourishing fats.
• Sophisticated Cheese Board Companion: Candied walnuts are a surprisingly sophisticated and essential addition to any cheese board or charcuterie platter. They offer a delightful sweet counterpoint to salty cheeses (like cheddar or gouda) and cured meats, balancing the flavors and adding textural interest.
• Innovative Baking Ingredient: Don’t limit them to toppings! Chop them up and gently fold them into your favorite cookie dough, rich brownie batter, or hearty muffin mix for a delightful nutty, sweet crunch baked right into your treats.

More Irresistible Seasonal Treats to Try

If you love the sweet and crunchy goodness of candied walnuts and enjoy making delightful homemade treats, you’ll surely enjoy exploring these other fantastic seasonal recipes:

• Classic Candied Pecans Recipe
• Crispy and Light Honeycomb Candy
• Decadent Homemade Turtle Candy
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Mexican Wedding Cookies
• Rich and Buttery Homemade Toffee

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5 from 5 votes

Candied Walnuts

By
Chelsea Lords

This easy-to-follow recipe for sweet and crunchy Candied Walnuts is perfect for topping salads, enjoying as a delightful snack, or giving as a homemade gift.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

1 hour

Cooling Time:

30-60 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 45-75 minutes

Yields:

16 ounces

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

• 1 pound walnut halves
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar lightly packed
• 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg white (reserve yolk for another recipe, see quick tip above)
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 tablespoon water

Instructions

• 1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line an extra-large sheet pan (15×21 inches) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If you only have smaller pans, use two to ensure walnuts are in a single layer. Set aside.
• 2. Whisk Egg White Mixture: In a very large bowl, whisk together the egg white, vanilla extract, and water until the mixture becomes frothy and slightly foamy.
• 3. Coat Walnuts: Add the walnut halves to the frothy egg white mixture. Toss gently until all walnuts are thoroughly coated.
• 4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt over the coated walnuts. Toss again until every walnut is evenly covered with the sweet and spiced sugar mixture.
• 5. Bake: Spread the coated walnuts in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet(s). Ensure they are not overlapping. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring and flipping the walnuts every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and caramelization.
• 6. Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven. Immediately transfer the hot candied walnuts to a clean piece of parchment paper or a cooling rack to cool completely. This crucial step allows the sugar coating to harden and become wonderfully crisp. Allow 30-60 minutes for full cooling and solidification.

Recipe Notes

Nutrition Note: The nutrition information provided is an approximation, calculated for a 1-ounce (approximately 1/16 of the recipe) serving. Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods.

Storage: To maintain their optimal crispness and flavor, store your homemade candied walnuts at room temperature in a sealed, airtight container for up to 2 weeks. For extended freshness, place them in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry for up to a month. For even longer preservation, they can be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When thawing, remove them from the bag or container and allow them to come to room temperature uncovered to prevent moisture buildup and maintain their crunch.

Make Ahead: Candied walnuts are an excellent make-ahead treat, perfect for busy holiday seasons, entertaining, or simple meal prepping. Prepare them days or even weeks in advance, then store as directed, ready to be enjoyed or gifted.

Nutrition Information (per 1-ounce serving)

Serving Size: 1 ounce
|

Calories: 244 kcal
|

Carbohydrates: 19g
|

Protein: 5g
|

Fat: 18g
|

Saturated Fat: 2g
|

Sodium: 151mg
|

Potassium: 138mg
|

Fiber: 2g
|

Sugar: 15g
|

Vitamin A: 6 IU
|

Vitamin C: 1 mg
|

Calcium: 36 mg
|

Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.