Candied Walnuts

Ingredients

2 c walnuts

1/2 c granulated sugar

3 tbsp light brown sugar

1/2 c water

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

In a skillet that’s not prone to sticking combine walnuts, both types of sugar, water and butter. If you like you can add cinnamon as well.

Cook over high heat while stirring continuously until the moisture evaporates and the walnuts start clumping. This should take 5 minutes.

Add salt to the mixture. Then transfer the nuts onto the baking sheet. Spread them out evenly.

Allow the nuts to cool down completely before breaking them into pieces. Enjoy!

Notes

To make a variation of our Candied Walnuts it’s important to be cautious, about any hidden gluten in the ingredients or spices you use.

Regardless, here’s an interesting idea; after spreading out the walnuts to cool try sprinkling an amount of gold dust or flakes that are gluten-free.

This not only guarantees a treat that’s safe for those avoiding gluten but also adds a touch of sophistication and playfulness, to your delightful creation.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1/4 cup (approximately)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of nuts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other nuts like pecans or almonds instead of walnuts if you prefer. The process will be similar.

Is it necessary to use both granulated sugar and light brown sugar?

Using both sugars adds depth to the flavor and helps create a balanced sweetness.

However, you can adjust the ratio of sugars based on your preference.

What is the purpose of adding water to the skillet?

The water helps create a syrup with the sugar and butter, which coats the walnuts and gives them a sweet and crunchy texture when it evaporates.

Can I skip the step of adding cinnamon?

Yes, the cinnamon is optional. If you prefer plain candied walnuts without the cinnamon flavor, you can leave it out.

How do I store candied walnuts, and how long do they stay fresh?

Store the candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their crispiness.

Can I use different types of nuts for this recipe, or is it best with walnuts?

While this recipe specifically uses walnuts, you can certainly experiment with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or cashews to create different variations of candied nuts.

Why do I need both granulated sugar and light brown sugar?

The combination of granulated sugar and light brown sugar provides a richer flavor and a slightly different texture to the candied walnuts.

It adds depth to the sweetness and helps create a crisp, caramelized coating.

Is it necessary to use unsalted butter, or can I use regular salted butter?

It’s recommended to use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of the recipe.

If you use salted butter, you may need to reduce the additional salt to avoid making the candied walnuts too salty.

What’s the best way to break the candied walnuts into pieces once they’ve cooled?

You can gently break the candied walnuts into pieces by hand or use a rolling pin to crush them.

Be cautious not to apply too much pressure, as they can be quite fragile.