Candied walnuts are a delightful treat that combines a crunchy texture with a sweet and salty flavor. This Easy 3-Ingredient Candied Walnuts recipe requires just three ingredients and is ideal for gifting during the holiday season.
If ever you need a last-minute gift for friends and family, you can create the perfect batch of candied walnuts!
It is a great gift to give for the holidays or any time. There are a few tips and tricks for these tasty nuts to come out perfectly so be sure and read it through. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy they were to make. However, it is not a recipe for multi-tasking. You need to pay close attention for just a short time to ensure your Candied Walnut recipe turns out great.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is not only simple but also versatile. Candied walnuts can elevate salads, enhance charcuterie boards, or serve as a standalone snack. Their delightful crunch and sweetness make them a favorite among all ages. Plus, they make for a thoughtful and delicious gift that shows you care.
This recipe was adapted from Simply Recipes.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: Approximately 25 minutes
- Cook Time: About 15 minutes
Ingredients for Easy 3-Ingredient Candied Walnuts
- 1 ½ cups raw walnut halves (halves are preferred for even coating)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt, to taste
- Optional: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or a splash of vanilla extract for added flavor
Supplies
- Parchment paper
- 2 baking sheets
- Non-stick saucepan (medium or large)
- Wooden spoon (avoid plastic spatulas)
- 2 forks (for separating walnuts)
- Canning jars (1-pint and ½-pint recommended)
- Holiday decor for gifting (optional)
- Glue gun and glue sticks for decoration
- Last year, I was gifted Hexclad pans and Gordon Ramsey is right. Good pans do make a difference. I feel like a real chef now!
How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Candied Walnuts
#1. Set your oven to 350°F and place the rack in the middle.
#2. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. If they need more toasting, add a minute or two, watching closely to prevent burning.
#3. Line another baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
#4. In your saucepan, add sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until it melts into a warm caramel color, about 5 to 10 minutes.
#5. Add the toasted walnuts to the melted sugar, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
#6. Transfer the coated walnuts to the parchment-lined baking sheet. While still warm, use forks to break apart any clusters.
#7. Sprinkle with coarse salt to taste. Enjoy!
Kitchen Tips
- If your walnuts taste bitter, blanch them in boiling water for about two minutes before toasting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- To clean your saucepan, fill it with water and bring it to a boil; this will dissolve any hardened sugar. The hot water will easily melt away the hardened sugar for easy clean-up. Use the wooden spoon to scrape any hardened bits of caramelized sugar off the sides of the pan.
- Use two forks to break apart the walnut clusters. Don’t worry, you can also use your fingers to break up the pieces once the walnut mixture has cooled.
Creative Gifting Idea
These candied walnuts make wonderful holiday gifts! Decorate your canning jars with festive holiday decor. Consider using inexpensive ornaments from local stores like Walmart to add a personal touch. A jar of these sweet treats is perfect for teachers, neighbors, friends, or anyone who appreciates homemade goodies. Don’t they make a cute gift for a teacher, neighbor, or friend?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double this recipe?
It’s best to make smaller batches rather than doubling, as larger quantities may be harder to manage during cooking.
What can I do with leftover candied walnuts?
They can be added to salads, used as toppings for desserts, or enjoyed as a snack.
Try making these easy candied walnuts today! Share your creations with friends and family this holiday season, and don’t forget to leave a comment about your experience or any variations you tried! Follow these steps to create delicious candied walnuts that are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a thoughtful holiday gift!
More Sweet Treats to Make
- Angel Food Cake
- Blueberry Maple Crisp
- Cherry Pecan Ice Cream
- Boozy Chocolate Truffles
- Cinnamon Apple Blondies
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Sweet and Salted Pretzel Brownies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts
Kitchen Gadgets To Make Cooking Easy
Click here to see the full list of my favorite affordable kitchen gadgets that make cooking easy! See our favorite time-saving kitchen gadgets on our Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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