Now you know how to candy walnuts there are a few key tips to pay attention to get the tastiest crunchy sweet snacks. The main trick is to work at speed once the sugar starts to melt. The candy syrup cools very quickly, and if you haven’t separated the walnuts they will stick together. You will have around 30 seconds to spread the walnuts out on the parchment paper before the sugar hardens and they bind.
The walnuts won’t need long to toast in the oven either. Keep a close eye on the nuts while they’re baking and as soon as you see any signs of burning remove them from the oven.
Flavor Variations (Spiced, Savory)
There are lots of flavor twists you can add to candied walnuts. When making candied walnuts for a salad, try adding a pinch of lemon zest once coated with the sugar, to bring a citrus note to your fresh plate of leaves. Or for snacking, chili flakes add a spicy note to your sweet and savory toasted nuts. If you’re planning to use the nuts as a topping for a bake, a pinch of sweet cinnamon or nutmeg helps to enhance the sweet and indulgent flavors.
How to Use Candied Walnuts
Candied walnuts can be used in a variety ways, from a tasty and crunchy snack to a flavorful topping for classic baked goods. Sprinkle the candied walnuts over salads with goat cheese, pears, and apples for the best pairing. You can add a bowl of candied walnuts to your favorite cheese board for added texture and crunch, or use them as a topping for sweet baked goods such as banana bread or brownies.
For healthier dishes, try chopping the candied walnuts and mixing into lunchtime grain bowls, or alongside roasted vegetables, for a touch of sweetness.
Storage Tips
Let the walnuts cool completely before storing after coating with sugar. Store in an airtight container for up to one week, or you can keep the nuts in the fridge for up to three weeks.
Now you know how you make candied walnuts, there are plenty of other nut varieties to explore cooking with in your kitchen, including hazelnuts, which can be substituted into the recipe above.
