This Easy Caramelized Walnuts Recipe (made in minutes!) is perfect for the holiday season. With just a few ingredients, you can create a sweet snack that everyone will love. The candy coating adds a special touch, making these walnuts a great addition to desserts or the tops of salads.

The brown sugar gives them a distinct, slightly smoky flavor that sets them apart. They’re incredibly versatile—perfect for snacking or adding a bit of crunch to your favorite dishes. Give them a try, and you’ll see how simple and delicious homemade caramelized walnuts can be!

Ingredients you’ll need for these candied walnuts

This recipe calls for only 3 simple ingredients, found in any grocery store:

• Chopped Walnuts: They provide the main crunch and nutty flavor. They soak up the buttery, sugary coating as they caramelize, adding a deliciously crispy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Melts down to help the sugar dissolve evenly and coat the walnuts. It adds a rich, smooth flavor to the caramelization process.
• Light Brown Sugar: Melts into the butter, creating a sweet, sticky caramel that clings to the walnuts and adds a deep, toasty flavor.

These ingredients come together quickly, creating a perfect balance of sweet and nutty in just a few minutes.

​Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

Add-ons and Substitutions

Here are some add-ons and substitutions you can consider for this recipe:

Add-Ons:

• Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or Nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Stir in a few drops to add a subtle sweetness and depth.
• Sea Salt: Add a pinch of salt for a salty-sweet contrast.
• Maple Syrup: Drizzle a little during caramelization for a richer flavor.
• Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper: Add a tiny amount for a hint of heat.
• Honey: Mix in a spoonful for added sweetness and a slightly different texture.

Substitutions:

• Pecans, Almonds, or Cashews: Swap the walnuts for other nuts for variety.
• Coconut Oil: Use instead of butter for a dairy-free option and a slight coconut flavor.
• White Sugar: Replace brown sugar if you prefer a lighter caramel taste.
• Salted Butter: If using salted butter, omit additional salt to avoid over-salting.

These tweaks can add unique flavors or accommodate dietary preferences while keeping the recipe tasty!

How to make this delicious snack

Prepare a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and set it aside. 

In a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts, butter, and sugar. Stir constantly using a wooden spoon, allowing the butter and sugar to melt for about 5 minutes. Once the sugar dissolves, the walnuts are fully coated, and with a golden brown color, turn off the heat. 

Spread the walnuts onto the sheet of parchment paper in a single layer to prevent clumping. Let the caramelized walnuts cool for approximately 5 minutes, then store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Ways to use Caramelized Walnuts

Caramelized walnuts are incredibly versatile and so handy to have around! I love keeping a small batch on hand whenever the craving hits or whenever I need a quick addition to elevate a dish. 

They’re perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and crunch to cakes, desserts, cheese plate, or on top of salads, and they work wonderfully as a topping for ice cream. Plus, they’re just as delicious on their own as a simple, satisfying snack. 

Whether you need a quick addition to your next charcuterie (like this Christmas charcuterie board or Dessert Charcuterie Board) or just want to sprinkle something special on a dessert, these walnuts are easy to pair with just about anything.

Difference between Caramelized, candied and glazed

Caramelized

Caramelization is a process that takes place when sugar is heated slowly at a low temperature, causing it to break down and transform into a rich caramel. 

This heating changes the sugar’s chemical composition, giving it a nutty, more complex flavor and a darker color. The process doesn’t involve adding anything beyond heat, which means the sugar itself is what turns into the sticky, golden coating. 

Caramelized products often have a smooth, glossy finish and a deep, almost smoky sweetness that is great for toppings and desserts.

Candied

Candied nuts are made by cooking nuts in a sugar syrup until they become coated with a crunchy sugar layer. The process involves heating sugar and water until it forms a syrup, then adding the nuts to the mixture until the sugar crystallizes around them. 

This gives the nuts a dry, whitish, sugar-coated appearance with a delightful crunch. Candied nuts are popular as sweet snacks, garnishes for desserts, or additions to cheese platters.

Glazed

Glazed nuts are prepared similarly to candied nuts but with a slight variation in the finishing step. After the nuts are cooked in a sugar syrup, they are drained but not allowed to crystallize completely. This results in a shiny, sticky coating rather than a dry, crystallized one. 

The glaze gives the nuts a smooth, glossy finish, making them perfect for snacking or as a decorative topping for desserts, providing a sweetness without the extra crunch of candied versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to avoid caramelized walnuts from getting sticky and soft?

After the caramelized walnuts are done, make sure to let them cool completely (around 20 minutes) before storing them. 

If they’re stored warm, condensation will occur since the heat is trapped, and the humidity from it will cause the Walnuts to become soft and sticky.

Also, storing them in an airtight container to avoid any moisture seeping ensures they don’t turn soft.

How long do caramelized nuts keep?

Caramelized walnuts can last for up to 2 weeks when stored properly. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to keep them fresh and maintain their crunch.

How should I store caramelized walnuts?

Store the caramelized walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps keep them crisp and prevents any moisture from making them sticky. If you live in a particularly humid area, you can store them in the fridge for extra protection.

Can I use other types of nuts?

​Absolutely! You can easily swap the walnuts for pecans, almonds, cashews, or even hazelnuts. The caramelization process will be the same, but different nuts will bring their unique flavor and texture.

Why did my caramel turn out grainy?

​Grainy caramel can happen if the sugar doesn’t dissolve completely or if it crystallizes. Stir constantly while the sugar and butter are melting, and make sure the heat isn’t too high to avoid this issue.

Can I add flavors like vanilla or cinnamon?

Yes, you can! Adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon during the cooking process will give the walnuts a tasty twist. Just stir it in as the sugar melts for the best flavor.

Click on the links below for more recipes to combine these walnuts with:

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