5 minute caramel walnuts are chewy, crisp, salty and not-too-sweet !!! Highly addictive candied walnuts are perfect for snacking, holiday gift giving or even topped on salads.
The simplest of recipes. It’s so easy, it’s ridiculous!
This candied walnuts recipe is perfect for
- Snacking
- Cheese board
- Holiday gift giving
- Topped over ice cream
- Mixed with popcorn
- Salads
- Crostini (like these Persimmon, Goat Cheese and Walnut Crostini )
Endless possibilities and SO ADDICTIVE.
Spicy Ginger Garlic Pita Chips <—- Another flavorful snacking idea. Made with fresh ginger, garlic, cilantro, red pepper flakes and turmeric, this homemade garlic pita chips makes a perfect snack anytime.
What makes this caramelized walnuts so addictive? It is
- Chewy
- Crispy
- Salty
- Not-too-sweet
Perfect blend of flavors.
Few reader feedbacks:
“Just made three batches for Christmas gifts. Outrageously simple to make, but they taste so good everyone will think I slaved in the kitchen with a candy thermometer. Thank you, Maria, for what is sure to become a holiday tradition for me!”
“These taste wonderful.. munch, munch….. “
Main ingredients:
Walnuts, Brown sugar, Butter and Salt. Nothing fancy. No complicated techniques!
15 Last Minute Christmas Baking Recipes <—- Cookies, candy, healthy treats and even no bake recipes!
How to make caramel walnuts?
The recipe could not be any simpler-
Cook walnuts, brown sugar, water, butter and salt in a non-stick pan, until all moisture evaporates. Transfer to a parchment paper and sprinkle more salt on top (you as much or as little you like). Let cool completely.
Done and DONE. SO easy and so delicious!
Don’t have a sweet tooth? Salt and Pepper Cashews – Crispy, crunchy, salty …..SPICY
Tips and Tricks in making easy caramel walnuts:
Use a non-stick skillet
Add all ingredients into a cold skillet.
Heat should be always high.
Stir occasionally for the first 5 minutes and constantly during the last one minute.
Cook until no moisture remains.
If you love walnuts, then you will love this Orange Walnut Cake or this Carrot Walnut Cake.
Packaging instructions for gift giving:
Wrap brown sugar caramel walnuts in clear cellophane. Tie with a pretty ribbon and you’ve got yourself a delicious (and easy) homemade holiday favor!
More holiday snack recipes :
Spicy Ginger Garlic Pita Chips
Easy Baked Shrimp Rolls with Sriracha Ranch
5 Minute Caramel Walnuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon golden brown sugar, both packed (do not use dark brown)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/8 teaspoon + 2 pinches salt
Instructions
- Place a piece of parchment on a dinner plate (approximately the size of the plate) or any other heat proof plate. Set aside.
- Place all ingredients (except two pinches salt) in a medium non-stick skillet.
- Place skillet over high heat and cook (stirring occasionally) for 5 minutes (stirring constantly in the last minute), until all moisture evaporates and the nuts get darker, glossy and begins to clump together (refer pictures).
- Immediately transfer nuts (scraping any remaining caramel off the pan) on the prepared parchment. Spread the nuts, so that they are in a single layer and sprinkle 2 pinches salt evenly on top of nuts. Let cool to room temperature and break apart with your fingers.
- Store nuts in a container for several days <– if it lasts that long.
Notes
Non stick pan is a must.
You could use a small non-stick skillet, cooking time might take an additional 30-45 seconds.
Some of the links above are affiliate links, which pay me a small commission for my referral at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting kitchenathoskins.com
All contents and images are my original work, unless and otherwise mentioned. Please do not use my recipes or images without linking back to www.kitchenathoskins.com. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite in your own words and don’t forget to include a link back to the original recipe.
Elaine
Friday 17th of September 2021
Can these be made without the extra salt?
Maria Doss
Sunday 19th of September 2021
Hi Elaine, Of course! But, the salt when paired with the sweet walnuts elevates the taste, Maria
April Dore
Wednesday 21st of July 2021
This recipe looks amazing! Is it possible to substitute other nuts like pecans (my DL doesn't like walnuts)?
Maria Doss
Thursday 22nd of July 2021
Hi April, Absolutely! Replace raw pecans instead of walnuts, Maria
Dee
Wednesday 21st of July 2021
Hi, Should the walnuts be raw or toasted before adding into skillet?
Maria Doss
Thursday 22nd of July 2021
Hi Dee, Please use raw walnuts, Maria
Catriona’s Candies
Tuesday 15th of June 2021
Can I double the recipe?
Maria Doss
Saturday 19th of June 2021
Hi Catriona, Yes if using a very large non-stick pan (please note that it might take longer than 5 minutes). Otherwise, we recommend not doubling the recipe, Maria
ratstuff
Sunday 13th of June 2021
Mine seemed very oily once cooled. I didn’t care for that (maybe that’s how they’re supposed to be). I tossed them with an additional 1/4c brown sugar & popped them in the oven for 30 mins on 300°F. Took the oiliness away.