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 and reduce heat to medium during the last minute), until all moisture evaporates and the nuts get darker, glossy and begins to clump together (refer pictures). It is important to make sure that all the liquid is evaporated before removing from heat.
- 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.
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Jan
Tuesday 19th of April 2022
I mean burner, not oven.
Jan
Tuesday 19th of April 2022
I don't know if my oven is hotter than yours or it's because I used a large skillet, but mine started burning two minutes in. I ended up with a cup of black, inedible walnuts. Nuts!
Lenzi
Wednesday 16th of March 2022
Mine burned! Uhhh:-(
MaryAnn Olleck
Tuesday 11th of January 2022
I'm just wondering, are these sticky? Or are they dry and don't stick together.
Maria Doss
Wednesday 12th of January 2022
Hi MaryAnn, They tend to stick together when hot and then get dry after cooling completely. Hope it helps, Maria
Zuleika
Sunday 21st of November 2021
Awesome time and labor savings! Thank you.
Maria Doss
Monday 29th of November 2021
That sounds wonderful, Maria