Candied Walnuts
Quick, easy and so delicious, this Candied Walnuts recipe is honey glazed and perfect in salads, eaten with cheese or as a simple snack. One of our favorite healthy treats during the holidays.
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Somewhere around my early to mid teen years, the United States became obsessed with not eating fat.
When I say obsessed, I am being very literal.
If you were around in the 80’s then it is very high chance you remember the products that everyone was consuming.
Products like fat free salad dressings, fat free cookies and fat free margarines.
I cringe thinking about how that aided in us in not eating enough omega-3 fatty acids.
Health and what eating healthy looks like can be highly controversial topics among many.
Interestingly, omega 3 fatty acid is not among the controversial health topics. We know we need to be eating more of it.
Well my friends, the good news is I share with you a snack that is not only INSANELY tasty, incredibly easy to make and helps you and your family in obtaining optimal levels of omega 3.
Candied Nuts
Candied Nuts can be a satisfying snack when you have sweet tooth. They pack well, perfect for lunch boxes or packed work lunches. Also, they are a wonderful addition to salads and pair well with cheese and fruit as an appetizer.
Walnut Nutrition
Getting enough omega 3 fatty acids can be a challenge in the American diet. However, eating about 7 walnuts provides 2542 mg of much needed omega 3. Also impressive is the amount of copper, manganese and vitamin E, not to mention all the other vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and plant compounds.
How To Make Candied Nuts
- Preheat a large frying pan over medium/high heat.
- Add butter, nuts, salt and honey.
- Stir consistently until nuts are toasted and honey has caramelized, about 3 minutes.
- Place hot nuts onto parchment paper or lightly sprayed silicone baking mat. Let cool.
Soaking Walnuts
The question of whether to soak walnuts before eating is a question that has a very personal answer. For many, walnuts can be hard to digest. Soaking helps rid the nuts of tannins, the astringent compound that also makes walnuts slightly bitter. To soak the walnuts before making this recipe follow these steps.
- Place nuts into a large glass container and fill with water at least 2-3 inches above nuts.
- Soak in the refrigerator overnight.
- Drain and dry using a dehydrator. Pro Tip: Walnuts must be throughly dried in a dehydrator if soaked or this recipe will not turn out well. Dehydrating in the oven does not work well with this recipe.
How long do walnuts last?
It is advised by experts that walnuts will keep best if kept in an airtight container in the freezer for 1 year, refrigerated for 6 months or keep in the pantry for short term, approximately 1 month. I however, have bought large bags from Costco that were stored in the pantry for 6 months without an issue.
Once the Candied Walnuts are made, store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Additional Flavor Options for Honey Walnuts
Adding in 1/4-1/2 tsp of any combination of the spices below can add an interesting savory spiciness to these Honey Glazed Walnuts.
- ground cinnamon
- cayenne pepper
- nutmeg
- chipotle powder
- black pepper
- chili powder
- cumin
More Delicious Walnut Recipes
Kale and Brussel Sprouts Salad
Candied Walnuts
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups walnut halves
- 1/3 cup raw honey
- 1/8 tsp sea salt *if using salted butter eliminate salt
Instructions
- Prepare a sheet of parchement paper or lightly spray a silcone baking mat. Set aside.
- Preheat a large frying pan over med/high heat. Add butter, walnuts, salt and honey. Stirring consistently, cook until nuts have toasted and honey has caramelized, about 3 minutes.
- Transfer hot nuts onto parchment or baking mat. Spread evenly to let cool. When nuts have cooled to room temperature and are slightly tacky seperate nuts to avoid sticking together. Store in an airtight container once nuts have fully cooled and are no longer tacky.
Nutrition
hi heather, may i know how long do the walnut need to be dry in the dehydrator and what’s the degree? thanks xx
I apologize for the delayed response. Most soaked walnuts will take approximately 6-12 hours to dehydrate air about 115℉. Just make sure to do a taste test to make sure that the nuts are fully dried before making these candied walnuts. I hope you enjoy!
Can the candied walnuts ne frozen?
Yes, they freeze well in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Can you substitute maple syrup for the honey?
Hi Heidi. Yes you can substitute. However, the final product will be slightly different with maple syrup verses honey.
These are great as snacks and really good on salads, but I make them for gifts for the ladies at my church. I put them in little mason jars with a ribbon and a tag with the recipe on it. They really appreciate the homemade touch and love the flavor!
That is such a thoughtful gift! Thank you so much for sharing the idea.
Hi there; Can I do 1/2 sugar and 1/2 brown sugar?
8-2-23
PLS RESPOND TODAY
THANKS
Hi Susan,
I have a hard time keeping up on comments so I am so sorry if I have been slow to respond in the past.
Yes, You absolutely can replace the honey with either granulated sugar or brown sugar. Just make sure to cook over medium heat stirring constantly just until the sugar melts and then transfer onto a parchment lined cookie sheet to cool. The hardest part of trying to do 1/2 granulated sugar and half brown sugar is going to be diving a 1/3 of a cup in half. I personally would recommend doing either one or the other.
Please let me know how they turn out. I hope you enjoy!
Did it with fresh honey from my daughter’s bee hive. Amazing flavour!
Ohhh that must have been so good. Thank you so much Elisabeth for making the recipe and taking the time to come back and comment.
I used Mike’s Hit Honey for a little kick
That sounds delicious!
very good and easy, I always have honey, butter and cinnamon around.
Thank you Carmen! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Isn’t it great when you already have everything you need on hand? I love this recipe when I’m craving something sweet but still want to be semi good.