If you love a sweet, crunchy snack that feels both cozy and a little fancy, then you’ve got to try my Maple Candied Walnuts Recipe. These walnuts are perfectly toasted and glazed with a luscious blend of pure maple syrup, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, making them an irresistible treat whether tossed on a salad, sprinkled on desserts, or enjoyed straight from the jar. The irresistible balance of rich maple flavor and a satisfying crunch is something you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Maple Candied Walnuts Recipe is as simple as it is important. Each component plays a key role: the walnuts bring hearty crunch and earthiness, pure maple syrup offers natural sweetness and depth, and the vanilla and salt enhance those flavors beautifully.
- 2 cups walnuts: Choose fresh, high-quality walnuts for the best crunch and flavor.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup: This is the star of the recipe, providing that authentic, rich sweetness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds crunch and intensifies the maple’s caramel notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and complexity to elevate the glaze.
- Pinch of salt: Helps balance the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
How to Make Maple Candied Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures the walnuts roast evenly and the glaze bakes into a perfect, crunchy coating without burning the nuts.
Step 2: Mix the Maple Syrup Glaze
In a medium bowl, combine the pure maple syrup, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together so the sugar starts to dissolve and the flavors meld, setting the stage for a beautifully sticky glaze.
Step 3: Coat the Walnuts
Add the walnuts to the bowl with the maple mixture and toss them thoroughly. You want each walnut piece to be generously coated, ensuring every bite will have that irresistible sweet, caramelized layer.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Spread the coated walnuts evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every 8 minutes or so. This occasional stirring helps the nuts toast evenly and prevents any sticky clumps from forming.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the walnuts from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up as they cool down, turning into those crunchy, sweet morsels you’ll want to nibble on immediately or save for later.
How to Serve Maple Candied Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
These maple candied walnuts shine when used as a garnish. Sprinkle them on top of fresh green salads for a sweet-and-savory finish, or add a handful over vanilla ice cream or creamy yogurt for an extra crunch and depth of flavor.
Side Dishes
Maple candied walnuts make a delightful addition to cheese boards and charcuterie spreads, pairing especially well with sharp cheeses like blue or tangy goat cheese. They can also be mixed into roasted vegetable sides to add texture and a hint of sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual—try blending these walnuts into your oatmeal or breakfast smoothie bowls to introduce a lovely toasted sweet element. Or, chop them roughly and use as a topping for homemade baked goods like muffins or quick breads for that irresistible crunch baked right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep their crunch and flavor beautifully for up to two weeks, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or gift.
Freezing
You can also freeze maple candied walnuts by placing them in a zip-top bag or container. When stored properly, they can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven crunch, pop the walnuts into a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. This quick reheat will revive their crispy, glossy coating perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even cashews can be used as great alternatives. Just watch the roasting time, as some nuts may toast faster than walnuts.
Do I need to use pure maple syrup?
For the best flavor, pure maple syrup is recommended because it has a rich, complex sweetness. However, you can substitute with maple-flavored syrup if needed, though the taste may be less authentic.
Can I make these nuts vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan since it uses plant-based ingredients only. Just be sure your vanilla extract is free from any animal-derived additives.
What can I do if my nuts stick together after baking?
If the walnuts clump up while baking, gently separate them with a fork while they’re still warm or give them a quick toss when reheating to break apart the clusters.
How long do maple candied walnuts last?
Stored correctly in an airtight container, these walnuts will stay fresh and crunchy for around two weeks at room temperature, making it easy to enjoy them over time without worry.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Maple Candied Walnuts Recipe enough because it is just that good and so easy to make. From snack time to dinner party showstopper, these walnuts bring a warm, sweet crunch to anything they touch. Trust me, once you taste them, this little treat will have a permanent place in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking and even happier snacking!
Print
Maple Candied Walnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2.2 cups candied walnuts
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These maple candied walnuts are a delightful sweet and crunchy snack or topping, made by coating walnuts in pure maple syrup, sugar, and vanilla, then baked to caramelized perfection. Perfect for salads, desserts, or enjoying on their own.
Ingredients
Walnuts
- 2 cups walnuts
Maple Syrup Mixture
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for baking the candied walnuts.
- Prepare Syrup Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the maple syrup, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Coat Walnuts: Add the 2 cups of walnuts to the syrup mixture and toss thoroughly to coat each walnut evenly with the maple mixture.
- Bake Walnuts: Spread the coated walnuts evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even caramelization and to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the walnuts from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. The nuts will harden as they cool, becoming crisp and candied, ready to serve or store.
Notes
- Stir occasionally during baking to prevent burning and ensure even coating.
- Allow the walnuts to cool completely before handling for best texture.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
