Sweet, lightly salty, and perfectly crunchy, these candied walnuts come together with four simple ingredients in about ten minutes. They’re easy to make and a delicious addition to salads, baked goods, or just as a snack.
If you love a crunchy sweet bite, these stovetop candied walnuts are for you. Made with raw walnuts, butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of coarse sea salt, they take only minutes to prepare and instantly elevate any dish. They’re also a great grab-and-go snack.
Instead of roasting in the oven, this version candies the nuts on the stovetop for a quick shortcut. We tested different sweeteners and found maple syrup gives the best flavor and texture, but other sweeteners work if that’s what you have on hand. The method is approachable even for kitchen beginners.
There are simple variations to personalize the recipe, so read on for ideas and tips.
Featured Comment
“Super easy to make and delicious! We used them on top of a kale salad!” – Kendra
What You Need for Candied Walnuts
Just four basic ingredients (most are pantry staples):
- Walnuts: Use raw, unroasted, unsalted walnuts for best results.
- Butter: Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Sweetens and helps form the candy coating.
- Sea Salt: A small sprinkle balances the sweetness.
Substitutions and Flavor Variations
Ideas to change up the recipe:
- Swap walnuts for raw pecans or cashews in the same quantity.
- Use coconut oil in place of butter for a vegan option.
- Substitute honey or molasses if you don’t have maple syrup.
- Add warm spices like cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for cozy flavor.
- For a spicy-sweet kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
FAQ
No. Use raw walnuts directly in the skillet—no soaking required.
You need some fat to help candy the nuts. Coconut oil works as a vegan alternative but may candy more quickly, so watch them closely.
Yes—use a large skillet that will hold the nuts without crowding. If your pan is smaller, make two quick batches; the process is fast.
Storage
Once completely cool, store the candied walnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to one week.
Freezing Candied Walnuts
You can freeze cooled candied walnuts in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. They thaw quickly, and you can use them straight from the freezer as a quick snack.
More of our Favorite…
Quick and Easy Snacks
- Maple Roasted Pecans
- Maple Sesame Roasted Cashews
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola
- Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups
Serving Suggestions
Snack on a handful of candied walnuts, add them to salads for texture and flavor, sprinkle over muffins, or fold into cookie dough for a crunchy sweet element. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift—pack cooled nuts in an airtight container and tie a bow on top.
Homemade Gift: A quick, homemade present—perfect for holidays, housewarmings, or “just because.”
Easy Candied Walnuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole walnuts, raw (unroasted, unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Instructions
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Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a large skillet over high heat, combine the walnuts, butter, and maple syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low and stir so all walnuts are coated. Let them simmer on low for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Remove the pan from the heat and pour the walnuts onto the prepared parchment. Spread them out so pieces do not touch, then sprinkle with sea salt.
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Chill in the refrigerator until cool, about 5 minutes. Once cooled, break apart any clumps and store as desired.
Tips & Notes
- Storage: Keep completely cooled walnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to one week.
- Freezing: Cool to room temperature, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze up to three months.
- Nut swaps: Use raw pecans or cashews in the same amount if you prefer.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 12 g,
Protein: 4 g,
Fat: 19 g,
Fiber: 2 g,
Sugar: 9 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guide only.
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