Best Candied Walnuts Recipes

DAWN'S CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread nuts in a single layer over a baking sheet. Roast for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until the nuts start to turn brown and the smell of roasting nuts fills the kitchen.
• Stir together sugar, cinnamon, salt, and milk in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat for 8 minutes, or until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage of 236 degrees F (113 degrees C). Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla immediately. .
• Add walnuts to sugar syrup, and stir to coat well. Spoon nuts onto waxed paper, and immediately separate nuts with a fork. Cool, and store in airtight containers.

MAPLE-CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Stir in maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer (mixture should be frothy), about 3 minutes. Add walnuts, and toss to coat using a rubber spatula. Cook, stirring, until sauce is syrupy and bubbly, about 3 minutes.
• Transfer walnut mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and spread into a single layer. Bake until walnuts are caramelized, about 10 minutes. Transfer sheet to a wire rack. Stir, and let stand until cool and hardened, about 30 minutes.

CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• In a large heavy skillet, combine the oil, vinegar and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat until blended. Add walnuts and cook over medium heat until nuts are toasted, about 4 minutes. , Sprinkle with brown sugar. Cook and stir until sugar is melted, 2-4 minutes. Spread on foil to cool. Store in an airtight container.

SPINACH BERRY SALAD WITH CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• For the dressing: Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, honey, jam, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil in a slow stream and continue whisking until the dressing is emulsified.
• For the salad: Toss together the spinach, blackberries, onions and Candied Walnuts in a large salad bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss. Using a vegetable peeler, shave some cheese over the top.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the walnuts and stir to coat. Raise the heat to medium, add the sugar and cook until the sugar is dissolved and caramelized, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, then transfer the mixture to the baking sheet. Spread the nuts in a single layer. Let the walnuts cool until hardened, about 15 minutes.

ENDIVE SALAD WITH CANDIED WALNUTS, ORANGE CARAMEL DRESSING AND BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Arrange the walnuts on a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and place in the center of the oven. Toast until the nuts are golden brown, really toasted, 5 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Spray a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with nonstick spray. In a large saute pan, heat the sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns a light amber color, 5 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle the walnuts in a single layer over the caramel. Spray a rubber spatula with nonstick spray and stir the nuts, quickly but carefully, to coat with the caramel. Transfer the nuts from the pan onto the prepared baking sheet, sprinkling the nuts so they separate as they land on the parchment. Season with salt.
• To the pan with the residual caramel, add the vinegar and orange juice. Warm the pan, whisking until the caramel, vinegar and orange juice are well combined. Remove from the heat. Whisk in the mustard and oil. Adjust the seasoning.
• Arrange the endive and radicchio leaves in a single layer on a family-style large platter. Intersperse the orange segments and walnuts with the endive and radicchio. Season with salt to taste. Drizzle with all of the dressing. Top with the blue cheese and parsley. Serve immediately.

CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet for 10 minutes. Cool completely. Cook sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, swirling pan occasionally, until melted and medium amber. Add walnuts, and stir to coat. Spread onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with a Silpat baking mat, and toast for 10 minutes. Use 2 forks to separate nuts. Sprinkle with salt. Let cool completely.

CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• In a heavy bottom pan heat to medium high heat.
• Place nuts and butter, when butter is melted and nuts are coated with the butter sprinkle sugar and cinnamon if wanted over nuts stirring till carmelized.
• Pour out on parchment paper separate nuts and cool.

MIXED GREENS SALAD WITH STRAWBERRIES AND CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• To make the candied walnuts: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and salt and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and caramelizes, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a silicone mat-lined baking sheet and let cool completely, 20 minutes.
• To make the vinaigrette: In a jar with a lid, add the sugar, vinegar, hot water, mixed berry jam, and garlic powder. Add the oil and salt. Cover and shake vigorously to combine.
• To make the salad: In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens and 1/2 cup of the strawberries. Add the vinaigrette to taste and toss until the greens are coated. Top with the remaining strawberries and sprinkle the feta cheese and candied walnuts on top.

ARUGULA SALAD WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS, GOAT CHEESE, AND CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• For caramelized onions:
• Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions. Sauté until golden, about 18 minutes. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with vinegar; stir to blend. Season with salt and pepper.
• For candied walnuts:
• Combine first 4 ingredients in another heavy large skillet. Bring to boil, whisking. Boil 1 minute. Add walnuts; stir. Toss until syrup forms glaze on nuts, about 3 minutes. Transfer nuts to sheet of foil and quickly separate nuts with forks. Cool. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• For croutons:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place bread cubes in large bowl. Drizzle with oil, tossing constantly to coat evenly. Scatter cubes in single layer on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake croutons until crisp, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand on sheet at room temperature.
• For salad:
• Whisk oil and vinegar in small bowl. Season dressing with salt and pepper.
• Place arugula in very large bowl. Drop in onions, tossing to distribute evenly. Add nuts, croutons, and goat cheese. Toss with enough dressing to coat lightly.

EASY CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Set oven to 325°F.
• Generously spray a baking/cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, toss the walnuts with sugar and salt, then drizzle the corn syrup over and toss with two forks to coat.
• Spread the nuts on the baking sheet (some nuts will stick together).
• Bake until the nuts are a deep golden and the sugar mixture is bubbling, stirring occasionally to break up lumps (this should take about 15 minutes of baking time).
• Cool completely on the baking sheet.

PF CHANG'S SHRIMP WITH CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• The the walnuts:.
• Prepare a piece of parchment paper or lightly grease a baking sheet. Set aside.
• Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add in the walnuts, stirring constantly. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until thickened. Place the walnuts on the parchment paper or baking sheet. Separating them carefully. Allow them to cool fully.
• An alternative to this is to simply toss the walnuts in a skillet with some white sugar and heat over medium-high heat, tossing constantly until the sugar is melted and caramelized.
• For the sauce:.
• Whisk this together over a low heat until warm. You want a very pale yellow color, if the color is too pale, add a dash more tumeric. Remove from heat.
• The the shrimp:.
• Clean and dry shrimp well.
• Whisk egg whites lightly in a bowl, add the shrimp and coat well.
• Combine the flour and cornstarch with some salt and pepper. Dredge the shrimp.
• Fry shrimp in hot oil, 3-5 minutes until the breading is golden and the shrimp are pink. Fry only a couple shrimp at a time, transferring to a paper towel to drain. Continue until all the shrimp are cooked.
• Toss the shrimp and honey dew and/or cantaloupe melon balls in the warm sauce. Top with candied walnuts and a light sprinkling of coconut. Serve over rice!

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH CANDIED WALNUTS AND GREEN APPLE

Steps:

• To candy the walnuts:
• Toast the nuts in a saute pan over medium heat with 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon salt. When the nuts start to take on a light golden color, add the rosemary and bloom for 1 more minute. Add the honey to the pan and remove from the heat.
• To roast the Brussels sprouts:
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Toss the Brussels sprouts with the canola oil, 1 teaspoon salt and pinch freshly ground black pepper. Lay out onto a sheet tray and roast for 10 to 12 minutes until they take color, but retain some texture. Remove from oven and set aside.
• To finish the dish:
• Saute the Granny Smith apple pieces in 1 tablespoon butter until they just take on color, about 2 minutes. Add the candied walnuts and roasted Brussels sprouts. Toss, and then add the juice of 1 lemon and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

CHOCOLATE BUDINO WITH CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Candied Walnuts:
• Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, swirling occasionally to dissolve sugar. As soon as the sugar is dissolved, add walnuts and bring syrup back up to a simmer. Cook, swirling saucepan occasionally for even cooking, until walnuts look slightly translucent and are softened, 30-35 minutes.
• Drain walnuts in a mesh sieve and arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Sprinkle walnuts with salt.
• Place a rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 300°F. Bake walnuts in oven, stirring once or twice, until well browned, 15-18 minutes. Let cool, then break up into small pieces.
• Budino and assembly:
• Place chocolate in a medium bowl; set aside. Bring cream and milk to a bare simmer in a large saucepan and remove from heat.
• Vigorously whisk egg yolks and sugar in another medium bowl until pale yellow and sugar is dissolved (rub between fingers to check), about 2 minutes.
• Gradually pour cream mixture into egg yolk mixture, whisking vigorously. Immediately pour egg yolk mixture into saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heatproof rubber spatula and making sure to get into the corners of the pan, until an instant-read thermometer registers 175°F (custard should be thick enough to coat a spoon; do not let it simmer or allow thermometer to go above 180°F).
• Pour custard over reserved chocolate and let sit until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes. Using an immersion blender or a whisk, blend until emulsified (if using a whisk, you may want to strain budino through a fine-mesh sieve after to ensure a silky texture). Add kosher salt and 1 Tbsp. oil to chocolate mixture and blend to incorporate.
• Divide budino evenly among six 8-12-oz. glasses. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 1 hour.
• Top each budino with candied walnuts, sprinkle with sea salt and pepper, and drizzle with a little oil. Serve with scoops of gelato if desired.
• Do Ahead
• Walnuts can be candied 1 week ahead. Store airtight at room temperature. Budinos (without toppings) can be made 3 days ahead. Keep chilled.

FRISEE SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE, MAPLE VINAIGRETTE AND CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar, syrup and shallot, add the oils in a stream, whisking, and whisk the vinaigrette until it is emulsified. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
• Make the candied walnuts: In a saucepan simmer the walnuts in water to cover for 5 minutes, or until they are softened slightly, drain them, and transfer them to a paper towel to dry completely. In a bowl stir together the walnuts and the sugar. In a Dutch oven heat 3 inches of the oil to 350 degrees on a deep-fat thermometer and in it fry the walnuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are brown and crisp. Transfer the walnuts as they are fried with a slotted spoon to a baking sheet and season them with the salt and cayenne.
• In a large bowl, toss the frisee with the dates and enough of the vinaigrette to just coat the salad, rserving any remaining vinaigrette for another use. Divide the salad among 6 plates, mounding it in the center, divide the cheeses and the bread around it, and sprinkle the salads with the walnuts and the herbs.

SPINACH SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES AND CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Candy the walnuts: Place the walnuts and the 1/4 cup of sugar in a nonstick skillet. Turn heat to medium high and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugar has melted and coated the walnuts. Turn onto a greased sheet of foil and separate with 2 forks. Let cool while assembling the salad.
• Wash and dry the spinach. Tear into bite sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
• Add cranberries and candied walnuts.
• Make dressing: in a cruet, combine the olive oil, vinegar and honey. Shake well.
• Dress the salad just before serving.

FRESH GOAT CHEESE, PEARS AND CANDIED WALNUTS WITH LAVENDER HONEY

Steps:

• Place 2 goat cheese rounds on each plate. Pour 1 tablespoon of the honey over each round. Scatter 5 or 6 nuts over and around the cheese, and arrange several pear slices around each plate.

ROASTED BEET SALAD WITH CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• In a roasting pan, toss the beets with the salt, pepper, 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Cover with foil and roast for 1 hour.
• Remove the beets from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Using several paper towels and with rubber gloves, peel the skins off the beets, keeping the yellow and red beets separate. Cube the red beets on a cutting board lined with parchment paper into 1/2-inch pieces. Put into a bowl and set aside. Repeat with the yellow beets and put into a separate bowl.
• Lower the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
• In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water, sugar and walnuts to a boil over medium heat. Drain the walnuts and put them on a sheet pan lined with lightly greased parchment. Bake in the oven until well toasted, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
• Divide the shallots and thyme between the red and yellow beets.
• Season each set of beets with sherry vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Arrange the beets on a large serving platter keeping the beets separate for presentation. Top with crumbled goat cheese and candied walnuts.

SUPER EASY CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• PreHeat oven to 350 degrees F.
• On a cookie sheet "with sides" place a piece of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan.
• Add walnuts and spread out into one layer.
• Drizzle honey over all of the nuts.
• Add slices of butter and spread equally over top of the honey & nuts.
• Bake for 5 minutes or until butter and honey melts.
• Remove from oven and stir nut mixture, then flatten uniformly coated nuts.
• Bake for 5 more minutes.
• Remove from oven and stir nut mixture, then flatten uniformly coated nuts.
• Remove from oven and flatten nuts letting them cool.
• When cooled, about 10-15 minutes later, break them up.
• Enjoy!

CARAMEL APPLE DRIP CAKE WITH CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Make the cake:
• Position a rack in center of oven; preheat to 350°F. Spread walnuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until golden brown and aromatic, 5-8 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, lightly coat cake pans with nonstick spray. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper; lightly coat parchment with nonstick spray. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
• Pulse walnuts and 1/2 cup dry ingredients in a food processor until walnuts are chopped into a fine flour. Transfer chopped walnuts to bowl with remaining dry ingredients. Mix apples and buttermilk in another medium bowl.
• Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until pale and thick, about 4 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to medium-low and gradually stream in oil. Add dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with apple mixture in 2 additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; beat until smooth. Divide batter between prepared pans; smooth top.
• Bake cakes, rotating pans halfway through, until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Transfer pans to a wire rack and let cakes cool 10 minutes. Run a knife around sides of cakes and invert onto wire rack; remove parchment. Let cool completely.
• Make the candied walnuts:
• Spread granulated sugar in a thin layer in the center of a large dry skillet. Cook over medium heat, mostly undisturbed (it's okay to swirl pan gently to get sugar to melt evenly), until sugar is melted, about 10 minutes. Quickly stir in walnuts and cook, stirring, until coated and melted sugar is chestnut brown, about 1 minute more. Scrape onto a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and spread out to cool, separating walnut halves into individual pieces. Transfer half of nuts to a food processor and coarsely chop.
• Make the caramel sauce:
• Bring granulated sugar, corn syrup, and 2 Tbsp. water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Continue to cook, without stirring, until medium amber in color, about 6 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring cream to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat or warm in microwave 45 seconds.
• Remove saucepan with sugar from heat and carefully whisk in cream, stirring from the center outward, until well combined. Stir in butter. Add vanilla and salt and stir to combine. Transfer caramel to a heatproof container and let cool until thickened.
• Assemble cake:
• Spread 1 Tbsp. frosting in the center of a platter. Place 1 cake, domed side down, on platter. Spread 1 1/4 cups frosting evenly over top. Top with 1 cup chopped candied walnuts, reserving whole candied walnuts. Place remaining cake, domed side down, on top. Spread top and sides with 2 cups frosting. Chill 30 minutes to let frosting set.
• Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Chill at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to let frosting set.
• Place a spoonful of caramel sauce on top of cake near one edge. Using the bottom of the spoon, spread it out, then very gently press a little sauce over the edge. Move spoon around perimeter of cake slightly and repeat to create additional drips, rotating cake as you work and spreading excess sauce across top of cake. When entire cake is covered in drips, add remaining sauce to fully cover top.
• Chill at least 30 minutes to let glaze set. Decorate top and sides of cake with remaining whole walnuts and serve.
• Do Ahead
• Cake can be made 3 days ahead; wrap tightly in plastic and chill, or freeze up to 2 weeks. Caramel can be made up to 2 weeks ahead; cover and chill.

SPICED CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat about 1-inch of oil to 350 degrees F.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add walnuts and blanch for 30 seconds. Drain and transfer nuts to a medium bowl. While nuts are still hot and slightly wet, add confectioners' sugar and toss to coat nuts. Stir and toss until all the sugar has melted into the nuts; if bits of un-melted sugar remain on the nuts, they will not fry properly.
• Stir the nuts again before frying. Using a large slotted spoon, transfer a few nuts to the hot oil, allowing the foam to subside before adding another spoonful. (Otherwise, the oil could foam over and burn you.) Fry in small batches until the nuts are medium brown, about 45 seconds; be careful not to overcook. Scatter on an unlined baking sheet to cool slightly.
• In a small bowl, stir together cayenne, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
• While the nuts are still warm, transfer them to a bowl and sprinkle evenly with about half of the spice mix. Toss well to distribute the spices and then taste a nut. Add more spice mix, to taste, and toss well after each addition. When cool, pack in an airtight jar. They will keep at room temperature for at least 2 weeks.