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    Home » Recipes » Snacks

    Published: Dec 8, 2022 · This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.

    Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts for Christmas (10 mins + Vegan)

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    brown sugar candied walnuts pin.
    brown sugar candied walnuts pin.
    VNFOFGF

    It's that time of year again: Christmas! And what better way to celebrate this joyful holiday season than by creating delicious snacks for your loved ones? This year, turn up the flavor with some crunchy, caramel-coated Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts. With hints of wintery spices to treat your taste buds and an easy recipe you can make at home in minutes, this delightful snack is sure to put a smile on everyone's face - even if it just means a delicious snack break from all the holiday hustle and bustle. So grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these sweet treats that also work as holiday presents— they'll be gone before you know it!

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Christmas is a doorstep away, and as it usually happens every year, we haven't done any Christmas shopping yet! Although we just moved to Spain a couple of months ago, we already have a lot of new friends, and we like spreading the love with food.

    So we use our kitchen as a resource to make this delicious snack made with a handful of ingredients in just a couple of minutes. We like snacking on them with a nice cup of coffee, our beloved Argentinean mate, or on top of pumpkin overnight oats.

    They also make the perfect individually wrapped candy Christmas gift! Who doesn't love candied nuts? Pure comfort food!

    Jump to:
    • 🧾 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥢 How to serve
    • 🍽 Equipment
    • 🫙 Storage
    • 💡 Top tip
    • ❓ FAQ
    • 🎄 More Christmas recipes
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 🌡️ Food safety
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    🧾 Ingredients

    You only need four ingredients at its simplest, but once you get it, you can easily play with the winter and Fall seasons' cozy spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or pumpkin pie spice mix.

    brown sugar candied walnuts ingredients.
    • Walnuts - use fresh raw walnuts. You can use other nuts such as almonds, pecans, cashew nuts, or a combination. If using salted walnuts, you can skip the salt.
    • Vegan butter - we like Earth balance, or you can make your own vegan butter; this recipe from World Vegan is outstanding. You can also use melted coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.
    • Brown sugar - you can use white granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup instead.
    • Salt - use fine sea salt.

    Optional

    • Cinnamon
    • Nutmeg
    • Pumpkin pie spice mix
    • Vanilla extract

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    🔪 Instructions

    So, it doesn't get easier than this. To make this easy candied walnuts recipe, just measure all your ingredients and use your best non-stick skillet.

    put all the ingredients at the same time into a heated skillet.
    adding butter into the non-stick skillet with the rest of the ingredients.

    Heat a skillet on medium heat and then add brown sugar, kosher salt, vegan butter, and optional spices.

    stir all the ingredients-frequently.

    Stir frequently for 5 minutes, ensuring no clumps are formed.

    brown sugar candied walnuts in a baking tray with parchment paper.

    Transfer the candied nuts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and scatter all the nuts on a single layer.

    pouring candied walnuts from parchment paper to a bowl.

    Once the sugar mixture coating hardens, which will take about 5 minutes, you can transfer them to a bowl and enjoy!

    Hint: leave the walnuts to cool completely and fully harden before you store them if you make candied walnuts as a present.

    📖 Variations

    • Cinnamon roasted walnuts - add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for every cup of nuts. If you love cinnamon, you can add another ¼ teaspoon.
    • Spiced candied walnuts - add pumpkin pie spice mix, nutmeg, cardamom, and cayenne pepper to spice it up.
    • Maple candied walnuts - add maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
    • Vanilla - add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to add an extra holiday note.

    You can also bake these candy walnuts in the oven using a prepared baking sheet or an air fryer; simply mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and bake. See detailed instructions on the recipe card.

    🥢 How to serve

    hand holding bowl with brown sugar candied walnuts.

    Consume this snack on top of your favorite overnight oats, cinnamon oatmeal, oats and chia pudding, or holiday salads where you can simply replace the walnuts for pecans; check out this vegan kale salad!

    • Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing
      Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing
    • overnightaovernight pumpkin oats frontal view pumpkin oats frontview
      Pumpkin Dairy-Free Overnight Oats Recipe (Vegan)

    You can also add it to a sweet potato crunch casserole during your holidays.

    🍽 Equipment

    • Skillet - use a non-stick skillet or frying pan.
    • Spatula - the only utensil you will need to manage the walnuts. We like using a silicon one.
    • Parchment paper - to let the walnuts dry out completely. You can also use an oven-silicon baking mat.

    🫙 Storage

    This recipe doubles well. Ensure you dry out the nuts well; if the candy shell is gooey at all, the walnuts will probably turn soggy once you store them. Once cool, store candied nuts in a mason jar, perfectly closed.

    💡 Top tip

    Guess what? You can freeze candied walnuts! Once the nuts are completely cool, store them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. Candied nuts will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. 

    ❓ FAQ

    How to store candied walnuts?

    You can store candied walnuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
    If you plan to keep them for longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

    Can walnuts go bad?

    Walnuts can go wrong, but they usually last longer if stored properly.
    Walnuts are a high-fat food, and, as a result, they can go rancid if not stored properly. Rancid nuts will smell rank and taste sour. If you're unsure whether your walnuts have gone wrong, give them a sniff and a taste. If they smell or taste off, throw them away.
    Storing walnuts in the fridge or freezer can help to extend their shelf life.

    Why are my candied walnuts sticky?

    The walnuts must be completely dry and crisp before removing them from the skillet. Afterward, let them cool down on parchment paper or a wire rack before storing them. Moisture is the enemy of candied nuts!

    brown sugar candied walnuts in a bowl.

    🎄 More Christmas recipes

    Try out these delicious Holiday recipes: Mediterranean Honey Roasted Vegetables, Perfect Holiday Nut roast, Vegan Vegetable Casserole, Green beans with toasted almonds, or Stuffed Onions with tofu and mushrooms.

    ⭐ If you try this Brown sugar and cinnamon roasted walnuts recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!

    📋 Recipe

    cinnamon brown sugar candied walnuts featured.

    Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts (10 Minutes + Vegan GF)

    Gus
    These delicious and addictive brown sugar candied walnuts are the perfect healthy snack for topping overnight oats or as a Christmas gift!
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Resting Time 5 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Basics & Preparations, Snack, Sweet
    Cuisine American, Comfort Food, Healthy, Holidays
    Servings 8 servings (¼ cup servings)
    Calories 323 kcal

    Equipment

    Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Nonstick 2-Piece 9-Inch and 11-Inch Skillet Set - Black And Silver.
    (affiliate link)
    Skillet (affiliate link)
    small mason jars.
    (affiliate link)
    Mason Jars (small) (affiliate link)
    Tovolo Flex-Core Wood Handled Silicone Spatula Non-Stick, Heat-Resistant, BPA-Free, Dishwasher-Safe with Removable Angled Head.
    (affiliate link)
    Spatula (affiliate link)

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cup walnuts halves/pieces, or pecans
    • 2 tablespoon vegan butter or coconut oil, olive oil
    • ¼ cup brown sugar or maple syrup, or granulated white sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon Fine sea salt

    Optional

    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1or our pumpkin spice mix
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Directions
     

    • Heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, and add the walnuts, brown sugar, salt, optional spices, and vegan butter.
    • Stir frequently so the walnuts and sugar don't burn (pay special attention at the last minute). When the sugar mixture starts melting, constantly stir until the brown sugar is completely melted and the walnuts are fully coated.
    • Transfer immediately onto a sheet of parchment paper and immediately separate the nuts; otherwise, they will stick together.
    • Once the coating hardens, which will take about 5 minutes, you can transfer them to a bowl and enjoy!

    Air-fryer

    • Melt the vegan butter and mix the nuts with the rest of the ingredients, and spread them separately on the baking rack. Bake at 350 ºF (176 ºC) for 13 minutes.

    Oven-baked

    • Melt the vegan butter, mix the nuts with the rest of the ingredients, and spread them on a prepared baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake at 350 ºF (176 ºC) for 12-15 minutes.

    Video

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories: 323kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 6gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 20gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 34mgPotassium: 185mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram and Hashtag it #ourplantbasedworld so we can see what's cooking!!
    Nutrition Facts
    Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts (10 Minutes + Vegan GF)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    323
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    29
    g
    45
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    19
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    1
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    20
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    5
    g
    Sodium
     
    34
    mg
    1
    %
    Potassium
     
    185
    mg
    5
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    14
    g
    5
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    10
    g
    11
    %
    Protein
     
    6
    g
    12
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    8
    IU
    0
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    46
    mg
    5
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
     
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    🌡️ Food safety

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    Nutritional Disclaimer

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.

    Affiliate Disclaimer

    Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Dannii says

      December 09, 2022 at 3:07 am

      5 stars
      We always have candied pecans, but these walnuts were delicious! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        December 09, 2022 at 6:37 am

        Thank you, Danni; I am with you; we love candied pecans but were delighted to develop this recipe that is as good and cheaper! We are thrilled you enjoyed them as well!

        Reply
    2. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

      December 09, 2022 at 3:41 am

      5 stars
      Love this idea. So easy and such a delicious treat over Christmas.

      Reply
    3. Kate says

      December 09, 2022 at 6:15 am

      5 stars
      These candied walnuts are so good. Perfect for our guests coming for the holidays.

      Reply
    4. kushigalu says

      December 09, 2022 at 6:40 am

      5 stars
      Easy and delicious recipe fo Christmas. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    5. Stephanie says

      December 09, 2022 at 9:31 am

      5 stars
      My dad was severely allergic to all tree nuts, so we simply did not have any of them in the house growing up. I never even had a PBJ until I was in my late teens. Now that I'm older with my own home, I'm loving trying all the nut recipes. This one was good!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        December 09, 2022 at 9:59 am

        Oh! I feel you, Stephanie, I am glad you are trying new nut recipes! Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    6. Anjali says

      December 10, 2022 at 3:34 pm

      5 stars
      What a fun way to prepare walnuts!! These turned out perfectly sweet and crunchy - a great holiday treat!

      Reply
    7. Aimee Mars says

      December 10, 2022 at 4:33 pm

      5 stars
      I have a work party next week and will be taking these for my coworkers. I can't wait to share the delicious recipe with them.

      Reply
      • Gus says

        December 11, 2022 at 1:03 am

        Hi Aimee, I am sure they will love them. It is such an easy-to-make and festive Christmas treat!

        Reply
    8. Andrea says

      December 10, 2022 at 11:21 pm

      5 stars
      such an awesome and tasty festive snack for the holidays! love how crunchy and sweet they are!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        December 11, 2022 at 1:03 am

        I am glad you liked 'em, Andrea! Happy holidays!

        Reply
    9. Tayler says

      December 14, 2022 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      I made these walnuts last night and they are amazing! They made the house smell great too!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        December 14, 2022 at 12:31 pm

        I am glad you liked them, Tayler! And yes to free Christmas-scented food! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Andrea says

      December 14, 2022 at 12:47 pm

      5 stars
      These candied walnuts were fabulous! I am putting them on ice cream, pancakes, and morning oatmeal. Yum!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        December 15, 2022 at 10:42 am

        That sounds delicious, Andrea! I am glad you are loving them as much as we do!

        Reply
    11. kushigalu says

      December 14, 2022 at 1:06 pm

      5 stars
      One of the best recipes for Christmas. These candied walnuts look fantastic.

      Reply

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