Candied Walnuts
Candied walnuts offer a delightful combination of crunchy texture and sweet, caramelized flavor, making them a perfect snack or topping for salads, desserts, or cheese boards. Their rich, buttery taste pairs well with coffee or as a gift, appealing to those who love a sweet, nutty treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar, sugar, and sour cream in a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until it boils.
- Continue cooking to the soft-ball stage (240° on candy thermometer).
- Stir in salt and vanilla.
- Pour hot candy over walnuts in a mixing bowl.
- Mix until walnuts are evenly coated.
- Spoon out onto waxed paper.
- Separate nuts.
- Allow to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect candy coating, ensure your mixture reaches the soft-ball stage of 240°F. If you find your walnuts aren't sticking, try adding a bit more sour cream, but be cautious not to overdo it. For a twist, consider using pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different flavor. Make sure to work quickly when pouring the hot candy over the nuts to ensure even coating.
Serving Suggestions
Candied walnuts make a delightful topping for salads, especially the New Waldorf Salad, or can be enjoyed as a sweet snack on their own. They pair well with cheeses and can be added to charcuterie boards for a sweet contrast. For dessert, try them crumbled over a slice of Good Lite Cake for a special touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you prefer them to maintain crunchiness, avoid refrigerating them as moisture can make them sticky. To refresh their texture, you can briefly reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candied Walnuts contains roughly 164 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1834mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly based on the type of nut used, so monitor them closely during the coating process.
Is it necessary to use sour cream?
Sour cream is essential for the creamy texture of the candy coating, but if you need a substitute, you can use Greek yogurt or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative. This may alter the flavor slightly but will still yield a delicious result.
How can I make these candied walnuts less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar and white sugar by up to 1/4 cup total. Additionally, consider adding a pinch more salt to balance the flavors, or incorporate a sprinkle of cinnamon for added depth without increasing sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).