Candy Coated Nuts
Sweet, crunchy, and nutty candy-coated nuts with caramelized sugar and vanilla, perfect for snacking or gifting, appealing to those who love rich, sweet treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter the sides of a heavy 1-quart saucepan.
- In it, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and sour cream.
- Stir until the sugars melt.
- Cook to soft ball stage (236°F).
- Add vanilla.
- Beat until mixture begins to thicken.
- Add nuts.
- Stir until well coated.
- Turn out onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Separate into individual pieces and let cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, toast the nuts before adding them to the mixture. If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute. To avoid burning the sugar, keep the heat at medium and stir frequently. Make sure to use a heavy saucepan to distribute heat evenly, which helps in achieving the right consistency. This recipe can easily be adapted for various nuts or even mixed nuts for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these candy-coated nuts as a delightful snack on their own or as a topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt. They also pair beautifully with Chocolate Waffles Ala Mode for a decadent brunch. Consider using them as a sweet addition to a cheese platter or a fun party treat to impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover candy-coated nuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the coating to become sticky. If you need to reheat them, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their crunchiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candy Coated Nuts contains roughly 572 calories, with 13g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 different nuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts or pecans with almonds, cashews, or even peanuts. Just keep in mind that different nuts have varying cooking times, so adjust accordingly if needed to ensure they don't burn.
What can I do if my candy mixture is too hard?
If your mixture turns out too hard, you can add a small amount of water or milk and gently reheat it on low heat while stirring until it softens. This will help you achieve a better coating consistency for the nuts.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by using coconut cream instead of sour cream and substituting brown sugar with coconut sugar. This will give you a similar texture and sweetness while keeping it entirely plant-based.
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).