These Christmas candied walnuts made with brown sugar, cinnamon and ginger are perfect for the holiday season! Perfect candied walnuts for salads, as a sweet snack or gifting.
Air fryer and oven baked options provided below.
Table of contents
Imagine that feeling of walking up to the aroma of spiced nut carts on a chilly winters day. I won’t forget the moment when I walked up to a sugared almond cart in London at Christmas. I crossed over the Millennium Bridge towards the Tate Modern when all of a sudden the warm smell hit me.
You can now conjure the same ambience, with this easy recipe, in the comfort of your warm kitchen. Bonus, the sweet smell lingers for longer!
I went for a candied walnut recipe which is perfect for Christmas time and is made with a handful of ingredients. It is the perfect snack just as or as a topping to salads and even desserts! It’s egg-free and gluten-free.
Candied Walnuts Ingredients
Walnuts – you can use whole walnuts or walnut halves. Go for raw walnuts rather than ready roasted
Brown sugar – you can also use white sugar or maple syrup
Butter – salted or unsalted works.
Spices – cinnamon powder and ginger powder. Variations include nutmeg
Vanilla extract
Sea salt
Make it vegan by using vegan butter, coconut oil or olive oil.
How to make Candied Walnuts with Brown Sugar
- In a medium non-stick skillet, add the walnuts, brown sugar, butter, spice powders, vanilla and a pinch of salt.
2. Turn on the heat on a low medium heat and stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves and is bubbling.
3. Line a baking sheet or air fryer basket with parchment paper.
4. Spoon the candied nuts into a single layer.
5. Bake for 5 minutes at 170C or 340F.
Air Fry at 170C 340 F for 2-3 minutes
6. Let them cool for a couple of mintes, then sprinkle over icing sugar and toss to coat well.
Pro Tips
Check your walnuts are fresh and well in date. Rancid walnuts will be bitter tasting once cooked
Try to avoid using the smaller pieces of walnuts so they can all cook evenly.
Stick to low heat as high heat can lead to the sugar burning and tasting bitter. Avoid medium-high heat for this reason
If the sugar does not appear to be melting as it heats, you can add a spoon of water to the mixture at a time.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many serving possibilities for these candy walnuts.
Enjoy them as a delicious snack
Great addition to a salad recipe such as a beet salad with crumbled feta cheese
Add them to a cheese plate or a delicious addition to a charcuterie board
Add them to the top of ice cream or oatmeal
Storage
Keep stored in an airtight container once they have reached room temperature.
Sugared walnuts stored in a mason jar make for great gifts.
Other Holiday Snacks Recipes
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
Candied Walnuts with Brown Sugar
Equipment
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Air fryer or Oven
- 1 Parchment paper or Baking Tray
Ingredients
- 3 cup walnuts raw
- 3 tablespoon butter salted or unsalted
- ¾ cup brown sugar soft
- 1 tablespoon ginger powder
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- In a medium non-stick skillet, add the walnuts, brown sugar, butter, spice powders, vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- Turn on the heat on a low medium heat and stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves and is bubbling.
Oven Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spoon the candied nuts into a single layer.
- Bake for 5 minutes at 170C or 340F or Gas Mark 3.
Air Fryer Method
- Air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Spoon the candied nuts into a single layer.
- Air Fry at 170C 340 F for 2-3 minutes.
- Let them cool for a couple of mintes, then sprinkle over icing sugar and toss to coat well.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Share on Facebook Pin This Recipe
