Name: Candied Walnuts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (292.5 g) walnut halves or pieces; ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup (85 g) honey; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

I absolutely love making this Candied Walnuts Recipe because it transforms simple walnuts into a sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for snacks, salads, or even gifting. The way the buttery, honey-infused coating caramelizes in the oven creates a rich flavor that’s both comforting and addictive. Every time I make these, they disappear so fast that I have to remind myself to save some for later!

Why You’ll Love This Candied Walnuts Recipe

When I make this Candied Walnuts Recipe, what truly excites me is the delightful balance of flavors and texture. The sweetness from the brown sugar and honey combines with the rich, toasty flavor of the walnuts, while the buttery coating gives a subtle depth that you can’t find in store-bought varieties. The result is a crunchy, golden snack that feels indulgent but is made from wholesome ingredients I trust.

Another reason I’m so fond of this recipe is how simple and quick it is to prepare. It only takes a few minutes to mix everything together and less than 20 minutes in the oven. I love that I can pull this together even on busy days, making it a fantastic go-to for last-minute parties, family dinners, or just a crunchy topping to jazz up a salad or dessert. It stands out because it’s homemade, fresh, and completely customizable to your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal baking tray holds one layer of caramelized walnuts spread evenly on a sheet of parchment paper. The walnuts are golden brown with a shiny, sticky coating that gives them a crisp texture. Each walnut piece is irregularly shaped, showing detailed ridges and folds with some darker toasted spots. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Candied Walnuts Recipe are delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden color. Using quality butter and fresh walnuts really makes a difference here.

Walnut halves or pieces (2 ½ cups): Fresh, lightly toasted walnuts lend a satisfying crunch and rich nutty flavor.
Light brown sugar, packed (¼ cup): Adds a warm, molasses-like sweetness that works beautifully with honey.
Honey (¼ cup): Gives natural sweetness and helps the coating stick while caramelizing perfectly in the oven.
Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and boost all the flavors.
Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Brings a luscious richness and helps create that irresistible crunchy shell.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the walnuts, light brown sugar, honey, kosher salt, and melted unsalted butter. Stir everything together until the walnuts are completely coated with the sweet buttery mixture.

Step 3: Spread the coated walnuts out evenly in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly and develop that perfect crunchy texture.

Step 4: Bake the walnuts for 15 minutes, stirring them halfway through at about 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when they turn a deep golden brown, they’re ready! That rich color means all the sugars have caramelized just right.

Step 5: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and stir the walnuts again, spreading them out on the parchment. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before stirring once more. Cooling ensures the edges get nice and crisp.

Step 6: Allow the walnuts to cool completely before serving. If, after cooling, the walnuts aren’t crispy enough for your liking, pop them back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes and cool again.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 2 ½ cups of candied walnuts, which is roughly perfect for 6 to 8 servings as a snack or salad topping. The prep time is just 5 minutes, and the cooking time takes about 12 to 15 minutes depending on your oven and stirring frequency. Including the cooling time, the total time to have these ready to enjoy is approximately 17 to 20 minutes. It’s a quick treat that fits perfectly into busy schedules.

How to Serve This Candied Walnuts Recipe

A clear glass jar lies on its side on a white marbled surface, spilling a pile of shiny, caramel-coated walnuts in front of it. The walnuts are rich brown with a glossy, sticky texture that covers each piece unevenly, showing some lighter tan nut parts. The nuts are scattered loosely, with some closer to the jar's opening and others spread out, creating a natural, casual arrangement. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I find that these candied walnuts are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. One of my favorite ways is tossing them into a fresh spinach salad with goat cheese, dried cranberries, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. The sweet crunch adds a whole new dimension that impresses every time. They also shine when sprinkled over creamy soft cheeses or brie, turning a simple cheese board into something fancy and irresistible.

If you’re planning on serving these at a party, I love arranging them in small ramekins or clear glass dishes so the golden color really pops. Garnishing with a few fresh thyme sprigs or orange zest adds a lovely visual touch and subtle complementary aroma. For drinks, I often pair them with crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or even a sparkling cocktail to balance their buttery sweetness.

These candied walnuts are perfect warm or at room temperature, though I usually let them cool completely before serving so they maintain their extra crunchy texture. They’re great for holiday dinners, casual weeknight additions, or even as a surprise snack on cozy weekends. Portion wise, a few tablespoons per person is plenty as an appetizer or salad topper, but feel free to make more because you’ll want seconds!

Variations

I love experimenting with this Candied Walnuts Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For example, to make it vegan, I simply swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine which still gives a wonderful richness without losing flavor. If you prefer a less sweet but equally tasty option, try reducing the honey by half and adding a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika for a little warm spice or savory twist.

For a gluten-free version, this recipe is naturally suitable since it contains no flour or gluten ingredients. If you want to change up the nuts, pecans or almonds work beautifully with the same coating mixture and baking method. I’ve also tried air frying these with excellent results—just air fry at 350°F and stir halfway, which speeds things up and adds a slightly different texture.

If you want to intensify the flavor, a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can add lovely complexity and depth. The possibilities for tweaking this recipe are endless, and I encourage you to play around until it feels just right for you!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp and fresh. A glass jar or a resealable plastic container works perfectly. They usually stay good for up to two weeks when kept away from moisture. Just make sure they are completely cooled before storing so no condensation softens the coating.

Freezing

If I want to keep these candied walnuts for longer, I freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months without losing their crunch. When I’m ready to enjoy, I just take them out and let them come to room temperature naturally—no thawing in the microwave needed, which preserves the texture best.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven crunch after storage, I gently reheat the walnuts in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, spread out on a baking sheet. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soft and sticky. Letting them cool again after reheating is key for that perfect crisp bite. This method really revives their texture and aroma beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, and even cashews work wonderfully with this recipe. Just keep the same proportions and baking time, though you might want to check them a little earlier since nut sizes and densities vary.

How do I prevent the walnuts from sticking to the parchment paper?

Using parchment paper usually does the trick, but if you want extra insurance, you can lightly grease the parchment before spreading the walnuts. Also, make sure to stir the nuts halfway through baking so they don’t clump and stick together.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these walnuts up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just be sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to maintain crispness.

Is this Candied Walnuts Recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely. The sweetness and crunch make this a favorite among kids, and since it contains simple ingredients, it’s a great healthy alternative to many processed snacks.

What can I do if my candied walnuts turn out soggy?

If they’re not crunchy enough, you can return them to the oven for another 5-10 minutes on a low temperature to dry them out. Make sure they cool fully after baking to harden into that perfect crunch.

Conclusion

Making this Candied Walnuts Recipe has become one of my favorite quick kitchen projects—each batch fills my home with such a cozy aroma, and sharing them with friends is pure joy. Whether you want a sweet salad topping, a snack to munch on, or a beautiful addition to your cheese board, these candied walnuts are always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do!