Nutty, sweet, and incredibly crunchy, these Candied Walnuts are perfect for snacking, holiday gift-giving, or topped on desserts. A hint of blackstrap molasses and cinnamon gives the walnuts just the right amount of sweetness and flavor, making them delicious and addictive!
There is something about walnuts and Christmas. I don't know — some secret connection. They have this really interesting really intense flavor and nuttiness that is both warming and so welcoming — just like Christmas. In my record book, they are absolutely perfect for making sweet holiday treats.
But walnuts are not only a delicious addition to seasonal baking. They are highly nutritious healthy snack option too. Served on its own, in a trail mix or spiced and candied. All delicious and just irresistible.
Since my husband is nuts about candied nuts and greatest nibbler out there, he already ordered Spicy Cinnamon Roasted Almonds for Christmas. But these Candied Walnuts are also high on his snack list. Crunchy, nutty, with just the right amount of sweetness and flavor from seasonal spices, these candy-coated walnuts are the truly addictive snack. And since they are made using a healthier sugar alternative, meaning they are totally guilt-free, we will enjoy them all season long.
Candied Walnuts ingredients
People usually buy candied nuts in stores. But the great thing about this Candied Walnut recipe is that it is so easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. You probably have all these ingredients in your home already. All you need to make this delicious treat is:
- WALNUTS: Walnuts are nutty, crunchy, and incredibly flavorful. But also very healthy and full of nutrients. They are a good source of the plant-based omega-3, an essential fatty acid, and an excellent source of antioxidants that fights inflammation. (1) Walnuts are great for gut health, and since they are calorie-dense, they are great for weight loss too. When roasted, walnuts flavor and nuttiness intensify, making them so sooo delicious.
- BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES: Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct of the sugar's cane sugar-making process. It is a dark, somewhat bitter tasting with a subtle sweetness. But the most wonderful thing about blackstrap molasses is that unlike refined sugar, which has zero nutritional value, it contains many essential vitamins and minerals – like iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and selenium (2). That makes blackstrap molasses a great addition to a healthy diet. And because of its distinctive taste, a great addition to holiday sweet treats.
- CEYLON CINNAMON: Ceylon cinnamon, or "true" cinnamon, is a highly flavorful and delicious spice, and an essential ingredient in making holiday treats. But cinnamon is not just a tasty addition to baking and making sweets. Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. (3, 4) It reduces levels of total cholesterol, "bad" LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, while "good" HDL cholesterol remains stable. (5) Cinnamon is well known for its blood-sugar-lowering properties too. A powerful spice, indeed. Cinnamon enhanced the taste of roasted walnuts with a gorgeous aroma.
- SWEETENER: No Candied Walnuts are complete without sugar, but I’ve drastically reduced the amount of sugar in this recipe AND I’m not using white sugar either. To make these Candied Walnuts somewhat healthier, I used COCONUT SUGAR. Coconut sugar is less refined sugar with subtle sweetness and fewer calories. It also has this hint of caramel flavor that I so lovely.
Other pantry ingredients you'll need:
- Salt
- Coconut oil
How to make Candied Walnuts
- Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Line big baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare and measure all ingredients using measuring cups.
- Spread 1 cup of walnuts evenly over a parchment paper. Put the walnuts in the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Stir halfway through the roasting time. NOTE: Watch for walnuts not to burn. When they become fragrant and smell roasted, they are done.
- In the meantime, in a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons coconut sugar and 1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon. Set aside.
- Take the walnuts out off the oven.
- In a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Add 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses. Stir until it starts boiling and becomes smooth.
- Add in roasted walnuts and turn of the heath. Stir for a minute until walnuts are thoroughly coated.
- Add in coconut sugar mixture. Quickly stir walnuts, until they are fully coated with the mixture.
- Place coated walnuts back onto the baking sheet. Spread them so that they are in one single layer. Use a fork or spoon to separate the walnuts from each other. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Allow to cool completely before serving and storing. The candy coating will harden as the walnuts cool.
How to use Candied Walnuts
Here are a few ideas about how to enjoy this delicious treat:
- As a SNACK! - Grab a handful and enjoy it.
- Add them to a cheeseboard and impress your guests!
- Toss them on Salad! - A fruit salad or a regular one, Candied Walnuts will add crunch and nutrients.
- Use in baking! - Toss them in your favorite cookie or brownie.
- Top over oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream!
- Pack as a GIFT! - Place Candied Walnuts in a cute glass jar, wrap it with a ribbon and give as a gift during the holidays.
Tips for storing
- Keep Candied Walnuts in a glass candy jar, an airtight glass container, or food container. They will last up to 2 weeks.
- Place them in a zip-lock bag and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw them on room temperature before serving.
Candied Walnuts are, in one word, delicious. Lightly sweet, crunchy, and nutty beyond imagining. Flavors are amazing -- bitter dark molasses and caramel from coconut sugar blended with aromatic cinnamon. It smells and tastes just like Christmas. Like some luxurious sweet treat. But yet it's easy-to-make and much healthier than the store-bought stuff.
Enjoy!
Candied Walnuts recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon Blackstrap molasses
- 3 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Line big baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare and measure all ingredients using measuring cups.
- Spread 1 cup of walnuts evenly over a parchment paper. Put the walnuts in the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Stir halfway through the roasting time. NOTE: Watch for walnuts not to burn. When they become fragrant and smell roasted, they are done.
- In the meantime, in a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons coconut sugar and 1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon. Set aside.
- Take the walnuts out off the oven.
- In a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Add 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses. Stir until it starts boiling and becomes smooth.
- Add in roasted walnuts and turn of the heath. Stir for a minute until walnuts are thoroughly coated.
- Add in coconut sugar mixture. Quickly stir walnuts, until they are fully coated with the mixture.
- Place coated walnuts back onto the baking sheet. Spread them so that they are in one single layer. Use a fork or spoon to separate the walnuts from each other. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Allow to cool completely before serving and storing. The candy coating will harden as the walnuts cool.
Notes
Nutrition
More healthy holiday snack recipes
- Toasted Cinnamon Coconut Chips
- Spicy Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
- No Bake Brownie Bites
- Gingerbread Energy Balls
- Hazelnut Chocolate Balls
If you’ve tried this Candied Walnut recipe or any other recipe on Natalie’s Health, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you!
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I love walnuts, and this sounds awesome! I have had other candied nuts at places like fairs, and it would be fun to make my own.
WE have lots of guests around at Christmas and this is such a good idea to have on the coffee table so everyone can help themselves!
These are such a delicious addition to my holiday treats. I love keeping them around the house, and even packing them in cute little bags as treats for the neighbors. I would never have thought to use coconut sugar, and it was such a great idea!