Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts (Easy 10-Minute Stovetop Recipe)
These easy Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts come together on the stovetop in just 10 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. They're perfectly sweet, crunchy, and delicious on salads, yogurt, oatmeal, desserts, charcuterie boards, or enjoyed by the handful as a snack.
Servings: 8 servings
Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Baking sheet or large plate (for cooling)
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnut halves
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- Pinch of salt
Optional
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, water, and salt. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves into a syrup.
- Add the walnut halves to the skillet and stir continuously to coat them evenly in the brown sugar mixture.
- Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the syrup thickens and clings to the walnuts. If using vanilla extract, stir it in during the last 30 seconds of cooking.
- Immediately spread the walnuts onto the prepared parchment-lined surface. Use a spatula or fork to separate them if desired.
- Allow the candied walnuts to cool for 15–20 minutes until the coating hardens and becomes crisp.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container once completely cooled.
Notes
Stir constantly to prevent the brown sugar from burning.
Medium heat works best. Higher heat can caramelize the sugar too quickly.
Separate the walnuts while they're still warm if you prefer individual pieces instead of clusters.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
Delicious on fruit salads, spinach salads, yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or charcuterie boards.