Indulging in the irresistible sweetness of toffee-coated walnuts is a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These Toffee Candied Walnuts are crunchy, rich in flavor, and have just the right balance of sweetness with a slight caramelized depth. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, using them as a topping for your favorite dessert, or gifting them during the holidays, these nuts are sure to delight.
The combination of walnuts with toffee creates an addicting texture that’s both crunchy and slightly chewy. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, but the result looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a batch of these delicious candied walnuts that everyone will rave about.
Perfect for a quick treat or as an addition to baked goods, salads, or even as a topping for ice cream, these Toffee Candied Walnuts will be a hit every time. Plus, the toffee coating ensures that each walnut is enveloped in a rich, buttery sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
These nuts are also a fantastic gift idea when packaged in a pretty jar or gift box. The best part? You only need about 15 minutes of hands-on time to make these crunchy, toffee-coated delights. Let’s dive into the simple process of making these addictive walnuts!
Ingredients for Toffee Candied Walnuts
To make these delicious Toffee Candied Walnuts, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that combine to create the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Walnuts – Choose fresh, raw walnuts for the best flavor and texture. They’re rich in healthy fats and protein, making them the perfect base for this recipe.
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Butter – A generous amount of unsalted butter helps create the rich toffee coating. It also ensures that the walnuts have a smooth, glossy finish once baked.
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Brown Sugar – The key ingredient for the toffee. Brown sugar adds the perfect depth of sweetness with a hint of molasses, creating the classic caramelized flavor.
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Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and adds complexity to the toffee flavor.
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Salt – A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and elevates the flavors of the walnuts and toffee.
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Cinnamon (optional) – A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and an extra layer of flavor, making these candied walnuts even more irresistible.
How to Make Toffee Candied Walnuts
Making these Toffee Candied Walnuts is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of crunchy, sweet-toffee walnuts in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the walnuts from sticking. This makes cleanup easier and ensures the nuts bake evenly.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
Spread the walnuts evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Stir once halfway through to ensure they toast evenly.
Step 3: Make the Toffee Coating
While the walnuts are toasting, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the toffee sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Coat the Walnuts
Once the walnuts are toasted, remove them from the oven and pour them into the toffee sauce. Stir to coat the walnuts evenly with the toffee mixture, ensuring every walnut is covered with a luscious toffee glaze.
Step 5: Bake the Walnuts
Return the coated walnuts to the baking sheet and spread them out evenly. Bake the walnuts in the oven for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure they don’t burn. The toffee should be golden and bubbling, and the walnuts should be crisp and caramelized.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the walnuts from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. As they cool, the toffee will harden, creating a crunchy, sweet coating around the walnuts. Once completely cooled, break the walnuts apart and serve.
How Long to Bake Toffee Candied Walnuts
The baking time for these Toffee Candied Walnuts is crucial to getting that perfect crunchy texture with a caramelized coating. If you bake them for too long, they might burn, while under-baking can result in a soft or sticky texture. Here’s a general guide:
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Toasting Walnuts – Toast the walnuts for about 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This step helps enhance the flavor of the nuts and prepares them to absorb the toffee coating.
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Baking the Coated Walnuts – Once the walnuts are coated with the toffee sauce, bake them for an additional 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them and stir halfway through to ensure they are evenly coated and don’t burn. The toffee should be bubbling and golden when done.
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Perfect Texture – You’ll know the walnuts are ready when the toffee has hardened slightly but still has a glossy finish, and the nuts are crispy to the bite.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover Toffee Candied Walnuts, don’t worry – they’ll stay fresh for several days if stored properly. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
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Room Temperature – Store the cooled candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can snack on them any time or use them as a topping for salads or desserts.
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Refrigerator – If you want to keep them for a little longer, you can store the walnuts in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just make sure the container is airtight to prevent moisture from affecting the toffee.
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Freezing – For longer storage, you can freeze the walnuts. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll stay good for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Tips for Perfect Toffee Candied Walnuts
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your Toffee Candied Walnuts turn out perfect every time:
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Toast the Walnuts First – Toasting the walnuts before coating them with toffee adds an extra layer of flavor and helps them stay crisp once baked. Don’t skip this step!
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Stir Often – When baking the walnuts, stir them once or twice to make sure the toffee coating evenly coats all the walnuts. This also helps prevent burning.
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Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly. Just be sure to keep the butter to sugar ratio balanced so the toffee coats the walnuts properly.
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Flavor Variations – If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try adding other flavorings to the toffee coating, such as a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of cayenne pepper for heat, or even a bit of orange zest for a citrus twist.
Toffee Candied Walnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Toffee Candied Walnuts are a simple yet irresistible treat, perfect for snacking, topping desserts, or adding to salads. With just the right balance of rich toffee sweetness and crunchy walnuts, they’re sure to impress at any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a homemade gift, or just for yourself, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
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2 cups raw walnuts (about 200g)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Spread the walnuts evenly on the prepared baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Stir once halfway through.
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a simmer, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the toffee is smooth and slightly thickened.
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Pour the toasted walnuts into the toffee sauce and stir to coat evenly.
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Return the coated walnuts to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent burning. The toffee should be golden and bubbly.
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Remove from the oven and allow the walnuts to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break them apart and serve.
Notes
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For an extra crunch, try sprinkling chopped nuts like almonds or pecans over the walnuts before baking.
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These Toffee Candied Walnuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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If you prefer a stronger flavor, substitute the cinnamon with a pinch of cayenne pepper or add a little orange zest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other nuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or cashews. Each nut will give a slightly different texture and flavor, but they will all work well with the toffee coating. Just be sure to adjust the baking times slightly if using different types of nuts.
2. Can I make these in advance for a party or event?
Absolutely! Toffee Candied Walnuts are perfect for making ahead. Once they’re baked and cooled, simply store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for several days and are ideal for serving at parties or giving as gifts. They also make a great snack when you need something sweet and crunchy.
3. How can I add a different flavor to the toffee coating?
To add a different flavor profile, you can experiment by adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of ginger to the toffee mixture. For a more savory twist, you could incorporate a little smoked paprika or a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness with some depth.
4. Why are my walnuts sticky even after baking?
If your walnuts are still sticky after baking, it could be due to under-baking or not allowing enough time for the toffee to harden. Ensure that you bake the walnuts long enough and let them cool completely before breaking them apart. If they’re still sticky, place them back in the oven for a few more minutes to allow the toffee to firm up.