Glazed, or candied, walnuts are a delicious snack, salad topper, or even a homemade gift. These Maple Glazed Walnuts couldn’t be easier to make, and they are lightly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Plus, they’re healthier for you than many versions of candied walnuts.
I used to make a version of candied walnuts that were loaded with brown sugar. While they were delicious, I knew that a healthier version was possible. Glazed Walnuts have a crunchy coating that is seriously addicting while nixing the processed sugar.
My favorite way to enjoy candied walnuts is as a salad topper or part of a cheese board, but check out the serving suggestions for more ideas on how to enjoy this delicious treat. You could even put the nuts in a pretty jar for a fantastic homemade hostess gift during the holiday season.
FAQs:
Nope, not necessary. Actually, refrigeration introduces more moisture which could affect the crunchiness of the walnuts. Instead, store Maple Glazed Walnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place (such as your pantry) for up to three weeks.
Sure thing. Maple candied pecans can be substituted in any recipe that you would use glazed walnuts in. You could even try the same technique with almonds.
While maple syrup does contain minerals and antioxidants, it is still a form of sugar. It’s lower on the glycemic index than table sugar (54 vs 65), but it should still be consumed in moderation. See Healthline’s article Maple Syrup: Healthy or Unhealthy for additional nutritional information.
Ingredients for Candied Walnuts:
Walnuts: Besides having a satisfying crunch, walnuts also contain healthy fats.
Maple syrup: Contains healthy minerals and antioxidants, but should still be consumed in moderation.
Butter: Adds a rich flavor.
Vanilla: Enhances the flavor of the walnuts and maple syrup.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt add warm spiced notes.
How to Prepare Maple Glazed Walnuts:
- Preheat the oven to 375º F.
- While the oven is preheating, melt the butter in a heavy bottomed sauce pan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the walnuts, salt, and spices, and stir to throughly combine all ingredients. Mix for about a minute to ensure that all the walnuts are well coated.
- Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet, and spread the walnuts out. Bake for 9-11 minutes until the walnuts are caramelized. Keep a close eye so they don’t scorch.
- Remove from the oven, and give the walnuts another stir. Spread the nuts back out, and allow them to cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
- Once completely cool and dry, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Stir again, and allow to thoroughly cool.
Serving Suggestions:
- Use as a crunchy salad topper.
- Top baked goods, such as Gluten-Free Banana Nut Muffins or Pumpkin Bread.
- Place on hummus as a decorative topping, such as Pumpkin Pie Dessert Hummus.
- Drizzle Greek yogurt with honey, then top with candied walnuts.
- Add to your morning oatmeal.
- Stir into your favorite granola or trail mix.
- Top a sweet potato casserole with candied nuts.
- Add to a cheese platter.
- Simply serve in a bowl as a snack.
- Place in a small mason jar, and give as a homemade food gift.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Walnuts: Pecans or almonds also work well.
- Spices: Try adding a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder to add a spicy kick.
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Recipe Notes:
- If You Care Parchment Paper is my go to choice. It’s unbleached and chlorine free.
- Do make sure to use a high quality pure maple syrup such as Hidden Springs Maple Organic Vermont Maple Syrup.
- 8 oz Mason jars are perfect for gifting homemade candied nuts.
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Maple Glazed Walnuts
These Maple Glazed Walnuts couldn’t be easier to make, and they are lightly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Plus, they’re healthier for you than many versions of candied walnuts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnuts
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375º F.
- While the oven is preheating, melt the butter in a heavy bottomed sauce pan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the walnuts, salt, and spices, and stir to throughly combine all ingredients. Mix for about a minute to ensure that all the walnuts are well coated.
- Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet, and spread the walnuts out. Bake for 9-11 minutes until the walnuts are caramelized. Keep a close eye so they don’t scorch.
- Remove from the oven, and give the walnuts another stir. Spread the nuts back out, and allow them to cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
- Once completely cool and dry, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 240Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 4mgSodium 100mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 2gSugar 13gProtein 4g
Note: Nutritional information is an approximation. Different brands and/or quantities will change the nutrition profile.
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