Description
These 15 Minute Baked Candied Maple Walnuts offer a quick and delicious treat with a perfect balance of sweet maple syrup and a hint of sea salt and black pepper for depth. Baked until caramelized and crisp, these nuts make an ideal snack or topping for salads and desserts.
Ingredients
Ingredients for 2 servings
- 1 cup (100 grams) Raw Walnut Halves
- 1/4 cup (75 grams) Pure Maple Syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- Pinch Ground Black Pepper
Ingredients for 4 servings
- 2 cups (200 grams) Raw Walnut Halves
- 1/2 cup (150 grams) Pure Maple Syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Arrange an oven rack to the center position and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a sheet of parchment paper on the counter to transfer the nuts onto after baking.
- Mix walnuts and syrup: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the walnut halves, pure maple syrup, fine sea salt, and ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the walnuts are evenly coated.
- Spread on baking sheet: Scrape the coated walnuts onto a large, unlined, and ungreased sheet pan (use a smaller pan for smaller batches). Spread them evenly in one layer to allow even baking.
- Bake to caramelize: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes without stirring. Watch as the maple syrup bubbles up initially, then subsides and turns a dark amber color. The walnuts will deepen in color and become caramelized.
- Transfer and cool: Remove the pan from the oven and quickly use a silicone spatula to scrape the walnuts along with the sticky maple syrup onto the prepared parchment paper. Spread them out as evenly as possible and allow to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes to develop a thin, crisp candy shell.
- Break apart and store: Once cooled and hardened, gently separate the walnuts. Store them in a lidded container at room temperature, placing a small bowl of white rice nearby to absorb moisture and keep them crisp. They will keep for about one week.
Notes
- Watch the walnuts closely as they bake to prevent burning, as the caramelized maple syrup can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- If you want a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper when mixing the ingredients.
- Store the candied walnuts away from humidity to avoid them becoming sticky.
- These candied walnuts are great for topping salads, oatmeal, yogurt, or for snacking on their own.
- Use parchment paper to easily transfer and cool the hot, sticky walnuts without mess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
