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This is the quickest, easiest and most delicious recipe for Sweet n’ Salty Maple Walnuts. After making these, you will never want to buy candied or glazed nuts again!
One of my favorite treats in this whole wide world would have to be candied nuts—which is funny because growing up, I hated nuts! So much so that I was known for it, and all of my family and friends avoided baking with them just for me. (I feel kinda guilty about that now…)
But then something happened in my early 20’s: I suddenly became sick and tired of being an overly picky eater. I realized life would be so much easier and more enjoyable if I could learn to like a wider variety of foods.
Long story short, (too late?) I not only learned to like nuts, I began to love them! Especially the candied type. Add a touch of salt in the mix and you have a magical sweet, salty, crunchy combo that I could eat all day long.
OK – enough chatter! Let me now share with you the absolute easiest and most delicious recipe for Sweet n’ Salty Maple Walnuts that will have you high-fiving me through your computer.
What is the best use for these walnuts?
- These walnuts make a delicious and sweet-tooth slaying snack.
- My favorite way to enjoy them (besides just eating them straight) is on top of a salad. Just be sure to add them after the salad has already been dressed. Otherwise the dressing may strip the maple syrup from the walnuts and part of the wondrous tastiness will be lost.
- They also make an excellent addition to a holiday gift basket.
Why this Recipe Works:
- The use of maple syrup helps create a sweet nutty treat!
- Walnuts are nutrient-packed and are the only nuts that contain those hard-to-get Omega 3’s.
- This recipe is so quick and easy, but the final result is quite impressive.
- These maple walnuts make great homemade gifts to give to friends, family and neighbors during the holidays.
Can I Make this Recipe with Other Nuts?
- This recipe can absolutely be made with other types of nuts. My favorite alternative is pecans.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
- Yes, absolutely! I do that all the time, actually.
How to Make Sweet n’ Salty Maple Walnuts:
1. First – measure out one cup of walnut halves and add them to a dry frying pan. Turn the fire on medium-high heat to begin the toasting process. While the nuts are toasting, place a sheet of parchment paper somewhere on the counter very close by.
2. Once the nuts are fragrant and take on a slightly darker color (after about three minutes), add roughly two tablespoons of pure 100% maple syrup to the pan. Quickly grab a spoon and stir the nuts in with the syrup.
3. After about 15 seconds or so of stirring, most of the syrup should be stuck to the walnuts. At this point, you’ll want to immediately remove the pan from the heat and carefully poor those nuts onto the parchment paper. Use the spoon to spread them out into a single layer as best you can.
4. While the walnuts are still warm, take some salt, (the coarse type, if you have it) and sprinkle it evenly over the top.
5. Once the nuts are completely cool, break them apart with your fingers so that they are no longer stuck together.
That’s all there is to it! You’ll never have to buy ready made candied or glazed walnuts again.
Top Tips for Making Sweet n’ Salty Maple Walnuts:
- Want to take your walnuts to the next level? Add a pinch of dried rosemary along with the salt at the end.
- As soon as that pan is cool enough to handle, you’ll want to wash it with hot water STAT. Otherwise removing the dried residual syrup may become a long process.
- When buying walnuts, make sure to purchase the raw type (not roasted or salted!)
- You can find flat parchment sheets HERE
Did you try this recipe? Give it a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below. Your feedback is very helpful!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @AudreyDunham or hashtag #AudreyDunham so I can see your creations!
Sweet n' Salty Maple Walnuts
Ingredients
- 1 c. walnut halves and pieces (112 g)
- 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup (30 ml)
- several pinches of coarse salt
Before You Begin! I recommend measuring out all ingredients called for in this recipe so they are ready to go the moment you need them.
Instructions
- First - measure out one cup of walnut halves and add them to a dry frying pan. Turn the fire on medium-high heat to begin the toasting process. While the nuts are toasting, place a sheet of parchment paper somewhere on the counter very close by.
- Once the nuts are fragrant and take on a slightly darker color (after about three minutes), add roughly two tablespoons of pure 100% maple syrup to the pan. Quickly grab a spoon and stir the nuts in with the syrup.
- After about 15 seconds or so, most of the syrup should be stuck to the walnuts. At this point, you'll want to immediately remove the pan from the heat and carefully poor those nuts onto the parchment paper. Use your spoon to spread them out into a single layer as best you can.
- While the walnuts are still warm, take some salt, (the coarse type, if you have it) and evenly sprinkle it over the top.
- Once the nuts are completely cool, break them apart with your fingers so that they are no longer stuck together.
Pro Tips From Audrey
- Want to take your walnuts to the next level? Add a pinch of dried rosemary along with the salt at the end.
- As soon as that pan is cool enough to handle, you'll want to wash it with hot water STAT. Otherwise removing the dried residual syrup may become a long process.
- When buying walnuts, make sure to purchase the raw type (not roasted or salted!)
- You can find flat parchment sheets HERE
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.