These candied walnuts are roasted with honey and warming spices until crisp, then tossed in light brown sugar. Honey-spiced candied walnuts make an addictive snack, add great crunch to salads, and are ideal for gifting this holiday season.
Making candied walnuts at home is simple, economical, and healthier than many store-bought versions. These honey-spiced walnuts combine sweetness with a gentle spicy kick from the spice mix. They’re delicious to nibble on straight from the jar, add wonderful texture to salads, and make thoughtful edible gifts.
I began preparing these a few months ago because my daughter dislikes the bitter aftertaste of plain walnuts. Roasting them in honey transformed the flavor—she now happily eats them and we all found them irresistible. To balance the sweetness I use a savory-spicy blend that enhances the walnuts without overpowering them.
A small handful of candied walnuts satisfies a sweet craving while also providing nutrition from the nuts themselves. Be warned: these are addictive, and a jar can disappear faster than you expect.
How to Make Candied Walnut?
How to Make Candied Walnut?The recipe is straightforward. For honey-spiced candied walnuts you’ll need walnuts, honey, salt, chili powder, garam masala, cinnamon, butter, and light brown sugar. You can easily adjust the spice level to taste.
Begin by mixing honey and butter, then stir in the spices and salt to create a smooth glaze. Toss the raw walnuts in the warm honey-spice mixture until they are evenly coated. Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a lined baking tray and roast in a preheated oven. Initially the honey will be loose, but as the walnuts roast it will caramelize and coat the nuts. Stir the walnuts once or twice during roasting so they brown evenly.
Watch them carefully toward the end because the sugar can darken quickly. When you remove the tray the coating may still be slightly sticky; it firms up as the nuts cool. While still a little warm, sprinkle the walnuts with the light brown sugar and the reserved spice mix and toss to create a crisp, non-sticky finish.
Honey Spiced Candied Walnut
Ingredients
- 500 grams Raw walnuts
- ⅓ cup Honey
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- Large pinch of garam masala
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon powder
- ¼ teaspoon Chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- ⅓ cup Light brown sugar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with a silicone mat or parchment.
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In a small bowl combine the light brown sugar, chili powder, cinnamon, salt and garam masala; set aside a portion for finishing.
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Warm the honey and butter together (15–20 seconds in the microwave or briefly on the stove) and mix until smooth.
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Add the walnuts to the honey-butter mixture and stir until every piece is well coated.
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Spread the coated walnuts evenly on the lined tray in a single layer.
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Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring once midway to ensure even caramelization. Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don’t burn.
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Remove from the oven and let the walnuts cool for 10 minutes; the coating may still be slightly sticky.
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While the walnuts are warm, sprinkle the reserved brown sugar–spice mixture over them and toss to coat. This creates a crisp, non-sticky finish.
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Spread the walnuts out again and allow them to cool completely until crisp to the touch.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few weeks.