Caramelized Walnuts
Add a sweet and crunchy touch to your snacks, salads, or desserts with homemade Caramelized Walnuts—a quick, 15-minute recipe that's as simple as it is indulgent. Featuring perfectly toasted walnuts coated in a luscious, buttery caramel made from granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and optional ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced note, this treat offers the perfect balance of nutty and sweet flavors. Made in one skillet with a few pantry staples, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and texture. Whether enjoyed as a standalone snack, sprinkled over a leafy green salad, or used to garnish ice cream sundaes, these caramelized walnuts are guaranteed to impress. Plus, they store beautifully, making them an ideal make-ahead option for entertaining or meal prep.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnuts
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 pinch pinch of salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside.
In a large, non-stick skillet, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, water, and a pinch of salt. If you want a spiced flavor, add ground cinnamon.
Place the skillet over medium heat and stir continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the sugar melts and forms a smooth caramel sauce. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Once the sugar dissolves completely, add the walnuts to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the caramel sauce.
Continue stirring for 4-5 minutes, allowing the caramel to thicken and the walnuts to toast slightly. Be careful to avoid burning the sugar by adjusting the heat if necessary.
Quickly transfer the caramel-coated walnuts to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer using a heat-resistant spatula or spoon.
Allow the walnuts to cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, the caramel will harden, creating a crunchy coating.
Once cooled, break apart any clusters if needed and store the caramelized walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2538 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 180.5 g | 231% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.7 g | 144% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 113.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 150 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 233.9 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.8 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 206.3 g | ||
| Protein | 36.7 g | 73% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 256 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 7.1 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1070 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
