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Healthy Candied Walnuts Recipe

Healthy Candied Walnuts Recipe - Simple Easy Meals

I’m excited to share with you all about one of my favorite snacks: healthy candied walnuts. Yes, you got it right! These little nuggets are a game changer—both for your pantry and your palate.
When I first tried making them, I hardly expected to fall in love. They are incredibly easy to prepare and can bring joy to your taste buds without any guilt. Seriously, that's the magic of them! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that’s packed with nutrients.
Today, I’m going to take you on this culinary journey. From the ingredients you’ll need to the step-by-step instructions on how to make the best healthy candied walnuts. Along the way, I'll sprinkle in some tips and tricks that I've learned from making these a zillion times.
Let's dive in!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 257
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups of whole, raw walnuts
  • 1/3 cup of organic maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp of fine sea salt, divided
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp of natural vanilla extract

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your walnuts will roast beautifully while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the walnuts from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the walnuts. Then pour in the maple syrup and sprinkle the brown sugar. Next, add in half of the salt, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Toss Thoroughly
  1. Using a spatula, toss the mixture until every walnut is evenly coated with the sweet and spicy goodness. Don't rush this step; evenly coated nuts ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Spread on the Baking Sheet
  1. Transfer the coated walnuts onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on them; walnuts can go from beautifully golden to burnt in a heartbeat.
Step 7: Cool Down
  1. Once they are done, take them out, sprinkle with the remaining salt, and allow them to cool on the baking sheet. This will let them harden up.

Notes

  • Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for organic maple syrup. The taste is noticeably better and healthier.
  • Don’t Rush the Coating Process: Make sure every walnut is coated. Uneven coating means uneven flavor.
  • Watch the Oven: Different ovens vary. Check your nuts a minute or two before the timer goes off to avoid burning.
  • Experiment with Spices: Adjust spices according to your taste. If you love a bit of heat, add more cayenne!
  • Storage Matters: Store the cooled walnuts in an airtight container to keep their crunch.