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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Maple-Vanilla Candied Nuts (Naturally Sweetened)

    Dec 2, 2012 by Kaitlin

    An easy and healthy Vanilla Candied Nuts recipe that's naturally sweetened with maple syrup instead of refined sugar. It's simple to make and delicious for snacking, salads, topping sweet potatoes, holiday gifts, etc. (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)

    Healthy candied nuts with maple syrup on a white plate

    Our family goes wild for these candied walnuts!

    They are a bit healthier (and I think tastier) than traditional candied nuts because we omit the refined sugar.

    Instead, it's replaced with naturally sweetened maple syrup.

    Plus there's a wonderful hint of cinnamon and vanilla that sends it over the top.

    Walnuts, maple syrup, vanilla, and other ingredients on a white table

    Ingredients for Maple Candied Nuts

    For this recipe, you will need 5 simple ingredients:

    • Walnuts or pecans: Pick one or use a combination of both. Most often I use raw, unsalted walnuts because that's what I usually have on hand. (I have not tried cashews or almonds, but those might work as well.)
    • Pure maple syrup: This is a fantastic natural sweetener with delicious flavor.
    • Pure vanilla extract: Use as much vanilla and cinnamon to taste as you prefer.
    • Ground cinnamon: I use Ceylon cinnamon. Just be sure your pantry spices are fresh (not expired) for best flavor.
    • Salt: I use fine-grain salt for this recipe.
    Preparing and cooking candied walnuts in a saucepan on the stove

    Tips for Success

    These candied walnuts (or candied pecans) are made easy right on the stovetop. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind:

    • Pan: Use a non-stick sauté pan.
    • Low heat: "Low and slow" is the key. You will get best results by using lower heat and cooking them longer.
    • Stirring: Stir the mixture often to help prevent burning.
    • Crystallize: If the nuts are still sticky, then keep going! They need to cook long enough until the natural sugars in the maple syrup have crystallized. (See photos below for texture reference.)
    Tray of maple-vanilla candied nuts

    Storing

    Once the nuts are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

    We find they keep well for about 1-2 weeks. (But they never seem to last that long!)

    Serving

    Use these candied nuts in a variety of ways:

    • For snacking
    • Sprinkling on salads or bowls (like this Berry Crunch Salad)
    • Topping baked sweet potatoes
    • On this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
    • For gift giving
    • On vegan ice cream or dairy-free yogurt
    • As a side dish or snack for holiday parties
    Maple vanilla candied nuts on a tray

    For more inspiration, also browse all vegan holiday recipes.

    Healthy candied nuts with maple syrup on a white plate

    Maple-Vanilla Candied Nuts

    Easy candied nuts naturally sweetened with maple syrup instead of refined sugar. Delicious for snacking, salads, topping sweet potatoes, gift-giving, etc.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
    Servings: 6 (1/3 cup servings)

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups walnuts* (or pecans or both)
    • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
    • 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract (more if desired)
    • 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon (more if desired)
    • 1/8 tsp. salt

    Instructions

    • Combine all ingredients in a medium non-stick sauté pan over medium heat.
    • Stir well with a spatula to thoroughly coat and combine.
    • Bring mixture to a light simmer (soft bubbles not vigorously bubbling) stirring occasionally.
    • Reduce heat to medium-low (to prevent burning). The mixture will be thin/liquidy at first, and then becomes very thick/sticky after a few minutes. Continue lightly simmering until the maple syrup has crystallized, about 20 minutes total, stirring often. (If the nuts are sticky, then keep going. Low and slow is the key.)
    • When nuts are crystallized (see photos for texture reference), pour the candied nuts out onto a flat surface. (I place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet.) Gently spread them out with a spatula and let cool.

    Notes

    *Nuts: I use raw, unsalted nuts.
    Storing: Once fully cooled, store in a sealed container at room temperature. We find they keep for 1-2 weeks.
    Recipe adapted from Ellie Krieger.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Maple-Vanilla Candied Nuts
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    305
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    25
    g
    38
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    13
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    18
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    Potassium
     
    213
    mg
    6
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    18
    g
    6
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    12
    g
    13
    %
    Protein
     
    6
    g
    12
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    8
    IU
    0
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    59
    mg
    6
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    If you are enjoying this healthy maple syrup vanilla candied nuts recipe, also check out:

    • Chocolate Cherry Almond Smoothie
    • Avocado Chocolate Mousse
    • Savory Vegan Chex Mix
    • Healthy Texas Caviar (Oil Free)

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Healthy Vegan Dessert Recipes

    • Avocado Chocolate Mousse
    • Chocolate Cherry Almond Smoothie
    • Vegan Almond Maple Cookies (Gluten-Free)
    • Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Jennifer

      October 22, 2022 at 2:05 pm

      5 stars
      Since I’m a huge fan of your dinner recipes, I thought it was time to try a snack food. Made this recipe this morning. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to try these! Wow! So yummy and super satisfying knowing they were made at home with healthy ingredients! 😁 Not sure how long they’ll last as they are just so delicious!!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        October 22, 2022 at 2:27 pm

        Haha, yay! So glad these worked out for you too! We especially love them for snacking and sprinkled on autumn-style salads. Your thoughtful comments are always heartwarming and bring a smile. Thanks for your kindness!

        Reply
    2. Monica

      May 11, 2022 at 2:34 pm

      5 stars
      Holy moley!! These are amazing! I roasted my raw nuts before hand just for an added depth of flavor and boy oh boy was I blown away. I was skeptical of the candying process on the stovetop. So glad I stuck with it!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        May 12, 2022 at 6:56 am

        Fantastic to hear, Monica! These hold a special place in my heart and I'm glad to hear you loved them too! Such a great idea roasting your nuts. Thanks for sharing your kind feedback!

        Reply
    3. Tonia

      June 08, 2021 at 6:41 am

      5 stars
      These are AMAZING! I did walnuts and LOVE that it’s a stovetop recipe and didn’t need to turn on the oven in this heat. Mine crystallized in about 10-11 minutes so keep an eye on them! My daughter and I use them on our fresh spinach salads.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        June 08, 2021 at 4:47 pm

        Hi Tonia! So great to hear you and your daughter enjoyed these. Thanks for giving them a try and sharing your helpful feedback! Much appreciated. Wishing you both a great rest of the week!

        Reply
    4. Jana

      March 26, 2021 at 11:45 pm

      Would love to try some almonds and cashews too.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        March 31, 2021 at 9:20 am

        Great thinking, Jana! Would love to hear if you give it a go!

        Reply
    5. Sarah

      August 31, 2018 at 4:45 pm

      These were so yummy! I coated half walnuts, half pecan halves with the mixture, then baked on a sheep pan at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes. These are great for snacking and topping salads and sweet potatoes Kaitlin! And the boys LOVE them!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        September 05, 2018 at 4:59 pm

        Such a great idea baking them! Trying that with my next batch - thanks for sharing. (And so fun to hear the boys enjoy them too!)

        Reply
    6. Carley Biblin

      November 13, 2014 at 6:31 am

      I just made these to put on top of mashed butternut squash. It made the meal. I'm definitely gonna make 'em again. Probably for thanksgiving dinner in a couple weeks.

      Reply
    7. Kris

      March 31, 2014 at 2:08 am

      I used pecans and almonds, and added some unsweetened shredded coconut to the mix. It turned out great! Thanks for a simple, easy, delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        March 31, 2014 at 7:42 pm

        Hey Kris! That's so great! I would have never thought to add shredded coconut. Great addition!

        Reply
    8. Kay Smith

      December 03, 2012 at 9:53 pm

      Any idea how long these would keep if in an airtight contianer? I'm looking for snacks like this to send to ou troops overseas. Shipping time is anywhere from 7-14 days, but with the holidays here both postal services are aiming that all get there in time for Christmas. Just wondering if this is something i could send as iI think they would make an awesome gift from back home.
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        December 03, 2012 at 11:41 pm

        Hi Kay! Wow, what a wonderful and thoughtful idea! These would make a beautiful gift. But as far as shipping overseas, I'm certainly no expert in food safety so please use your best judgement. These have never made it past a few days in our house, so unfortunately I can't weigh in from personal experience. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Happy holidays to you!

        Reply
    9. Anonymous

      December 03, 2012 at 6:02 pm

      These look like the perfect pre-Christmas dinner nibble. I think I'll have to go with pecans, as walnuts just taste funny to me, but I love the simplicity!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        December 03, 2012 at 6:34 pm

        Wonderful! Hope you enjoy.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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