Easy candied nuts naturally sweetened with maple syrup instead of refined sugar. Simple to make and delicious for snacking, salads, topping sweet potatoes, gift-giving, etc. (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)
Our family goes wild for these candied nuts. They are a bit "healthier" (and I think tastier) than traditional candied nuts by replacing the typical refined sugar with naturally sweetened maple syrup goodness.
Plus there is a wonderful hint of cinnamon and vanilla that sends it over the top.
Ingredients for Maple Candied Nuts
For this recipe, you will need 5 simple ingredients:
- Walnuts or pecans (or a blend of both)
- Pure maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon (I use Ceylon)
- Salt
Ways to Use
These sweet, tender, delicious nuts are great in a variety of ways:
- For snacking
- Sprinkled on salads (like this Berry Crunch Salad)
- Topping baked sweet potatoes
- On this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
- For gift giving
- As a side dish or snack for holiday parties
Maple-Vanilla Candied Nuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnuts* (or pecans or both)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon (or more if desired)
- 1/8 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small non-stick sauté pan over medium heat.
- Stir well with a spatula to thoroughly coat/combine.
- Bring 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
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
For more easy holiday themed snacks, also feel free to check out:
Please leave a review and rating if you make this recipe. Your feedback is greatly appreciated - thank you!
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Tonia
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.
Kaitlin
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!
Jana
Would love to try some almonds and cashews too.
Kaitlin McGinn
Great thinking, Jana! Would love to hear if you give it a go!
Sarah
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!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
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!)
Carley Biblin
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.
Kris
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!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Hey Kris! That's so great! I would have never thought to add shredded coconut. Great addition!
Kay Smith
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!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
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!
Anonymous
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!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Wonderful! Hope you enjoy.