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.)

Storing

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

Looking for something savory? Try these amazing Tamari Roasted Nuts as well!

For more inspiration, also browse all vegan holiday recipes or walnut recipes.

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 8 votes

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Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 25

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

Saturated Fat

Polyunsaturated Fat

Monounsaturated Fat

Potassium

213

Carbohydrates

Fiber

Sugar

Protein

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Calcium

Iron

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Sodium content: This is omitted as I cannot provide an accurate number. I encourage you to calculate your own to provide a much more precise reading based on the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts you're using.

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Maple-Vanilla Candied Nuts (Naturally Sweetened)

Ingredients for Maple Candied Nuts

Tips for Success

Storing

Serving