Candied Walnuts Recipe Vegan: Easy Sweet & Crunchy Treat

There’s something truly irresistible about the crunchy, sweet, and slightly smoky allure of candied walnuts. These little bites of delight make a perfect snack, a decorative topping for salads, or a delightful addition to your favorite desserts.

But what if you’re following a vegan lifestyle and want to enjoy this classic treat without any animal products? The good news is, making vegan candied walnuts at home is incredibly simple, quick, and delicious.

With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s perfectly sweet, crunchy, and packed with flavor.

In this recipe, we use natural sweeteners and vegan-friendly butter alternatives to mimic the rich, caramelized coating that makes candied walnuts so special. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free snack or a stunning garnish, these candied walnuts will become your go-to.

Plus, they’re free from refined sugars and artificial additives, making them a wholesome choice for your kitchen. Ready to dive in and learn how to create this vegan delight?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan candied walnuts recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

The combination of maple syrup and coconut oil replaces traditional sugar and butter, giving you a naturally sweet and rich coating without compromising your vegan lifestyle.

These candied walnuts are not only perfect for snacking but also versatile enough to add texture and flavor to your salads, oatmeal, and desserts. You’ll appreciate the crunchy exterior and the slightly sticky glaze that keeps every walnut perfectly coated.

Plus, this recipe is customizable, allowing you to tweak the sweetness or spice level to suit your taste buds.

If you love experimenting with plant-based recipes, check out other favorites like Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe and Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for more delicious vegan inspiration.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw walnuts
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (ensure it’s 100% pure for best flavor)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth and spice)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (balances sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a subtle aromatic note)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the maple syrup and melted coconut oil. Stir gently until fully combined and warm but not boiling.
3. Add flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix well to combine all the flavors uniformly.
4. Coat the walnuts: Place the raw walnuts in a mixing bowl. Pour the warm maple syrup mixture over the walnuts and toss well with a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring every walnut is nicely coated.
5. Spread on baking sheet: Transfer the coated walnuts to your prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer to avoid clumping.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Stir the walnuts halfway through baking to ensure even caramelization.
7. Cool completely: Remove the walnuts from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet. As they cool, the glaze will harden, creating a crisp, crunchy coating.
8. Store: Once cooled, transfer the candied walnuts to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks or refrigerated for longer freshness.

Tips & Variations

For an extra crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before coating them. This enhances their natural nuttiness.

If you want to add a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper with your cinnamon and salt. For a more indulgent touch, drizzle some melted vegan dark chocolate over the cooled candied walnuts.

To make these nuts sugar-free, substitute the maple syrup with a keto-friendly syrup or a mixture of coconut sugar and water, adjusting quantities to taste.

Don’t hesitate to swap walnuts for other nuts like pecans or almonds if you want to experiment with different textures and flavors. Each nut will bring its own unique flair to the recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These candied walnuts are incredibly versatile. Try sprinkling them over a fresh green salad to add a sweet crunch that complements bitter greens perfectly.

They also pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables or can be chopped and sprinkled on vegan yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast.

They’re an excellent addition to vegan baked goods, too. Crumble them on top of muffins, cakes, or even mix them into cookie dough for a delightful surprise.

For a festive touch, toss them in a bowl alongside dried fruits and seeds to create your own homemade trail mix.

Looking for more snack ideas? Check out our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for tasty vegan and allergy-friendly options.

Conclusion

Making vegan candied walnuts at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that yields delicious results with minimal effort. The natural sweetness from maple syrup paired with the richness of coconut oil creates a perfect glaze that turns simple walnuts into a gourmet treat.

Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a salad topper, or dessert enhancer, these candied walnuts are sure to impress.

With customizable flavors and straightforward steps, this recipe is a must-try for anyone interested in plant-based cooking. Plus, it’s a great way to add a nutritious, flavorful crunch to your meals.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love exploring other creative dishes like the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or the refreshing Huckleberry Margarita Recipe for your next culinary adventure.

Happy cooking and enjoy your sweet, crunchy, vegan delight!

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