Easy Caramelized Walnuts with Maple Syrup
These Easy Caramelized Walnuts with Maple Syrup are crunchy, sweet, lightly salted, and ready in under 10 minutes. Made with just four simple ingredients and no refined sugar, they're the perfect healthy snack for lunchboxes, snack boards, yogurt bowls, salads, and quick grab-and-go treats.
Equipment
- non-stick skillet
- mixing bowl
- fork
- parchment paper
- baking sheet or large plate
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup walnut halves (80g)
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (30g)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Lay a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet or large plate and set it nearby for cooling the walnuts.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until properly hot.
- Add the walnut halves to the hot skillet and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon if using.
- Pour the maple syrup mixture over the walnuts. Stir frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until the syrup thickens and coats every walnut. Continue cooking until no visible liquid remains in the pan.
- Immediately transfer the walnuts to the prepared parchment paper and use a fork to spread and separate them.
- Allow the walnuts to cool completely for 20 to 30 minutes until the coating hardens into a crisp shell.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to three weeks.
Notes
Be sure to reduce the maple syrup completely until no liquid remains in the pan for the crispiest texture. Spread the walnuts immediately onto parchment paper and separate them with a fork before cooling. Optional cinnamon adds a warm flavor. Store completely cooled walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.