Disclaimer: If you’ve ever had candied nuts before, you know just how addictive they are. This recipe is dangerously simple, so there is a risk that you’ll be making this all the time!
How to make candied nuts
This candied nuts recipe couldn’t be easier to make. All you need are nuts of choice, sugar, cinnamon, and water (yes, this is a no-eggs, vegan-friendly recipe). Then get to work:
- Step 1: Stir sugar, cinnamon and water until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Step 2: Add the nuts and stir them until all liquid is completely evaporated, leaving a dry sugar crust on the nuts.
- Step 3: (Optional but highly recommended) Leave the nuts on low heat a little longer to fully caramelise the sugar and give the nuts a shiny finish.
You’ll know that the caramelised nuts are done when the sugar coating is fully dry, and then turns shiny again. Until then make sure to keep on stirring to that the sugar doesn’t burn.
What nuts should you use
Technically, you could use any kind of nuts you like. We’ve tried this with a few different types and these were our favorite:
- Almonds
- Pecan nuts
- Macadamia nuts
- Walnuts
On a similar topic, you can use either white or brown sugar. We use white sugar in this recipe, but have also made it with brown sugar in the past (whichever we have stored, really!). We’ve found that brown sugar gives a more rich and darker flavour.
Are candied nuts gluten-free or vegan?
This candied nut recipe is both gluten-free and vegan! Other recipes may contain egg, so it may vary.
Easy Candied Nuts
Ingredients
- 200 g nuts of choice
- 100 g sugar
- 100 ml water
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the sugar water: In a large skillet or pot, add sugar, cinnamon and water. Heat it over medium heat until the water starts boiling. Continuously stir the mix and add the nuts in when all the sugar is dissolved.
- Coat the nuts: Consciously stir the nuts in the sugar-water mix until all the liquid is evaporated and you're left with a dry crust of sugar around your nuts.
- Make them shiny: Turn the heat to lo low, and continue stirring the nuts for a few more minutes. The sugar crust will caramelize and leave the nuts shiny.