A generous, mouth-watering pile of golden brown candied nuts, glistening with a sugar coating, presented on a minimalist white plate on a wooden cutting board, with soft natural morning light from the east window creating warm shadows. Fresh herbs are subtly visible in the background, on a marble countertop.

How to Candy Nuts: Perfectly Sweet & Crunchy Every Time

ByMaya
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How to Candy Nuts A rustic, overhead shot of the finished candied nuts scattered on a ceramic bowl with wood accents, emphasizing their crunchy texture and golden hue, with soft natural morning light from the east window and the wooden cutting board visible in the corner.

How to Candy Nuts ?

There’s something truly magical about transforming everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, and learning How to Candy Nuts is the perfect example. I still vividly recall that cool autumn evening, the very first time I ventured into this sweet alchemy. The kitchen quickly filled with an intoxicating aroma – cinnamon and sugar swirling together, promising a treat that felt far more elaborate than the effort involved, watching humble almonds slowly take on a glistening, crisp coating right before my eyes.

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While the results are undeniably gourmet, this kitchen skill is surprisingly straightforward, proving that you don’t need a pastry chef’s expertise to create something truly special. Much like perfecting a batch of homemade caramel apples for a festive occasion, mastering the art of candying nuts opens up a world of delicious possibilities. These shimmering bites aren’t just for snacking; they’re perfect for elevating a simple salad, adding a sophisticated crunch to desserts, or even gifting as thoughtful, homemade treasures that truly impress. Get ready to fall in love with the satisfying crunch and sweet warmth of perfectly candied nuts!

How to Candy Nuts: Perfectly Sweet & Crunchy Every Time
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How to Candy Nuts: Perfectly Sweet & Crunchy Every Time

Recipe by MayaCourse: SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Transform plain nuts into a delightfully sweet and crunchy snack or topping with this incredibly easy recipe for candied nuts. Perfect for gifts, salads, or enjoying by the handful!

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg white

  • 1 teaspoon water

  • 1 pound (about 4 cups) raw nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, cashews work great)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is crucial for easy cleanup and preventing sticking!
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the egg white and water until frothy and slightly foamy. You’re looking for soft peaks, not stiff ones.
  • Add the raw nuts to the egg white mixture, tossing gently until all the nuts are evenly coated. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy; it’s all part of the process.
  • In a separate small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
  • Pour the sugar mixture over the egg-coated nuts. Toss vigorously, making sure every nut gets a generous, even coating of the sweet spice mixture. This is where the magic happens!
  • Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Ensure they’re not overcrowded, or they’ll steam instead of crisping.
  • Bake for 1 hour, stirring the nuts every 15-20 minutes. This regular stirring helps them brown evenly and prevents sticking, ensuring each nut candies perfectly.
  • Remove the nuts from the oven and immediately transfer them to a fresh piece of parchment paper or a cooling rack to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.
  • Once cooled, break apart any clusters. Store the candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

    • Flavor Fiesta: Don’t limit yourself to cinnamon! Experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy kick. A touch of vanilla extract added to the egg white mixture also works wonders.
    • Perfectly Separated: To ensure your nuts don’t clump together, spread them thinly on the baking sheet and stir diligently every 15-20 minutes during baking. This helps distribute the sugar coating and promotes even crisping.
    • Cool Down Right: The cooling process is just as important as the baking! Transferring them quickly to a clean surface and letting them cool completely helps them achieve that signature, satisfying crunch. Resist the urge to snack too soon!

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