One of the simplest pleasures has to be candied nuts. They’re toasted with a sugary syrup and cooled to created a sweet crunchy treat. Many store-bought varieties contain milk in some form or another. But these dairy-free candied walnuts are made without butter and cream. They’re even made without oil! I love them as a snack, but they also add wonderful crunch and a sweet contrast to salads. And they are delicious as a sweet topping on dairy-free ice cream, dairy-free yogurt, fresh fruit, or brownies.
Dairy-Free Candied Walnuts made on the Stove Top
I originally shared this easy recipe on my personal blog, but it’s getting a new home here on Go Dairy Free. I also have some answers to add for a few recipe FAQs.
Why Does the Recipe Use Coconut Sugar?
Always natural. Minimally processed. Used sparingly. That is my approach to sugar. Consequently, coconut sugar is my favorite granulated sugar. It also has a warm, earthy caramel flavor that imparts more depth to sweets. It’s similar in some ways to brown sugar, but isn’t as sharply sweet. It is also usually lower glycemic (they glycemic index of sugar can vary). As noted in the recipe, you can substitute another granulated sugar for the coconut sugar.
Will Honey or Maple Syrup Work?
This dairy-free candied walnuts recipe is for granulated sweetener specifically. The ingredient ratios would need to be changed if you’re using a liquid sweetener.
Can I Use a Sugar-Free Sweetener?
I love sugar-free sweeteners, especially stevia. But most sugar-free sweeteners don’t caramelize and set up properly. I have read that some erythritol sweeteners for baking do work for making candied nuts, but I haven’t tested it.
Can I Bake these Dairy-Free Candied Walnuts in the Oven?
Baked versions do call for a binder, like egg whites, since you aren’t able to stir the nuts as they cook. I find it much easier and simpler to use this one-pan stove top method.
Can I Use Other Nuts?
You definitely can! Substitute your favorite nuts for the walnuts, whether that’s pecans, almonds, cashews, or macadamias! You can even use seeds for a nut-free option. And if you want more of a topping than chunky nuts, you can use sliced almonds or chopped nuts.
Would You Recommend these Dairy-Free Candied Walnuts as a Gift?
I sure would. This is a simple recipe that you put in jars or bags to share with friends, neighbors, and even family around the holidays or just because. I bet dad would even love these on Father’s Day – don’t you think?
Dairy-Free Candied Walnuts Serving Suggestions
- As a topping on your favorite dairy-free ice cream.
- Sprinkled on Strawberry Arugula Salad or Mixed Berry Salad.
- Chopped and baked in Low Sugar Banana Bread.
- In trail mix with savory nuts and seeds.
- As a topping on unsweetened dairy-free yogurt, optionally with fresh fruit
- On Healthier Dairy-Free Brownies.
Special Diet Notes: Candied Walnuts
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, plant-based, paleo, oil-free, optionally refined sugar-free, and vegetarian.
Dairy-Free Candied Walnuts
Ingredients
Method
- In a small skillet, stir together the coconut sugar, water, and salt. Bring to boil over medium heat and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, add the walnuts.
- Stirring constantly, cook until all liquid evaporates, the nuts become sticky, and sugar “cobwebs” begin to form as you stir.
- Remove the pan from the heat and spread the nuts out on a plate or a sheet of parchment paper to cool and harden.
- Once completely cool, store the nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or in the freezer to preserve the freshness for longer.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!You’ll Also Like our Maple-Walnut Pear Crisp Recipe!
