Caramel walnuts are a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of caramel with the nutty crunch of walnuts. Perfect for snacking, topping desserts, or adding to salads, these caramel walnuts are quick and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes, you can enjoy this sweet and savory snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon golden brown sugar, both packed (do not use dark brown)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/8 teaspoon + 2 pinches salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Measure Walnuts:
- Measure out 1 cup of walnuts and set aside.
- Prepare Sugar Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon of golden brown sugar.
Step 2: Cook the Caramel Walnuts
- Heat Sugar and Water:
- In a medium non-stick skillet or saucepan, combine the golden brown sugar and 1/4 cup water. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Add Butter and Salt:
- Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1/8 teaspoon of salt to the sugar mixture. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Cook Walnuts:
- Add the walnuts to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the caramel mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 3-4 minutes until the caramel thickens and the walnuts are well coated.
- Remove from Heat:
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the caramel-coated walnuts to a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread them out in a single layer to cool.
Step 3: Cool and Serve
- Cool Walnuts:
- Allow the caramel walnuts to cool completely. As they cool, the caramel will harden and form a crunchy coating around the walnuts.
- Break Apart:
- Once cooled, break apart any clusters of walnuts that have stuck together.
- Serve:
- Enjoy the caramel walnuts as a snack, or use them as a topping for desserts, salads, or oatmeal.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Watch the Caramel: Be sure to watch the caramel closely as it cooks to prevent it from burning. Stir constantly to ensure even cooking.
- Cooling: Allow the walnuts to cool completely before storing them to ensure the caramel hardens properly.
- Storage: Store cooled caramel walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations
Spiced Caramel Walnuts
- Add Spices:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture for a spiced variation.
Honey Caramel Walnuts
- Use Honey:
- Replace half of the brown sugar with honey for a honey-flavored caramel coating.
Chocolate-Dipped Caramel Walnuts
- Dip in Chocolate:
- Once the caramel walnuts have cooled, dip them in melted dark or milk chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions
As a Snack
- Snack Mix:
- Mix caramel walnuts with dried fruit and pretzels for a delicious snack mix.
As a Topping
- Desserts:
- Sprinkle caramel walnuts over ice cream, yogurt, or cakes for added flavor and crunch.
In Salads
- Salad:
- Add caramel walnuts to green salads with goat cheese, dried cranberries, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet and savory combination.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts? A: Yes, you can use pecans, almonds, or cashews in place of walnuts. The cooking time and process remain the same.
Q: How can I prevent the caramel from burning? A: Stir constantly and watch the caramel closely as it cooks. Reduce the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
Q: Can I make these walnuts in advance? A: Yes, you can make caramel walnuts in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Q: What if my caramel hardens too quickly? A: If the caramel hardens too quickly, return the skillet to low heat and stir until the caramel softens. Then, transfer the walnuts to cool.
5-Minute Caramel Walnuts are a quick and delicious treat that you can enjoy any time. With their rich, buttery caramel coating and crunchy texture, these walnuts are perfect for snacking, topping desserts, or adding to salads. Enjoy making and sharing this simple yet delightful recipe with your family and friends!
