Quick Candied Nuts
Transform simple pantry staples into incredibly glossy, crunchy candied nuts in under 10 minutes. A secret splash of water guarantees a perfect caramel shell that snaps beautifully every single time!
Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet
- Heat-proof silicone spatula
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole raw nuts
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Start the skillet
- Set a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, then add the whole raw nuts, sugar, and butter. For a foolproof caramel, add 1 tablespoon of water and a splash of vanilla extract directly into the pan so the sugar begins dissolving evenly from the very first minute.
Stir until glossy
- Using a heat-proof spatula, keep the nuts moving constantly as the pan warms. The mixture will initially look wet and cloudy, then the sugar will cling to the nuts in a pale, sandy layer.
- Continue stirring over medium heat for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, lowering the heat if it smells too dark. The sugar will eventually melt completely, coating the nuts in a glossy, fluid, and fragrant caramel.
Watch for the grainy stage
- Do not panic when the sugar looks grainy, crusty, or clumped. Maintain steady stirring until it melts and liquifies into a smooth caramel that coats every nut.
Cool and finish
- Immediately transfer the fully coated nuts to a sheet of parchment paper. Separate them with two forks while they are still hot, or leave them in clusters and break them apart with your fingers once cooled.
- Sprinkle with cracked sea salt before they cool. Allow the nuts to harden on the parchment for 5 to 7 minutes before serving or chopping.
Notes
Safety Tip: Always keep the nuts whole while candying. Chopped nuts are much more likely to burn before the sugar has time to melt properly.
Preparation Tip: Have your parchment paper ready before you turn on the stove. Once the sugar turns glossy, the nuts must be removed from the hot skillet immediately to prevent scorching.
Cleanup Tip: To effortlessly clean hardened caramel from your pan, pour in a shallow layer of water and bring it to a gentle boil. The sugar will dissolve right off the surface.
Storage Tip: Keep completely cooled nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks. Avoid the refrigerator, as humidity will soften the crisp candy coating.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.
Nutrition
Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 4gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 90IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
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