Candied Nuts
Candied nuts are one of those simple recipes that feel far more special than the effort they require. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a sweet, crunchy snack that works for everything from everyday salads to holiday gifting.
I’ve made countless batches of these candied nuts over the years, especially around the holidays. They’re one of my favorite add-ins for gift bags and tins because they’re easy, gluten free, and always a crowd-pleaser. I always get compliments when are serves and shock that I made them.
Candied nuts are often difficulty to find free from cross-contact. That’s why I started making them at home!
Why I Love This Recipe
These candied nuts are incredibly versatile. They’re delicious straight out of the jar (no judgment if they don’t make it to the pantry), but they also elevate so many dishes:
Sprinkled over salads for a sweet crunch (try with a strawberry salad)
Added to cheese boards for contrast and texture
Tossed into yogurt or oatmeal
Wrapped up as a simple, thoughtful homemade gift
I’ve made this recipe using both pecans and walnuts, and both work beautifully. Pecans bring a natural sweetness, while walnuts add a slightly earthy, rich flavor.
Easy to Customize the Flavor
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Once you’ve mastered the base, you can adjust the flavor depending on the season or your mood.
Some of my favorite variations include:
Curry powder for a warm, savory-sweet twist that pairs especially well with salads and cheese boards
Pumpkin spice for a cozy fall flavor
Cinnamon for a classic holiday feel
You can also experiment with combinations—cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg, or curry with a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat. Lemon zest is also excellent to add.
Perfect for the Holidays (and Beyond)
During the holidays, I love making large batches of these candied nuts to add to gift bags alongside homemade treats or small jars of everything oil. They feel thoughtful and festive without being complicated, and they store well, making them ideal for prepping ahead of time.
Whether you’re making them for yourself, sharing with friends, or dressing up a salad or cheese board, these candied nuts are one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Simple, customizable, and always a hit… just the way gluten free recipes should be.
Candied Nuts
A simple, sweet-and-crunchy snack made with just a handful of pantry staples. These candied nuts come together quickly and work beautifully with pecans or walnuts—perfect for salads, cheese boards, or straight from the jar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg whites
- 4 cups shelled walnut halves or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven with racks in the center to 300 degrees, Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt and other add-ins if including. (see notes)
- In a large bowl whisk the egg whites a bit, just to loosen them up. Add the nuts to the egg whites and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the nuts and toss, adding more until the sugar is gone. Continue to toss well until evenly coated.
- Split the nuts on the 2 baking sheets in a single layer, separating them the best you can.
- Bake 25-30 minutes or until the nuts are toasted, golden and coating is dry and hard.
- Once completely cool, store in an airtight container for a few weeks. You can freeze them for a few months.
Notes
optional flavor add-ins can include 2 teaspoons of: curry powder, pumpkin powder or cinnamon