Welcome to our sweet treats section! Today, we’re sharing a delicious and easy recipe for Toffee Walnuts. These sweet and crunchy nuts are perfect for snacking, topping salads, or gifting during the holidays. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 3 cups walnut halves (or nuts of choice)
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (up to 1/2 cup for sweeter)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Additions:
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (or 1/2 tsp cinnamon extract)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix Sugar and Spices: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, salt, and optional additions like cinnamon and cayenne pepper if desired.
Step 2: Coat the Walnuts
- Beat Egg White: In a large bowl, beat the egg white until frothy. You can use a whisk or an electric mixer for this.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract into the beaten egg white.
- Coat Walnuts: Add the walnut halves to the egg white mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Add Sugar Mixture: Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the coated walnuts and toss until the walnuts are evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake the Walnuts
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated walnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even toasting and coating. The walnuts should be golden and the sugar mixture should be caramelized and crunchy.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the toffee walnuts cool completely on the baking sheet. They will become more crunchy as they cool.
- Serve: Once cooled, break any clusters apart if necessary and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Nut Options: You can substitute walnuts with other nuts such as pecans, almonds, or cashews.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference. For a less sweet version, use 1/3 cup; for a sweeter treat, use up to 1/2 cup.
- Spice Level: The optional cinnamon and cayenne pepper add a warm and spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
Variations
Honey Toffee Walnuts
Replace the brown sugar with 1/3 cup of honey for a different flavor profile. Note that the texture will be slightly stickier.
Maple Toffee Walnuts
Replace the brown sugar with 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup for a rich, maple flavor.
Chocolate Drizzled Toffee Walnuts
Once the walnuts are cooled, drizzle them with melted dark or milk chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Herb Infused Toffee Walnuts
Add 1 tsp of dried rosemary or thyme to the sugar mixture for a unique, savory-sweet flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can use granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or even a sugar substitute if you prefer. The flavor and texture might vary slightly.
How do I store these walnuts?
Store the toffee walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Can I make these nuts in advance?
Yes, toffee walnuts can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They are perfect for meal prep or gifting.
Are there other flavor combinations I can try?
Absolutely! Experiment with different spices and extracts like nutmeg, allspice, or almond extract for varied flavors.
These Toffee Walnuts are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, use them to top salads, or package them as gifts, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing these sweet and crunchy nuts with your loved ones!