Caramelized Walnut Recipe – Easy Cinnamon-Spiced Indian Sweet Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Caramelized Walnuts Recipe – Easy Cinnamon-Spiced Indian Sweet Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick and satisfying sweet treat. And honestly, these caramelized walnuts are it. They’re crunchy, sweet, a little bit warm from the cinnamon, and seriously addictive. I first made these during Diwali a few years ago when I was craving something festive but didn’t have a ton of time. They were a huge hit, and now I make them all year round! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This caramelized walnut recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly easy – seriously, just one pan and a few minutes! It’s also wonderfully versatile. You can enjoy them as a snack, sprinkle them over yogurt or ice cream, or even use them to garnish your favorite Indian desserts. Plus, the warm cinnamon spice just feels so comforting, especially during the cooler months.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful treats:

• 1 cup walnuts (halves or pieces) – about 140g
• ½ cup granulated sugar – about 100g
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – about 14g
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference!

Walnuts: Types & Quality

I prefer using walnut halves or pieces for this recipe. They caramelize beautifully and give a lovely texture. Make sure your walnuts are fresh! You can tell they’re fresh if they smell nutty and aren’t overly dry.

Sugar: Choosing the Right Granulation

Granulated sugar is the way to go here. It melts evenly and creates that perfect golden caramel. Don’t try to substitute with powdered sugar or brown sugar – it won’t give you the same result.

Butter: Salted vs. Unsalted & Alternatives

I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the overall sweetness. If you only have salted butter, that’s okay, just reduce the amount slightly. You could also use ghee for a lovely, traditional Indian flavor!

Cinnamon: Regional Variations & Flavor Profile

Cinnamon is optional, but highly recommended! It adds a lovely warmth that complements the walnuts and caramel perfectly. In some parts of India, they use a slightly different variety of cinnamon (cassia) which has a bolder flavor. Feel free to experiment!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. Melt the Butter: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt completely, coating the bottom of the pan.
2. Add the Sugar: Sprinkle the granulated sugar into the melted butter. Now, this is where you need to pay attention! Let the sugar melt undisturbed until the edges start to caramelize – it’ll turn a lovely golden brown.
3. Coat the Walnuts: Add the walnuts and cinnamon (if using) to the skillet. Stir continuously to ensure the walnuts are evenly coated with the caramelized sugar. This happens quickly, so keep stirring!
4. Cool & Separate: Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately spread the caramelized walnuts onto a parchment-lined tray. This prevents them from sticking together.
5. Break Apart & Store: Once the walnuts have cooled and hardened (about 15-20 minutes), break them apart into clumps. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Expert Tips

Want to take your caramelized walnuts to the next level? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

Achieving the Perfect Caramelization

Patience is key! Don’t rush the caramelization process. Let the sugar melt slowly and evenly. You want a deep golden brown color, but not burnt.

Preventing Burnt Sugar

Keep a close eye on the sugar as it melts. If it starts to smoke or smell burnt, immediately remove the skillet from the heat. A little bit of color is good, but burnt sugar is bitter!

Cooling & Breaking the Walnuts

Spreading the walnuts onto parchment paper is crucial. It prevents them from sticking to the tray. If they’re still a little sticky, you can lightly dust them with powdered sugar.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Caramelized Walnuts

Simply substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil. It works beautifully!

Spice Level Adjustments (Adding Chili Powder)

My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of chili powder for a sweet and spicy kick. About ¼ teaspoon is perfect!

Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Holi)

During Diwali, I sometimes add a few strands of saffron to the sugar while it’s melting for a beautiful color and aroma. For Holi, a sprinkle of edible glitter makes them extra festive!

Gluten-Free Considerations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!

Serving Suggestions

These caramelized walnuts are delicious on their own, but they’re also amazing:

• Sprinkled over yogurt with a drizzle of honey.
• Crushed and used as a topping for ice cream.
• Added to your favorite Indian sweet dishes like kheer or shrikhand.
• Enjoyed as a simple, satisfying snack with a cup of chai.

Storage Instructions

Store the caramelized walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They might lose a little bit of their crunch over time, but they’ll still be delicious!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What type of walnuts work best for caramelizing?

Walnut halves or pieces are ideal. Freshness is key – they should smell nutty and not be overly dry.

Can I make this recipe with other nuts like almonds or cashews?

Absolutely! Almonds and cashews work wonderfully too. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they might caramelize a bit faster or slower than walnuts.

How do I prevent the sugar from burning?

Low and slow is the key! Melt the sugar over medium heat and keep a close eye on it. Remove from heat immediately if it starts to smoke.

Can I store these caramelized walnuts for a long time?

They’re best enjoyed within a week, but they can last for up to two weeks if stored properly in an airtight container.

What is the best way to reuse leftover caramelized sugar?

Don’t throw it away! You can melt it down with a little water to make a simple caramel sauce for desserts.

Enjoy making (and eating!) these caramelized walnuts. I hope they bring a little sweetness to your day! Let me know in the comments if you try them and how they turn out. Happy cooking!