Vegan Maple Candied Walnuts (Easy Stovetop Recipe)
Upgrade your favorite salads, bowls, and breakfasts with these Vegan Maple Candied Walnuts. Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and made with simple vegan ingredients, this quick stovetop recipe delivers the perfect crunchy, better-for-you topping in minutes.
I used to think candied nuts were only something you ordered on a restaurant salad, but once I realized how easy they are to make at home, there was no going back. There’s just something about that warm maple glaze coating perfectly toasted walnuts that makes any simple meal feel a little more special.
Now I keep a batch on hand to sprinkle over salads, oatmeal, and even roasted veggies when I want extra flavor and crunch. If you love this recipe, you also have to try my maple candied pecans. They’re just as irresistible and another staple I always come back to.
Spotlight on These Vegan Maple Candied Walnuts (Easy Stovetop Recipe)
- They’re naturally sweetened: Made with pure maple syrup instead of refined sugar, these maple candied walnuts deliver the perfect touch of sweetness using wholesome ingredients.
- Quick and easy: Ready in minutes on the stovetop, this is one of those effortless recipes you can throw together anytime you need a flavorful topping.
- Perfect for elevating meals: Sprinkle these vegan candied walnuts over salads, oatmeal, yogurt bowls, or roasted vegetables to instantly add crunch and rich maple flavor.
- Better-for-you indulgence: Packed with healthy fats and plant-based nutrients, walnuts make this a snack you can feel good about enjoying.
- Incredibly versatile: Keep a batch on hand for meal prep, holiday boards, or last-minute entertaining. They fit just as well on a cozy weeknight dinner as they do on a festive table.
- Irresistibly crunchy: That glossy maple coating hardens into the most satisfying crisp texture that keeps you reaching for just one more handful.
The Ingredients
Walnuts: The heart of this recipe, delivering a rich, nutty flavor and a perfect crunchy texture. They are packed with healthy fats and plant-based nutrients, making them a wholesome addition to any dish.
Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener, creating a beautiful caramelized coating while adding deep, warm flavor withoutrefined sugar.
Vegan butter: Vegan butter provides that classic buttery taste and helps the maple syrup coat the walnuts evenly as they toast, giving them a glossy, irresistible finish while keeping the recipe completely dairy-free.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness, creating the perfect sweet-and-salty walnut that keeps you coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Pecans work well. Check out this Stovetop Candied Pecan Recipe!
I really enjoy candied walnuts on most salads, and particularly this Endive and Apple Salad with Sage Vinaigrette.
If you’re not vegan, yes but I love using vegan butter to keep it dairy-free and still delicious.
Make sure they’re spread out on parchment and cool completely before storing. If they do clump, you can gently break them apart once hardened.
The Instructions
Step one: Heat a pan over medium heat and add the vegan butter. Stir until completely melted.
Step two: Once melted, add the walnuts. While stirring constantly, cook them in the butter for about 1 minute. Then, add the maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring nonstop while they caramelize in the maple syrup. This should take about 3 additional minutes or so. Do not allow them to burn or overcook them.
Step three: Immediately transfer them to a plate lined with parchment paper. Spread them out so they are not touching and allow them to cool for at least 20 minutes.
Storage
Once the walnuts are completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips and Modifications
Use fresh walnuts for the best flavor. Walnuts can turn slightly bitter if they sit too long, so grab a fresh bag whenever possible to ensure your candied walnuts taste rich and buttery rather than sharp.
Watch them closely while cooking. Maple syrup can go from perfectly caramelized to burned very quickly. Keep the heat at medium-low and stir frequently so the walnuts toast evenly without scorching.
Let them cool completely. The coating will continue to harden as the walnuts cool, giving you that irresistible crunchy texture. Spread them out on parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
More Vegan Salad Topping Recipes
Vegan Maple Candied Walnuts (Easy Stovetop Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 frying pan
- 1 large plate lined with parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 1 cup walnuts
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the vegan butter. Stir until completely melted.
- Once melted, add the walnuts. While stirring constantly, cook them in the butter for about 1 minute. Then, add the maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring nonstop while they caramelize in the maple syrup. This should take about 3 additional minutes or so. Do not allow them to burn or overcook them.
- Immediately transfer them to a plate lined with parchment paper. Spread them out so they are not touching and allow them to cool for at least 20 minutes.
