Crunchy and nutty, make this candied walnut recipe with just walnuts, sugar, and sesame seeds—a delightful Chinese sweet treat.

👨‍🍳 About This Recipe

These sugar-coated walnuts represent a classic Chinese sweet treat. Whenever I grab a handful, it’s hard to resist indulging – they’re crunchy, packed with a rich roasted nutty flavor.

Back in China, you can easily find them in shops. Replicating them in my kitchen brings a comforting taste of home whenever I feel a bit homesick. And they are surprisingly easy to make.

🥣 Ingredients

• Walnuts: Opt for walnut halves for the best results in this recipe. Chopped walnuts might be too small for each bite. Pecans are also a great alternative.
• Sugar: Regular white sugar works perfectly for this recipe. You can use brown sugar if you prefer, but be aware that the coating might turn out a bit darker.
• Sesame Seeds: In this recipe, I use store-bought roasted sesame seeds. If you only have raw ones, you can toast them in a frying pan. Just make sure not to toast them with the walnuts as they have different roasting times.

♨️ Instructions

Step 1: Roasting Walnuts

• Preheat oven to 180°C.
• Spread walnuts on a roasting tray.
• Cook for about 7-8 minutes until walnuts are nicely roasted.

Step 2: Making Sugar Syrup

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water.
• Stir constantly until sugar dissolves, turning into a clear liquid, then crystallizing into a golden brown syrup.

Step 3: Coating Walnuts and Sesame Seeds

• Toss walnuts and sesame seeds into the sugar syrup.
• Stir quickly to coat the walnuts.
• Transfer coated walnuts to baking paper, separating them to prevent excessive sticking.

📍Tips for Candied Walnut Recipe

1. Watch the Roasting Time: Keep a close eye on the walnuts while roasting. They can go from perfectly roasted to overdone quickly. Aim for a golden-brown color and a nutty aroma.
2. Careful with Sugar Caramelization: When making the sugar syrup, be attentive as the sugar dissolves and transforms. Avoid overcooking, which can lead to a bitter taste. Aim for a beautiful golden brown color.
3. Quick Coating is Key: When tossing the walnuts and sesame seeds into the sugar syrup, work swiftly to coat them evenly. The syrup can harden fast, so speed is essential.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh walnuts and quality sesame seeds. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final result.
5. Adjust Sugar Levels: Depending on your sweetness preference, you can adjust the sugar quantity in the recipe. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed.
6. Cool Completely: Allow the candied walnuts to cool completely before serving. This enhances their crunchiness and lets the flavors fully develop.

Create a delightful sweet treat with just three simple steps and four ingredients. Have a great time and Enjoy the deliciousness!

If you like this recipe, give me a 5-star rating. 🤗

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