Small Batch Crunchy Candied Walnuts (2024)

FAQs

Why are my candied walnuts soft? ›

Let the candied nuts cool for at least 20 minutes or until completely cool. You don't want to package warm nuts or the moisture will cause condensation which will soften the candy coating.

Yes, candied nuts can go bad.

Pour the walnuts onto a piece of parchment paper into one single layer, separating the walnuts to make sure they don't dry clumped together. Allow to dry 2 minutes before putting in an airtight container or enjoying. They're perfect on this Baked Brie Bread Bowl !

Again, you likely didn't bake the almonds for long enough. The almonds will also be slightly soft when they're still warm, so if you've sampled them before they've cooled completely to room temperature wait a little longer before eating them.

Usually if the almonds are soft after candying it means that they weren't cooked for long enough.

Here Is the Nourishing Traditions Method for Crispy Nuts:

Soak 4 cups raw nuts in sea salt and filtered water to cover in a warm place at least 7 hours. Drain and spread in a single layer (I found that part out by experience) on pans and dry in an oven on its lowest temp for 12-24 hours.

Walnuts go rancid when exposed to warm temperatures for long periods of time. Heat causes the fat in walnuts to change structure, which creates off odors and flavors. Fresh walnuts smell mildly nutty and taste sweet. If your walnuts smell like paint thinner, you know they're rancid.

Is it dangerous? Eating rancid food won't make you sick, but the new molecules that form as oxidation occurs may lead to digestive issues. Rancid foods are also less nutritious because oxidation destroys the good fats and some of the vitamin content.

However, Kanney says, “If a nut has spoiled or gone rancid, recognizable by a sour or bitter flavor, the nut is no longer good and should be thrown away.” Whelan agrees that once the nuts have turned this corner, there's no amount of sugar or butter or time spent in a hot oven that will save them.

Use egg whites- Or else your nuts might get soft after a few days. To bring them back to a crispy texture, just spread them on a cookie tray and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. However, if you use this recipe correctly, this won't be necessary.

Why are my candied nuts wet? ›

If your candied pecans are sticky, it is likely because the sugar syrup coating has not completely hardened. The syrup may still be wet, or it may have started to crystalize. If the syrup is still wet, you can try putting the nuts in the oven for a few minutes to help the syrup harden.

The sugar needs to bake long enough to caramelize and form a brittle coating on the nuts. How do you fix candied nuts that are too soft and sticky? You can place them back into the oven for 5 to 15 minutes or until they dry out more. They will continue to firm and dry out as they cool.

Raw almonds are hard and crunchy, with a slightly bitter flavor due to their tannins ( 14 ). When soaked, they become softer, less bitter, and more buttery-tasting, which may be more appealing to some individuals. Soaked almonds have a softer, less bitter flavor than raw ones.

You Can Dry Nuts/Seeds in the Oven

Set your oven to the lowest temperature possible. Dry nuts for 30 minutes to 1 hour on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Remove a nut/seed, cool it and taste.

If your pecans are soft, it's most likely because they weren't baked long enough and are still retaining moisture. The sugar needs to bake long enough to caramelize and form a brittle coating on the nuts.

Soak your nuts and seeds anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 or 3 hours, or even overnight in the refrigerator. In general, harder nuts will take longer to soften. If your recipe calls for soaked nuts or seeds and you are low on time, try to squeeze in 20 minutes minimum, or just do a really good job rinsing them.