southerncook
Caramel walnuts are a delightful combination of crunchy walnuts and sweet, buttery caramel. They make for a tasty snack, a dessert topping, or a lovely homemade gift. Here’s a quick and easy recipe to make caramel walnuts in just 5 minutes:
Ingredients:
1 cup walnut halves or pieces
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
A pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Walnuts:
a. Place the walnut halves or pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until they become lightly toasted and aromatic. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Make the Caramel:
a. In a heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
b. Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula.
c. Continue to stir until the sugar melts and turns a caramel brown color. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Walnuts:
a. As soon as the caramel has formed, quickly add the toasted walnuts to the skillet.
b. Stir the walnuts in the caramel to coat them evenly.
- Season and Finish:
a. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the caramel walnuts. This salt will enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness.
b. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Cool and Separate:
a. Immediately transfer the caramel-coated walnuts to a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
b. Use a fork or separate them with a spatula to ensure they don’t clump together as they cool.
- Serve:
a. Once the caramel walnuts have cooled and hardened, you can serve them as a delicious snack or use them as a topping for desserts, such as ice cream or yogurt.
Note: Be cautious when working with hot caramel as it can cause burns. Handle it carefully and keep children and pets at a safe distance while making this treat.
These 5-minute caramel walnuts are a delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors, perfect for indulging your sweet tooth or adding a tasty crunch to your favorite dishes. Enjoy!
