Candied Walnuts- Maple syrup, a splash of vanilla extract, and dairy-free butter melted in a slow cooker make the ideal sweet glaze. Add shelled walnuts, toss, and cook to candied perfection. These easy, slow-cooker candied walnuts are a delicious topping, snack, or gift for any occasion.
Candied nuts are a sweet treat made by candying whole nuts. The process involves coating nuts in a sweet syrup and then allowing them to dry. Coating them gives the nuts a sweet, satisfying, and crunchy coating. Candied nuts are a popular snack and make an excellent addition to salads, cakes, and yogurt.
Slow cooker maple glazed walnuts are a delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these vegan candied walnuts are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by everyone. There is no need to monitor them because the slow cooker will do all the work for you. Once they are done, enjoy them as is or use them as a topping for salads, oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream. You can also add them to trail mix or granola for an extra-special snack. Whatever way you enjoy them, slow cooker maple glazed walnuts are sure to please.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Candied Walnut Recipe
Great As Gifts- Who doesn't love receiving homemade goodies as gifts? I know I do! These candied walnuts are the perfect edible gift for any special occasion.
Minimal Prep Work- Candied walnuts couldn't be any easier! 5 minutes of prep, then the slow cooker does the rest of the work for you.
Simple Ingredients- A few pantry staples and walnuts are all you need to make these tasty candied nuts.
A Delicious Sweet Snack- These candied walnuts are the perfect sweet snack to enjoy any time of day.
Make Ahead- These candied walnuts can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. They also freeze well.
Equipment Needed To Make Maple Glazed Walnuts
- Slow Cooker
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Stirring Spoon or Rubber Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Candied Walnuts
- Shelled Walnuts
- Dairy-Free Butter
- Maple Syrup
- Vanilla Extract
How To Make Vegan Maple Glazed Walnuts
In a slow cooker, melt vegan butter, syrup, and vanilla extract on low. This will only take a few minutes, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning. When the butter has melted, add the walnuts and mix gently from the bottom to thoroughly coat them. Allow about an hour for the walnuts to cook before stirring well. Continue cooking for another 45 minutes before transferring the maple-glazed walnuts to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to cool. Serve as desired and enjoy!
What to Serve/Pair With Slow Cooker Candied Walnuts
These candied walnuts are a delicious on-the-go snack, but they would also be excellent in a salad, on top of oatmeal or yogurt, or even in a trail mix! If you want to get creative, try using them as a topping for ice cream or decorating a cake.
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these candied walnuts are sure to be a hit!
Popular Substitutions & Additions
If you're looking to mix things up, there are a few substitutions and additions you can make to this recipe.
- Nuts- While walnuts are traditionally used in this recipe, feel free to use any nut you like! Pecans, almonds, and cashews would all be delicious.
- Sweetener- If you're not a fan of maple syrup, honey or agave nectar would also be great substitutes. You could also use sugar, although the resulting candy will be crunchier.
- Extracts- Don't have vanilla extract on hand? No problem! This recipe would also be delicious with almond, peppermint, or orange extract.
- Spices- Add ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or even cayenne pepper.
- Butter- You can also use coconut oil if you are out of dairy-free butter.
- Crunch- Looking for an extra crunchy texture? Try roasting the walnuts before adding them to the slow cooker. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes. Allow them to cool before adding them to the slow cooker.
How To Reheat & Store Maple Glazed Walnuts
What Is The Best Way To Store Candied Walnuts?
Maple glazed walnuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer.
How Long Will Sweet Candied Walnuts Last In The Fridge?
If stored properly, candied walnuts will last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Can I Freeze Vegan Maple Glazed Nuts?
Yes! These maple-glazed walnuts freeze really well. Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, allow them to thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick defrost.
How To Reheat Slow Cooker Candied Walnuts?
If you're looking to reheat these candied walnuts, the best way to do so is in the microwave. Simply place them on a plate and heat them for 30-60 seconds, or until they're heated.
You can also reheat them in the oven, although this will take a bit longer. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and place the walnuts on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes.
Slow Cooker Vegan Candied Walnut FAQs
I don't have any dairy-free butter. Is there something else I can use?
Yes! You can substitute it with coconut oil if you don't have dairy-free butter.
Do I have to use maple syrup?
No, you don't have to use maple syrup, but it is what gives these candied walnuts their delicious flavor. If you're not a fan of maple syrup, agave nectar would be a great substitute.
Can maple-glazed walnuts be left out at room temperature?
Yes, these candied walnuts can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week. However, if it is very humid where you live, I recommend storing them in the fridge to prevent them from getting too sticky.
Do I have to use a slow cooker to make candied walnuts?
No, you can also make these walnuts on the stovetop. Melt the butter, syrup, and extract together in a pan over low heat. Once melted, add the nuts and stir until coated. Cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to cool and enjoy!
My walnuts came out very sticky. Is there a way to fix them?
If your walnuts are too sticky, place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes. This will help to crisp them up.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes! You can use any nut in this recipe, such as pecans, almonds, or even peanuts. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the type of nut used.
Don't Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Slow Cooker Sweet Maple Glazed Walnuts Turned Out!
📋 Recipe
Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Walnuts
Ingredients
- 16 ounces shelled walnuts walnut halves, not little pieces
- ¼ cup dairy free butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Put the vegan butter, syrup and vanilla extract in a Slow Cooker.
- Turn on low and melt the vegan butter. This only takes a few minutes.
- Mix in the walnuts and mix from the bottom so all of the coating is all over the walnuts and not on the bottom of the pot.
- Cook on low 1 hour then stir. Cook another one half hour to one hour more.
- Turn out onto a baking sheet and let cool - completely.
Ginny McMeans
Leave it on Brenda. 🙂
Nell
Thoughts on doubling or tripling the batch?? Would it work? These would be great holiday gifts.
Ginny McMeans
Yes, you can double and triple Nell. I would love to get these as a gift!
Terre
This looks great! Can you do this in the InstantPot?
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Terre! They should work. Place everything in the Instant Pot. Maybe add 1/4 cup water. Cover and 'seal'. Press the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" button and cook for 3 minutes. Maybe 4 minutes but I would try three. Switch the vent to "Venting". Stir carrots and serve.