Walnuts are a versatile nut that can be eaten plain, toasted, candied or added to your favorite dish. They are also a good source of protein, fiber and omega-3 ALA fats.
Try adding a handful of toasted walnuts to your salad or as a topping on a sweet treat. They add a heart-healthy crunch that’s sure to satisfy.
1. Toasted Walnuts as Garnish
Toasted walnuts can add a nice, crunchy texture and deep flavor to your favorite recipes. They also make a fantastic healthy snack.
Whether you’re adding them to a salad, a side dish, or your dessert, toasted walnuts will take your dishes over the top! They are a great source of protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats.
The best way to toast walnuts is to roast them in the oven, as it helps to bring out the natural flavor. They become a buttery and golden brown with a crisp, chewy texture.
Aside from roasting, you can also toast walnuts on the stovetop. This is a quick and easy method for smaller quantities, but you may need to stir the nuts often. They go from toasted to burnt very quickly, so you need to watch them closely.
If you’re using a large quantity of walnuts, you can toast them in the oven. This will also help to keep them from cooking unevenly and will cook them quicker.
Oven – Preheat the oven to 375degF and place the walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake 5-7 minutes, watching them carefully. They will start to brown and smell toasted about 5 minutes in.
Stovetop – Heat a dry pan on medium-high heat and add the walnuts, stirring them regularly to keep them from burning. Once the walnuts start to turn golden, remove from the heat and transfer to a plate.
2. Caramelized Walnuts as Garnish
Caramelized walnuts are incredibly delicious and a great addition to any dessert. They can be served on salads, added to yogurt, or topped with ice cream or strawberry compote for a deliciously easy dessert.
To make caramelized walnuts, combine a few ingredients and cook over medium heat. You can use either a non-stick skillet or a large pan. Regardless of the pan you use, the key is to stir frequently while the butter and sugar melts. The mixture should start to look like a grainy lava, and it should also coat the walnuts as it melts.
Once the sugar has coated the walnuts, remove the pan from the heat. Then, spread the nuts out on a baking sheet in one layer. It’s important not to pile them up or they will clump together.
Then, sprinkle cinnamon and/or cayenne pepper on top if desired. These spices add a wonderful kick of flavor.
While the walnuts are cooking in the sugar, they will start to smell amazing. The combination of the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla will give you an extra sweet treat!
You can mix things up a bit by adding different spices, such as pumpkin pie spice or chai spice. Or, you can adjust the sweetness by increasing the amount of brown sugar.
Using the right kind of brown sugar and spices will result in a rich caramel flavor with an almost melted texture. This is a perfect dessert for the fall and winter season!
This recipe is so easy and fast. It only requires a few minutes of prep time and will be a favorite in your home. You will want to keep a container on hand so you can have these sweet treats whenever you need them!
3. Candied Walnuts
Candied walnuts are a sweet and crunchy treat that can be used in many desserts. Not only are they delicious, but they are also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium and selenium. They are also a good source of protein and healthy fats, which make them a good addition to a balanced diet.
They can be a great appetizer or snack to serve at parties or holidays. They are also a nice addition to lunch salads or mixed into yogurt or ice cream. They are also a fun and easy hostess gift.
If you want to make these sweet and salty treats, start by boiling water in a small saucepan. Add the sugar, and stir until the mixture dissolves. Then add the walnuts and stir to coat them with the sugar mixture.
Cook on low or medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar starts to caramelize and just begin to smoke. This is the first step to making these delicious and addictive nuts!
Once all the walnuts are coated with the sugar mixture, transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use two forks to separate the walnuts and spread them out until they are completely dry.
When you are ready to serve, break apart the walnuts and enjoy them as a tasty snack. You can also store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
If you find your candied walnuts are still sticky after they have cooled down, you may need to cook them longer or use less sugar. If you do, they will be much less sticky and will taste better. Additionally, humidity can cause the sugar to melt and make your candied walnuts sticky. To avoid this, cook them on a lower heat or add less sugar.
4. Walnut Ice Cream
Walnuts are a great add-on for brownies, pie pieces, or ice cream. They can also be used to decorate cakes and cupcakes.
One of our favorite recipes that uses walnuts is this Black Walnut Ice Cream. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with nutty flavor. The ice cream is infused with maple syrup, vanilla and chopped dark chocolate.
It’s easy to make at home and deliciously nutty. And you can easily customize it to your own taste.
Start by steeping the black walnuts in cream, and then removing them after about an hour for a milder version or up to 24 hours for the strongest flavor. The longer you let the nuts steep, the more intense your ice cream will be.
Once the custard has chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s directions until thick but still soft-serve-like. Transfer it to a bread pan or other freezer-safe container and “cure” it in the freezer for 4 hours before serving.
The ice cream is sweetened with maple syrup, and it’s garnished with maple flakes and chopped walnuts. This is a perfect dessert for any occasion.
For a different nut-flavored ice cream, try this Pistachio Ice Cream! Or make this Pumpkin Ice Cream.
If you want to get creative, you can even make these Brown Sugar Chopped Walnut Bars for a festive treat. The bars are a bit like blonde brownies, but with less chocolate.
You can also make this recipe as a food gift by packing it in a mason jar and tying it with some twine. Just be sure to label it! It’s a wonderful holiday treat that will be loved by everyone.
5. Walnut Cake
Adding walnuts to your dessert is a great way to add texture, flavor and crunch. These nutty bits are perfect for ice cream, brownies, and pie pieces, but they can also be used in more traditional recipes like cakes and cookies.
One of the most quintessential British desserts is coffee and walnut cake. It’s a light, fluffy sponge covered in coffee frosting and crushed walnuts. This classic dessert is so delicious you might even want to save some for later!
This simple walnut cake is an easy and quick treat that won’t take you long to make. It is light, moist and nutty and the walnut oil in it is a healthy alternative to butter that helps improve blood circulation and reduces heart disease risk.
You can also use this recipe as a base for other desserts like apple pie, blondies and muffins. You can substitute the walnuts for other nuts if you prefer.
If you’re looking for a more decadent dessert, you can make this rich chocolate and walnut torte. It’s packed with flavour and a great source of protein, making it a healthy option for your lunch or breakfast.
Another great option for a brunch or dessert is this easy caramel apple and walnut crumble. The filling is made from sliced apples and brown sugar, while the topping is crunchy and nutty with chopped walnuts.
This cake is gluten free, so it’s a great choice for those with wheat intolerance. You can serve it with a scoop of warm vanilla custard or with a dollop of clotted cream for an extra treat.
