Beautifully sweet and slightly bitter Paleo and Whole30 friendly, egg free candied walnuts that are super simple and absolutely D-E-licious! The best part of this recipe is the little bit of ghee I added, boy is this is a game changer. It makes the candy coating taste more like toffee and it is perfectly paired with the earthy and rich walnuts. I promise you’ll love these more than any store-bought versions!

With three teenagers in my house, these walnuts disappear in a flash! When I do have the chance to enjoy them, I prefer to add them to a crisp salad or to a dairy free yogurt with some fruit (when I’m not just eating these for a snack with a crisp apple.) This versatile recipe can also be use to make candied pecans, almonds, or cashews! I have often given them as tasty gifts to my neighbors and friends over the holidays. Whip up a batch of these walnuts, and the next time you’ll double the recipe!

Why Walnuts are So Good For You!

Aside from being delicious, walnuts are full of good for you nutrients, fiber, essential fatty acids, and protein! Let’s take a look!

Vitamins:

• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): There are many benefits from a diet rich in vitamin B6. It plays a role in our immune health, metabolism, and brain health. Vitamin B6 is essential in creating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in emotional health and sleep [1].
• Vitamin B9 (folate): This vitamin is essential in the production of your genetic material (DNA and RNA), supports metabolism, and works with other B vitamins in regulating homocysteine [2].
• Vitamin E (antioxidant): Supports immune function and works to regulate free radicals that cause cellular damage.

Minerals:

• Phosphorus: Essential in metabolic pathways.
• Copper: Essential in the production of red blood cells.
• Manganese: Necessary in brain and nervous system health and supports metabolic pathways.

Essential Fatty Acids:

• ALA: alpha linoleic acid, also known as Omega-3. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid due to our body’s inability to create it and it plays a vital role in our body’s anti-inflammatory pathways and is a source of EPA and DHA.
• LA: linoleic acid, also known as Omega-6. Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid our body’s cannot make and it is an essential building block in both the inflammatory (tells your body when something is wrong) and anti-inflammatory pathways.

So grab some nutrient packed walnuts and let’s get cooking!

Paleo Candied Walnuts Ingredients

2 cups Raw Whole Walnuts

1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1/8 tsp Fine Sea salt

1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

2 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup

1 tsp Ghee*, melted

1 Tbsp Coconut Sugar

* I find that the ghee in this recipe pairs perfectly with the bitter walnuts, with the other ingredients it creates a beautiful toffee flavor!

How to Make Paleo Candied Walnuts

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees

2. In a medium bowl, melt the ghee and add the remaining ingredients except walnuts. Stir well to combine.

3. Add the walnuts and toss to evenly coat.

4. Spread in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.

5. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

6. Toss the walnuts with tongs to flip over and bake another 8-10 minutes.

7. Remove from oven and set parchment on a cooling rack or the counter.

8. Cool completely and enjoy over a Summer Salad or over a cup of diary free yogurt!

9. Store in an airtight container up 4 weeks.

If you like this recipe, check these out!

Coconut Chai Energy Balls: I love these because of how quickly they come together and with just a few simple ingredients. Plus they are nut free, macronutrient balanced, and loaded with protein rich seeds and fiber.

Pumpkin Spice Yogurt with Gingersnap Toffee Topping: This is one of my favorite things to eat for breakfast! The toffee topping is so good over any dairy free, unsweetened yogurt.

Paleo Vanilla Granola: This easy nutritious granola will keep you satisfied all morning long and has the beautiful flavor combination of vanilla and almond.

I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does. – Amy

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