5 Minute Caramel Walnuts
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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!
