I recently had surgery and spent several weeks recuperating. I was rarely able to cook during that time. When I finally began to feel better, I returned to dessert making with a vengeance. I started experimenting and made Kentucky Derby Blondies, A Honey Coconut Rum Pound Cake, and this Honey Bourbon Candied Walnuts Recipe. Why the sudden interest in honey? I received a Mother’s Day gift basket from Nature Nate’s Honey. Sure, I could have used the honey the way we usually do; poured over biscuits, but I wanted something different.

Thanks to Nature’s Nates. While I received a gift basket from Nature Nate’s, I was not asked to post about it. I did because we use their honey in our recipes.

Honey Bourbon Candied Walnuts Recipe

This recipe was a twist on the pecan filling I used in the blondies. It’s an easy recipe to prepare since it has only five ingredients and a hands-on prep time of around five minutes. You’ll have to factor in soaking and baking time, but since that’s mostly hands-off, I still count it as an easy recipe. If you prefer, you can omit the bourbon and it will be gluten-free. Feel free to play around with different varietals of honey to create your own unique combination. I’m sure this would be delicious with orange-blossom honey.

Printable Recipe:

Recipe Type: Snack, Dessert

Cuisine: Southern

An easy to make snack with only five ingredients. It’s also a great dessert topping.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans
3 tablespoons bourbon or scotch
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, optional

Instructions

In a medium bowl, add the walnuts or the pecans.
In a small bowl, mix the bourbon, honey, salt, and sugar, if using.
Stir the bourbon mixture into the walnut mixture, making sure all walnuts are coated.
Set aside and allow the walnuts to soak for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
Spread the nuts evenly across a shallow baking sheet, making sure the nuts do not overlap.
*Line the baking sheet with a piece of waxed paper or aluminum foil for easy clean up.
Toast the nuts for 3-5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.
Allow the nuts to cool completely. Store nuts in an airtight container.

Cooking Tips:

*The nuts will need to soak in the honey bourbon mixture for 30 minutes before baking to absorb the liquid.
*You can substitute other types of alcohol if you’d like. Scotch also works well in this recipe.
*I used Madagascar bourbon sugar in this recipe for a flavor boost, but granulated sugar will work.
*If you omit the sugar, the recipe can be used as a “savory” substitute for nuts in chicken dishes as well.
*Not all liquid might be absorbed during the soaking process. That’s okay. It can be poured onto the baking sheet.
*Be sure to LINE the baking sheet with a piece of aluminum foil or waxed paper for easy clean up!
*You don’t have to bake the nuts if you would like to use them in cakes, pies, or brownies. Just let them soak the required 30 minutes. Be sure to store the nuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

These nuts are delicious as an ice cream topping, used in place of pecan or walnuts in cakes, pies, or brownies, or just as a snack. Be sure to store the nuts in an airtight container. These nuts will last 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature. If stored in the refrigerator, they should last around 8 months. If stored in the freezer, the nuts will last 18 months.

Have you ever tried Honey Bourbon Candied Walnuts? What did you think?

Simply Southern Mom

Honey Bourbon Candied Walnuts Recipe

Honey Bourbon Candied Walnuts Recipe

Printable Recipe:

Cooking Tips:

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