Sweet and Crunchy Candied Nuts
Indulge in a delightful treat with our Sweet and Crunchy Candied Nuts, inspired by a cherished family recipe. This dessert combines a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavors, making it a wonderful snack for parties or a cozy night in. You can use a variety of nuts like almonds, pecans, or cashews, allowing you to customize this treat to your preferences. Once made, the nuts get a gorgeous glossy finish, providing a satisfying crunch that will leave you reaching for more. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, this recipe will surely become a favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 1/2 cups (granulated)
sour cream
1/2 cup (regular or low-fat)
nuts
2-3 cups (mixed or your choice, chopped if large)
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (pure or imitation)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and sour cream over medium heat. Stir regularly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
2
Continue cooking until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage (235-240°F or 113-116°C). To test, drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water; it should form a soft ball.
3
Once the desired stage is reached, remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract.
4
Add the nuts of your choice, mixing thoroughly until they are fully coated with the sugary mixture.
5
Quickly pour the mixture onto a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper, spreading it out to separate the nuts as much as possible.
6
Allow to cool completely before breaking apart any clumps and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Crunchy Candied Nuts?
Sweet and Crunchy Candied Nuts are a delightful treat featuring nuts coated in a glossy, sugary glaze, inspired by a cherished family recipe.
What types of nuts can I use for this recipe?
You can use a variety of nuts such as almonds, pecans, or cashews, or even a mix of your favorites.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
What is the purpose of sour cream in candied nuts?
Sour cream helps create a smooth, creamy base for the glaze and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, you can use either regular or low-fat sour cream for this recipe.
What is the 'soft ball stage' in candy making?
The soft ball stage is reached when the sugar mixture reaches a temperature of 235-240 degrees Fahrenheit (113-116 degrees Celsius).
How do I test for the soft ball stage without a thermometer?
Drop a small amount of the boiling mixture into cold water; it should form a soft, flexible ball.
When should I add the vanilla extract?
The vanilla extract should be carefully stirred in after the mixture has reached the soft ball stage and been removed from the heat.
How many cups of nuts do I need?
You will need between 2 to 3 cups of nuts, depending on how thickly you want them coated.
Should the nuts be whole or chopped?
You can use whole nuts, but it is recommended to chop them if they are particularly large.
What type of vanilla extract is best?
You can use either pure vanilla extract or imitation vanilla depending on your preference.
How do I prevent the nuts from sticking together?
Spread the coated nuts quickly onto waxed or parchment paper and separate them as much as possible before they cool.
What should I use to line my cooling surface?
You should use a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper to prevent the candied nuts from sticking to the counter.
How long do the nuts need to cool?
Allow the nuts to cool completely until the coating is hard and no longer tacky before breaking apart any clumps.
What kind of finish do these nuts have?
These candied nuts have a beautiful, glossy finish.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, these nuts are a perfect snack for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: sugar, sour cream, nuts, and vanilla extract.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, this is considered an easy recipe that involves simple boiling and stirring steps.
What heat setting should I use?
The sugar and sour cream mixture should be cooked over medium heat.
Can I use mixed nuts?
Absolutely, mixed nuts work very well in this recipe.
How do I handle the saucepan after it reaches the soft ball stage?
Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately to prevent the sugar from overcooking and becoming too hard.
What is the texture of the finished product?
The nuts provide a satisfying crunch combined with a sweet, slightly soft coating.
Do I need to stir the mixture while it boils?
Yes, you should stir the sugar and sour cream mixture regularly until it comes to a gentle boil.
Can I give these as a gift?
Yes, these candied nuts make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include candied nuts, sweet snacks, desserts, party food, and nut clusters.
How do I ensure the nuts are fully coated?
Mix the nuts thoroughly into the sugary mixture immediately after adding them to the saucepan.
What is the total preparation time?
While prep time varies, the process involves boiling the mixture to the soft ball stage, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes of active cooking.
Can I substitute the sugar?
This specific recipe is designed for granulated sugar to achieve the correct candy consistency.
Why is it called a 'family recipe'?
It is inspired by a cherished family recipe, suggesting it has been tested and loved across generations.
What should I do if the nuts clump together?
Wait until they are completely cool, then you can easily break the clumps apart by hand into individual nuts or small clusters.