Candied Peanuts

One of my (many) fond food memories from a visit to New York are the street carts with candied nuts. So I decided to give it a go at home here in Down Under in Australia – and I have to say, it’s pretty darn close to the real thing! It’s effortless – 4 ingredients, 15 minutes of leisurely stirring – and stores for a week in an airtight container. Great idea for a homemade gift in pretty jars or tied into sacks!

I’ve made this with almonds and macadamias too. I think this recipe works best with smooth nuts – nuts like walnuts and pecans will probably be harder to evenly coat as clumps will form in the nooks and crannies.

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Candied Peanuts

Author: Nagi

Prep: 1 min

Cook: 15 mins

Total: 16 mins

Snacks, Sweets

5 from 2 votes

Servings6

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These candied peanuts are just like the ones from the New York street cards! They make a great gift - jar them or pack them in little sacks. They will store for around a week in an airtight container.

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 cups raw peanuts
• ▢ 1 cup sugar
• ▢ 1/3 cup water
• ▢ 1 tsp salt

Instructions

• In a large skillet or fry pan over medium heat, combine all ingredients other than the salt.
• Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid is evaporated and sugar crystals form. The peanuts should look like they are sandy and dry.
• Lower the heat slightly and keep stirring. As you stir, small amounts of syrup will form - stir well to coat the peanuts evenly.
• Keep stirring until the peanuts turn golden brown, being careful not to burn the nuts - around 3 to 5 minutes.
• Spread onto a baking tray to cool, and sprinkle with salt.
• When cool, break into clumps.

Recipe Notes:

Keeps for around a week, stored in an airtight container. This recipe has been adapted from the David Lebovitz Candied Peanuts recipe.

Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @RecipeTinEats.

If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy my Perfect Salted Caramel Popcorn recipe. Store bought simply doesn’t compare – the popcorn is crispy, lightly coated with caramel. Or, if it’s that time year, Christmas Popcorn Candy is, I daresay, even better!