How to Make Candied Nuts at Home

Any type of candied nuts are Mama Foreign Fork’s absolute weakness. She LOVES them! So when I decided to make this Candied Nut recipe for the blog Mama Foreign Fork was over the moon. Between the three of us in the house, the jar was empty preeeetttyy early…. 

Here’s a little known fact that you might not know… Candied nuts used to be thrown over brides’ heads in place of confetti at a wedding ceremony.

In the 14th century in England, candied nuts used to be called “comfit” which traces its meaning back to “to make” in Latin. The stem word it comes from is conficere, which is the same stem word that the word “confetti” comes from! 

Can you tell I was an English major in college? I love me some good etymology. If you want to learn more about the history of candied nuts, visit splendidtable.org.

Luckily for you, you don’t NEED to know the history of candied nuts in order to enjoy them. In fact, the only thing you need is some sugar, some spice, some nuts, and a little bit of time.

“Hello Reader! I try my hardest to research recipes as best as I can before posting to ensure I am representing each culture correctly. If this recipe is from your country and I have made a mistake or you have suggestions for how to make it more authentic, I would love to hear! Please leave a comment below letting me know what should be different, and I will rework the recipe. It is always my intention to pay homage and respect to each cultural dish that I cook. Thanks for reading!”

Why Did I Make Candied Nuts for Cameroon? 

Good question! In Cameroon, peanuts are a VERY popular food. Cameroonians use peanut paste in many of their dishes and sauces and soups. Even their N’Dole recipe, which uses spinach and shrimp, calls for peanut butter. 

Peanuts are a big source of protein in Cameroon… except that they don’t call peanuts “peanuts” there. Instead, they are called “groundnuts”.

One of the most popular street foods in Cameroon is “Groundnut Sweet”, which is candied peanuts! They are roasted on the side of the road by street vendors and can be bought as a portable snack.

Sound a little bit like NYC to anyone? (well… at least the roasted nuts on the side of the road part). 

What is in this Recipe for Candied Nuts? 

Peanuts 
Sugar
Water
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Sea Salt
Vanilla

For full ingredient measurements and instructions, visit the recipe card at the bottom of the screen. 

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How to Make Candied Nuts

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. 

Add roasted peanuts, water, and sugar. Heat up all at once. 

Stir continuously until the sugar crystalizes and turns very dry. 

Continue stirring until it re-caramelizes. 

Add vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and stir. 

Transfer to parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt and allow to cool. 

Can Candied Nuts Be Frozen? 

Yes! In fact, they go stale very easily, so after a few days it is best to freeze them. They can be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month. To thaw, simply remove from the freezer and allow them to come to room temperature.  

Do Candied Nuts have Gluten?

Nope, this snack is completely gluten free!  

Did you like this snack? You might also like: 

• Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce from Brunei
• Spicy Peanut Sauce from Benin
• Brigadieros from Brazil