Coffee Candied Walnuts

A Sweet, Nutty Treat That Tastes Like Coffee Ice Cream!

Basically, these taste like coffee ice cream melted over toasted walnuts—and yes, they are just as dreamy as they sound.

These Coffee Candied Walnuts are a simple, totally unique snack or dessert that works beautifully for the holiday season, but honestly, I could eat them all year long. They’re rich, a little crunchy, a little creamy, and deeply flavored with brown sugar and coffee.

This recipe is super simple, but I do recommend using a food thermometer to get the mixture just right before adding the walnuts. If you don’t have one, don’t worry—I’ve linked one I love below, and I’ll share a visual cue too.

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2½ cups walnut halves
• Coconut oil spray (or any cooking spray)

🔥 Instructions:

1. Prepare your pan
   Lightly spray a large shallow dish or baking sheet with coconut oil spray (or another cooking spray). Set aside.
2. Make the coffee sugar mixture
   In a saucepan over low to medium heat, combine:
   • Brown sugar
   • Sour cream
   • Instant coffee powder
   Stir continuously for 15–20 minutes, until the mixture reaches 235°F on a food or candy thermometer (this is the “soft ball stage” in candy making). ✅ No thermometer? Look for a thickened, bubbling mixture that pulls slightly away from the sides of the pan.
3. Add vanilla + walnuts
   Once the mixture hits the right temp, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
   Then add the walnuts and stir gently until all the nuts are fully coated.
4. Spread and separate
   Pour the coated walnuts into your greased pan.
   Use two forks to separate the nuts as much as possible while the mixture is still warm.
5. Cool and store
   Let the nuts cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for days (if you don’t eat them all immediately!).

🧡 Why I Love These:

• Taste like coffee ice cream (enough said)
• Great for gifting, snacking, or holiday hosting
• Only 6 ingredients!
• Easy to make with or without a thermometer

If you make these, tag me on Instagram @RachelMasterKitchen and use #Rachel.Master.Kitchen so I can see your beautiful batches!

Enjoy these cozy little bites of heaven ☕✨

Coffee Candied Walnuts

A Sweet, Nutty Treat That Tastes Like Coffee Ice Cream!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course brunch, Dessert, Snack

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 Tbs instant coffee powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups walnut halves
• Coconut oil spray or other cooking spray

Instructions

 

• In a saucepan combine brown sugar, sour cream and instant coffee powder. Cook on low-medium heat and stir for about 15-20 minutes until mixture reaches 235 degrees F (soft ball stage). The mixture will the thick.
• Remove from heat. Add vanilla and walnuts. Gently stir until all the nuts are coated.
• Spray a large shallow pan or dish with coconut oil. Pour mixture into this pan.
• With two forks, separate the nuts.
• Cool and store in an air tight container.

Keyword Dessert, Easy, Gluten-free