Candied walnuts, also known as sugar walnuts, are walnuts that have been cooked and coated in a sweet, sugary glaze. They make for a delicious snack or dessert topping and add crunch and flavor to many recipes. But how long do they stay fresh once prepared? Here is a comprehensive look at the shelf life and storage recommendations for candied walnuts.
Do Candied Walnuts Go Bad?
Yes, like most foods, candied walnuts can eventually go bad. The high sugar content acts as a natural preservative, allowing them to last longer than plain walnuts. But over time, the quality will degrade and they can spoil or develop an off flavor or texture.
Signs that candied walnuts have gone bad include:
- Mold growth
- Shriveled or dried out appearance
- Rancid odor
- Bitter, sour, or off taste
- Soft texture
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the candied walnuts. Consuming spoiled or moldy nuts could cause illness.
How to Tell If Candied Walnuts Are Still Good
If properly stored, candied walnuts can maintain peak quality and freshness for several months. Here are some ways to tell if your candied walnuts are still safe to eat:
- Check the expiration or best-by date on the package.
- Give them a sniff – they should have a sweet, nutty aroma without any sour, bitter, or unpleasant odors.
- Look for visible mold, which is a clear sign they’ve spoiled.
- Feel the texture – they should be crunchy and crispy, not soft or mushy.
- Taste a nut – it should have a sweet flavor without any rancid or off tastes.
As long as the nuts pass these checks and have been stored properly, they should be perfectly fine to enjoy.
How Long Do Candied Walnuts Last at Room Temperature?
Candied walnuts stored at room temperature will maintain best quality for about 2 to 3 months after the preparation or packaging date. The shelf life depends on factors like the recipe, ingredient freshness, storage container, and temperature.
Over time at room temperature, the nuts may start to lose their crunch and become stale. The sugar may also start to weep or become grainy. For best results, try to eat candied walnuts within 2-3 months of opening or preparing.
How to Store Candied Walnuts
Proper storage is key for maximizing the shelf life of candied walnuts. Here are some tips for storage:
- Store in an airtight container. A sealed glass jar, plastic container, or resealable bag blocks moisture and contains the fragrance.
- Keep cool and dry. A kitchen cupboard or pantry away from heat sources or direct sunlight is ideal.
- Refrigerate for longer shelf life. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life to 6 months or longer by slowing sugar weeping and staling.
- Freeze for long-term storage. Frozen candied walnuts keep for up to a year. Thaw completely at room temperature before serving.
- Avoid temperature extremes. Don’t store candied walnuts in hot garages, near appliances, or anywhere with temperature swings.
Shelf Life of Candied Walnuts in the Refrigerator
Refrigerating candied walnuts is the best way to maximize their shelf life. Properly stored in the fridge, they will stay fresh for about 6 to 8 months.
The low temperatures help slow down sugar weeping, moisture loss, and other chemical reactions that can cause stale or rancid flavors. Just be sure the container is securely sealed.
Over time in the fridge, the crunchy nuts may gradually lose some crispness but will still be safe to eat. Check for visible mold growth, which signals spoilage.
How Long Do Candied Walnuts Last in the Freezer?
For even longer storage, you can freeze candied walnuts. They will maintain quality in the freezer for about 9 to 12 months.
Freezing stops the nuts from undergoing quality changes. It prevents moisture loss, texture changes, sugar weeping, and potential mold growth.
For best results, store candied walnuts in an airtight freezer bag or container. Make sure to squeeze out excess air. Label the container with the date for easier tracking.
Frozen candied walnuts may become slightly softer after thawing but will retain their safety and flavor.
How to Thaw Candied Walnuts
To thaw frozen candied walnuts properly:
- Do not thaw at room temperature, which allows bacteria growth. Keep frozen until ready to eat.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge for slower and safer thawing.
- You can also thaw on the countertop for 1-2 hours max. Use immediately.
- Avoid moisture buildup by transferring to an airtight container after thawing.
- Use thawed nuts within 5-7 days for best quality.
The nuts may lose a bit of their crunch after freezing but should retain their sweet taste if stored properly.
How Long Do Homemade Candied Walnuts Last?
The shelf life of homemade candied walnuts depends on the recipe, ingredients, and storage method. On average, they last:
- 1-2 months in the pantry
- 3-4 months in the refrigerator
- 6-12 months in the freezer
Homemade versions may have a shorter shelf life compared to store-bought since homemade conditions vary. For best results, use fresh walnuts and ingredients, proper sanitation, and air-tight storage containers.
6 Tips to Make Homemade Candied Walnuts Last
Follow these tips to extend the shelf life of your homemade candied walnuts:
- Use fresh walnuts and ingredients like sugar and spices.
- Ensure proper cooking temperature and times to reduce moisture.
- Let nuts cool completely before coating in sugar syrup for proper adhesion.
- Store nuts in a single layer until sugar coating hardens to prevent sticking.
- Use air-tight containers like jars or freezer bags for storage.
- Keep candied walnuts in a cool, dry spot or the refrigerator or freezer.
Can You Freeze Candied Walnuts?
Yes, freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of candied walnuts for 6-12 months. They retain their texture and flavor well during freezing.
To freeze properly:
- Let freshly made nuts cool completely before freezing.
- Place in air-tight freezer bags or containers, removing excess air.
- Label with date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 1 year at 0°F or below.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Frozen candied walnuts may become a little softer but will maintain their crunch and sweet taste if frozen and thawed properly.
Can Candied Walnuts Go Moldy?
Yes, candied walnuts can develop mold if stored incorrectly. The high sugar content makes mold growth less likely than plain nuts. But it can still happen, especially if stored in humid conditions.
Signs of mold growth on candied walnuts include:
- White, green, black, or blue fuzzy spots
- Soft or slimy texture
- Weeping liquid
- Rotten odor
Discard any candied walnuts with these moldy characteristics. Mold can spread quickly to contaminate other nuts and poses health risks if consumed. Storing in an airtight container helps prevent moisture and mold growth.
Do Candied Nuts Expire?
Yes, candied nuts can expire and have a limited shelf life. The exact shelf life depends on the specific nut, ingredients, preparation method, and storage conditions. Some general expiration timelines include:
- Candied walnuts: 2-3 months at room temp, 6-8 months refrigerated
- Candied pecans: 2-3 months at room temp, 4-6 months refrigerated
- Candied almonds: 1-2 months at room temp, 3-4 months refrigerated
- Candied peanuts: 1-2 months at room temp, 3-4 months refrigerated
Store-bought candied nuts will have a printed best-by date on the packaging. For homemade versions, check for signs of staleness, moisture, or rancidity. Freezing can extend the shelf life of any candied nut variety for up to a year.
9 Tips for Making Candied Walnuts
Making your own candied walnuts at home? Here are some tips for success:
- Start with high-quality walnut halves and fresh spices.
- Cook the nuts at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to lightly toast.
- In a separate pan, heat sugar, corn syrup, spices, and water to 300°F.
- Add the toasted nuts and coat evenly in the syrup.
- Spread coated nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 200°F for 60-90 minutes until crispy.
- Separate nuts as they cool to prevent sticking.
- Allow to cool fully before storing in an airtight container.
- Store at room temp for 1-2 months or in the fridge for up to 4 months.
Conclusion
With proper storage and handling, both store-bought and homemade candied walnuts can stay fresh for several months past their preparation date. Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for 2-3 months. For even longer shelf life up to a year, store candied walnuts in the refrigerator or freezer. Check for signs of mold, moisture, dried out textures, or rancid odors before eating. With the right storage, candied walnuts make for a crunchy, flavorful treat year-round!
