How to Make Wet Walnuts – A Sweet Way to Enjoy Fresh Handy Farms Walnuts

If you’ve ever topped your ice cream with that rich, maple-sweet walnut topping at an old-fashioned diner — you’ve had Wet Walnuts! This classic dessert topping is simple, delicious, and a perfect way to showcase the natural flavor of fresh, organic Handy Farms walnuts. Whether you’re spooning them over sundaes, pancakes, yogurt, or baked goods, Wet Walnuts are a quick treat that adds both crunch and sweetness to your day.

Wet walnut sliced in half to represent "are wet walnuts good for you?"

What Are Candied Wet Walnuts?

Wet Walnuts are candied walnuts soaked in syrup, traditionally made with maple syrup or a sugar-based sauce. The “wet” part comes from the syrupy coating that keeps the nuts glossy, soft, and irresistibly rich. Unlike dry candied nuts, Wet Walnuts stay slightly chewy and tender, making them perfect for spooning over desserts rather than munching as a snack.

Why Use Handy Farms Organic Walnuts

At Handy Farms, our organic, regeneratively grown walnuts come straight from the trees on our California family farm — free from pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. Because they’re freshly harvested and full of natural oils, they soak up the syrup beautifully, giving your Wet Walnuts that creamy, buttery texture that store-bought versions can’t match.

How to Make Candied Wet Walnuts (Maple Version)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Handy Farms Organic Walnuts

  • ½ cup pure maple syrup (or honey, if you prefer)

  • 1 tablespoon Handy Farms Cold-Pressed Walnut Oil (optional for extra richness)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Toast the Walnuts (Optional):
Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes. This brings out their natural flavor and aroma.

2. Heat the Syrup:
In a small saucepan, warm the maple syrup over medium-low heat. Add the walnut oil, vanilla, and sea salt. Stir gently.

3. Combine and Simmer:
Add the walnuts to the syrup and simmer for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the syrup thickens slightly and the nuts are coated.

4. Cool and Store:
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The syrup will thicken as it chills — and that’s exactly what you want!

How to Enjoy Wet Walnuts

  • Spoon over ice cream, frozen yogurt, or cheesecake

  • Drizzle on pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal

  • Mix into Greek yogurt or overnight oats for a sweet crunch

  • Add to baked brie, roasted carrots, or even a charcuterie board for a gourmet touch

Handy Tip:

For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of Handy Farms Hazelnut Oil or a sprinkle of cinnamon to your syrup. The combination of sweet maple and nutty undertones makes every bite taste like fall.

From Our Farm to Your Table

Every batch of Handy Farms Organic Walnuts comes from trees grown using regenerative agriculture — a farming system that rebuilds soil health, conserves water, and pulls carbon from the atmosphere. When you make Wet Walnuts with our nuts, you’re not just making dessert — you’re supporting a more sustainable future.

Try It Yourself
Order your Handy Farms Walnuts today and give this old-fashioned recipe a modern, eco-friendly twist. Once you make homemade Wet Walnuts, you’ll never go back to store-bought!