Candied Pine Nuts

These candied pine nuts are made on the stovetop using a simple one-pan method, gently caramelized with butter and maple syrup until golden, aromatic, and irresistibly snackable.

Hey folks – I hope you all are doing well!

I’m always drawn to simple stovetop treats that come together quickly and don’t require much planning. These nuts are rich, indulgent, and deceptively easy to make. Pine nuts may be a splurge, but this recipe makes every spoonful worth it. So, let’s dive into these candied pine nuts.

Why You’ll Love These Maple Candied Pine Nuts

• Easy stovetop recipe: No oven needed and minimal cleanup.
• One-pan method: Everything happens in a single saucepan.
• Rich maple flavour: Maple syrup and butter create deep caramel notes.
• Distinctive texture: A pleasantly gritty, candy-like exterior similar to candied cashews.
• Versatile: Great for snacking, desserts, salads, or cheese boards.

Flavour and Texture Profile

These stovetop candied pine nuts have a rich, buttery maple flavour balanced with a subtle sweetness and a touch of salt. As they cool, the caramel sets into a firm, pleasantly gritty coating – very similar to candied cashews — that clings to each nut and breaks into delicate clusters. The pine nuts themselves stay tender, creating a lovely contrast between the soft interior and the candy-like exterior.

Ingredients You’ll Need for These Candied Pine Nuts

• Pine nuts: Delicate and buttery, they caramelize quickly and develop a rich, toasted flavour on the stovetop.
• Butter: Forms the base of the caramel and adds richness and depth.
• Maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and a warm maple note to the coating.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the overall flavour.
• Vanilla extract (optional): Adds subtle warmth and rounds out the caramel.
• Cinnamon (optional): Introduces gentle spice that pairs beautifully with maple and pine nuts.

How to Make Candied Pine Nuts

1. To make these candied pine nuts, melt the butter in a small to medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the maple syrup and salt, then bring the mixture to a boil. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until slightly thickened and lightly browned.
2. Reduce the heat to low or medium-low and keep the syrup over the heat for 30 to 40 seconds to allow it to cool slightly.
3. Add the pine nuts and stir well with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat them evenly. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring very frequently, until the pine nuts are evenly caramelized and pleasantly golden. Keep a close eye on the pan, as pine nuts can burn quickly, and adjust the heat as needed.
4. If using, stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon, cook for a few seconds, then turn off the heat.
5. Transfer the pine nuts to a large plate or tray lined with parchment paper or foil, spreading them out into an even layer. Let cool for about 20 minutes, then break into clusters.

More Delicious Caramelized Nuts Recipes

Are you looking for more candied nuts ideas, like these candied maple pine nuts? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Maple Candied Cashews – Easy Stovetop Caramelized Nuts
• Maple Candied Pecans – Easy One-Pan Stovetop Recipe
• Lavender Maple Candied Nuts
• Dulce de Leche Candied Pecans
• Festive Toffee Orange Brandy Pecans – Easy Stovetop Recipe for the Holidays
• Stovetop Gingerbread Candied Nuts – A Festive Stovetop Recipe

I’d love for you to try these stovetop candied pine nuts. If you give this recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Candied Pine Nuts

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

Candied Pine Nuts are rich and delicious soft type of candied nuts. Made with butter, maple syrup, and a hint of vanilla and cinnamon.

Course: Snacks and TreatsCuisine: Author’s Recipes

5.0 from 1 vote

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Servings

8-10

servings

Cooking time

15

minutes

Cooling time

20-30

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 1 cup pine nuts (about 140 g)

• 3 ½ tbsp (50 g) unsalted butter

• ½ cup plus 2 tbsp (150 ml) pure maple syrup

• a small pinch of salt

• ½ to 1 tsp. (2.5-5 ml) vanilla extract (optional)

• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (optional)

Directions

• In a small-medium heavy-bottom saucepan melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the maple syrup and salt. Boil for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and lightly browned.
• Decrease heat to low (or medium low.) Keep the syrup over this heat for 30-40 seconds to cool down a bit.
• Stir in the pine nuts, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon, to coat.
• Keep cooking, stirring very often, for about 10 minutes, until the nuts are pleasantly browned. Keep an eye on the saucepan because pine nuts can easily be burned – so you might need to adjust the heat.
• At the end, if desired, stir in the vanilla extract and (or) cinnamon. Stir for a few seconds and turn the heat off.
• Transfer the pine nuts on a large plate or tray, linen with parchment or foil, flattening with a spatula or spoon. Let it cool for about 20 minutes or so then break into clusters and enjoy. Store the leftovers in air-tight container.