Name: Candied Pecans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound pecan halves; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1 large egg white; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re looking for that perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and just the right amount of spice, Candied Pecans are absolutely where it’s at! Irresistibly crisp, with a caramelized sugar coating laced with warming cinnamon and a vanilla touch, these little gems are perfect for gifting, topping your favorite dishes, or simply for snacking right out of the jar. Their aroma will pull everyone into the kitchen, and trust me—they disappear faster than you think. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into homemade treats, this Candied Pecans recipe is delightfully simple and totally worth every moment!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Candied Pecans really comes alive with just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient brings its own character, balancing flavors and textures for that satisfying crunch and lingering sweetness. Here’s what you’ll reach for:

Pecan halves: Rich, buttery, and perfect for holding on to every bit of that spiced sugary shell.
Granulated sugar: Delivers that classic crispiness and sweet shine that makes candied nuts so addictive.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy hint of spice that plays beautifully with pecans and sugar.
Salt: Enhances all those sweet notes and keeps the flavor from becoming one-note.
Nutmeg (optional): Provides a gentle, earthy undertone for an extra special touch—great for the holidays!
Egg white: The secret weapon for a crunchy coating—helps the sugar mix cling and bake up light.
Water: Just a splash helps whisk the egg white until nice and frothy.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor and makes these Candied Pecans impossible to resist.

How to Make Candied Pecans

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Trust me, the lower temperature is key for slowly caramelizing the coating without burning the nuts. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only saves you from lots of scrubbing later but also helps the pecans crisp up perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Sugar and Spices

In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). The mixture should look sandy and aromatic. This only takes a minute, but it ensures the spices are evenly dispersed for each and every pecan bite.

Step 3: Whisk Egg White Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk the egg white with water and vanilla extract until the mixture looks frothy and airy. This lightness is exactly what will help the sugar-spice mix create that crunchy, glossy coating that defines Candied Pecans.

Step 4: Coat the Pecans

Add your pecan halves to the egg white mixture and gently stir to make sure every nook and cranny is covered. You want them evenly slicked, but not swimming.

Step 5: Toss with Sugar Mixture

Sprinkle the sugar and spice blend over your coated pecans. Use a spatula (or clean hands) to toss until every pecan is dusted and the coating looks even and clingy—this extra care makes a big difference in the end texture.

Step 6: Bake and Stir

Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring them every 15 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent clumping and to ensure each candied nut roasts to golden perfection. Trust your nose—when the kitchen smells warm and toasty, you’re almost there!

Step 7: Cool and Crisp

Once the Candied Pecans emerge fragrant and golden, let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Don’t rush this part—the sugary coating turns crisp as it cools, turning your pecans from sticky to spectacularly crunchy.

How to Serve Candied Pecans

Garnishes

Spoon a handful of these Candied Pecans over leafy green salads, sprinkle them over your favorite oatmeal for breakfast, or top a steaming bowl of roasted sweet potatoes. Their glossy finish and deep color make any dish look ultra-inviting and add a sweet, crunchy surprise.

Side Dishes

Candied Pecans are a dream sidekick for many holiday spreads—think on cheese boards, nestled on charcuterie platters, or paired with a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup. They lend a pop of texture and a touch of sweetness that elevates savory sides with hardly any effort.

Creative Ways to Present

Fill pretty jars with Candied Pecans as homemade gifts, or package them up in small bags for party favors. You could even use them as an ice cream topper for a DIY sundae bar, or fold them into brownie batter for a decadent twist. The possibilities are endless—your creativity is the only limit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Candied Pecans cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, they’ll stay crunchy and delicious for up to two weeks. Be sure to hide the jar if you want them to last that long—these tend to vanish!

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, Candied Pecans freeze beautifully. Simply pop the cooled pecans into a freezer-safe bag or container and tuck them away for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature whenever your sweet tooth calls.

Reheating

To restore maximum crispness (especially if they’ve been in the freezer), spread the pecans on a baking sheet and warm them in a 275°F oven for about 5 minutes. Let them cool again before diving in—the crunch will come right back!

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even cashews work well in this recipe. Just follow the same steps and keep an eye on baking time, as some nuts roast a bit faster than others.

Why do I need to stir the pecans while baking?

Stirring every 15 minutes keeps the Candied Pecans from sticking together in big clumps and ensures that every side gets evenly golden and crisp, rather than burning in spots.

Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

Using parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and ensures nothing sticks too stubbornly to your baking sheet. If you don’t have parchment, a silicone baking mat is a great swap.

How do I keep the candied coating from being too soft?

Make sure your Candied Pecans cool completely before storing. The coating will continue to harden as it cools, so patience pays off for ultimate crunch!

Are Candied Pecans gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making these sweet, crunchy treats a safe and delicious option for most diets.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Candied Pecans at home, I truly hope you’ll give them a go—I can almost guarantee you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! The aroma, the crunch, the sweet-spiced flavor: a batch of these is pure homemade joy. Enjoy every snacking moment, and don’t forget to share (or at least try!).

Candied Pecans Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 16 servings (about 1/4 cup each) 1x
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious candied pecans with this easy recipe. These sweet and crunchy treats are perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pecans:

1 pound pecan halves

Candy Coating:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Sugar and Spices: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
Whisk Egg White Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until frothy.
Coat Pecans: Add pecans to the egg white mixture and stir to coat. Sprinkle with sugar mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Bake: Spread pecans on the baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until golden and fragrant.
Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool completely to crisp up the coating.