If you’re dreaming of the perfect sweet, crunchy snack that’s equal parts nostalgia and crowd-pleaser, these Candied Pecans are positively irresistible. Imagine a glossy, cinnamon-scented shell giving way to buttery, toasty nuts—ideal for nibbling on their own or elevating everything from salads to desserts. Whether you’re prepping a holiday treat box or craving something special with your afternoon coffee, this recipe strikes all the right notes with only a handful of pantry staples and a few easy steps. Get ready to have your kitchen smell absolutely amazing!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Candied Pecans is in their simplicity—each ingredient has a purpose, from balancing sweetness to ensuring that addictive crunch. Take a peek at this lineup and notice how every single item helps create magic.
- Pecan Halves: The star of the show! Fresh pecan halves deliver that classic rich, nutty flavor and satisfyingly chunky texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Brings the ideal sweetness and helps transform into that signature glossy, crackly coating.
- Ground Cinnamon: Warm and aromatic, cinnamon is the secret to making these nuts smell and taste utterly festive.
- Salt: Just a touch sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness perfectly balanced.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth, inviting a hint of floral richness to elevate every bite.
- Egg White: The miracle worker that helps the sugar mixture stick to every nook and cranny of the pecans.
- Water: Loosens the egg white, making it easier to evenly coat the nuts.
How to Make Candied Pecans
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first: set the stage for evenly baked Candied Pecans by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup so much easier.
Step 2: Mix Up the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir to make sure the spices are distributed throughout the sugar, creating an aromatic, flavorful blend that’ll cling to every pecan.
Step 3: Get Frothy with the Egg White
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until nice and frothy. You’re not aiming for stiff peaks here—just a foamy base that will help the sugar mixture coat the pecans perfectly.
Step 4: Coat the Pecans
Toss your pecan halves into the frothy egg white mixture and stir well to ensure every piece is gleaming and coated. This step helps the yummy cinnamon sugar stick to each nut, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over your wet pecans and stir thoroughly. Don’t be shy! You want that sweet, spiced dust to cling to every surface—you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Pour the coated pecans onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single, even layer so they bake and crisp up evenly. Pop the tray into the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, giving the pecans a stir every 15 minutes to keep them from sticking and to ensure perfect caramelization.
Step 7: Cool and Crisp Up
Once golden and fragrant, remove your Candied Pecans from the oven and let them cool completely on the pan. As they come to room temperature, they’ll transform from sticky to shatteringly crisp—and trust me, the aroma will drive everyone wild.
How to Serve Candied Pecans
Garnishes
A sprinkling of Candied Pecans turns even the humblest dish into something special! Try chopping them and scattering over ice cream, oatmeal, or vanilla yogurt. Their glossy finish and deep color add elegance, making them the ultimate last-minute upgrade for any dessert platter.
Side Dishes
Pair Candied Pecans with roasted vegetables, leafy green salads, or alongside cheese and fruit on a snack board. Their sweet-spicy crunch complements both savory and sweet dishes, making them the perfect bridge on a festive table.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour them into mason jars and tie on a seasonal ribbon for the sweetest homemade gift, or layer them in cellophane bags for party favors. For the holidays, try using Candied Pecans as edible place cards—just affix a gift tag and lay one at each setting for a delightful (and delicious) surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Candied Pecans perfectly crunchy, let them cool fully, then transfer to an airtight container. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks—though they usually disappear long before that!
Freezing
If you want to stock up for later, these nuts freeze beautifully. Place cooled Candied Pecans in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container, press out excess air, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re craving a handful, just thaw at room temperature for maximum crunch.
Reheating
Lost a bit of their crunch? No worries. Spread Candied Pecans on a baking sheet and warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 5–10 minutes. Let them cool and they’ll crisp up anew, almost as good as fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Snack, Dessert
Absolutely! While pecans are classic, this method also works beautifully with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Just keep an eye on baking time, as smaller nuts might toast a little faster.
Is there a way to make these Candied Pecans spicy?
Yes! For a sweet-and-spicy twist, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the cinnamon sugar mixture. The heat is subtle but adds fantastic complexity.
Do I need to use parchment paper or a silicone mat?
Using parchment or a silicone mat is highly recommended, as it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If you must skip it, lightly grease your baking sheet to help the pecans release after baking.
What’s the best way to get even coating on every pecan?
Toss the nuts thoroughly at every stage—once after adding the egg white mixture, and again after sprinkling on the sugar. Stirring gently but completely ensures a uniform, delectable coating.
How can I tell when the Candied Pecans are done baking?
They’ll look dryish and caramelized, and your kitchen will smell amazing! The nuts will seem a bit tacky straight from the oven but will crisp up as they cool—patience is key here.
Final Thoughts
Ready to wow your friends and family? Whip up a batch of these Candied Pecans and watch them disappear faster than you ever imagined! This is one of those recipes that’s pure joy to make, blurring the line between easy indulgence and heartfelt home cooking. You truly have to taste them to believe how addictive and delightful they are—enjoy every crunchy, cinnamon-kissed bite!
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Candied Pecans Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
These Candied Pecans are a delightful blend of sweet, crunchy, and warmly spiced flavors, making them a perfect snack or dessert option. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these pecans are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself.
Ingredients
Pecans:
- 1 pound pecan halves
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Coating:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Mix the sugar and spices: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Prepare the coating: In a large bowl, whisk the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until frothy. Add the pecans and toss to coat evenly.
- Coat the pecans: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until all nuts are well coated.
- Bake: Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for even baking.
- Cool: Remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool completely. They will become crisp as they cool.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
