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This candied pecans recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and salty, making it a great snack, gift or salad topping. Sweet, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious, these pecans are a perfect treat for snacking or gifting. Coated in a sugar glaze with a hint of cinnamon, they offer a blend of flavor and texture. Enjoy them fresh or store them for a long-lasting sweet indulgence.
When it comes to nuts, I love pecans and am always looking for ways to utilize them - from pumpkin pecan waffles to no churn butter pecan ice cream to a pumpkin poke cake with pecans on top. But if you want the pecans to be the star, this is the recipe for you.
If you want your house to smell absolutely amazing, then just throw these pecans in the oven. They really are great as a snack but be warned... they can be quite addicting. Because of this, they are also great as a gift during the holiday season.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to make - With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, they’re ready in no time.
- Versatile - Enjoy them as a snack, toss them into salads, sprinkle over desserts or package them for thoughtful gifts.
- Customizable - You can tweak the flavors with spices or extracts to suit your taste preferences.
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Ingredient Notes
- Pecans - Use whole pecan halves for even coating and a satisfying crunch. Fresh pecans yield the best flavor.
- Sugars - The combination of granulated and light brown sugar creates a crisp, sweet coating with added caramel notes.
- Cinnamon - Adds a warm, spiced flavor that complements the pecans.
- Salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavor of the pecans.
- Egg white - Acts as a binder for the sugar and spices, ensuring an even coating. Whisk until frothy for best results.
- Vanilla extract - Enhances the sweetness and provides a subtle depth of flavor.
Ingredient Swaps
As with any recipe, you can change up the ingredients if need. Some substitutes include:
- Substitute pecans with walnuts almonds, or cashews for a different nutty flavor and texture.
- Try coconut sugar for a natural alternative to granulated and light brown sugar.
- Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice or a blend of your favorite warm spices.
- Use aquafaba (chickpea water) for a vegan-friendly binder as opposed to an egg white.
How to Make Candied Pecans
Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the sugars, cinnamon and salt and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg white, water and vanilla extract until frothy.
Step 3: Add the pecans to the egg mixture, tossing to coat them evenly.
Step 4: Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and toss again until fully coated.
Step 5: Spread the pecans in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake for 1 hour at 250°F, stirring every 15 minutes, until the pecans are evenly browned and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
These pecans are great for a snack or adding to other recipes including:
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds or cashews are great alternatives to pecans and will still deliver a delicious result.
Yes, you can substitute egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea water) or simply skip it. The sugar may not coat as evenly, but they’ll still taste great.
Definitely! You can experiment with spices like cardamom, nutmeg or ginger, or even add a dash of maple syrup or cocoa powder for a unique twist.
Yes, you can make them up to a week ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They make a great make-ahead treat for parties or gifts.
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 1 month.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Arrange the pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet to avoid clumping and ensure even cooking.
- Stir every 15 minutes while baking to prevent sticking and promote uniform caramelization.
- You know the pecans are done when they are evenly brown on all sides.
- Allow pecans to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a container as they crisp up as they cool.
- Try adding cayenne for a spicy kick or swap vanilla for almond extract for a nutty twist.
Other Recommended Holiday Recipes
If you’ve tried this candied pecans recipe or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.
Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 lb pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F. Mix sugars, cinnamon and salt in small bowl and set aside.
- Whisk egg white, water and vanilla extract in large bowl until frothy. Toss pecans in the egg mixture. Add sugar mixture into pecans and toss until everything is coated. Spread pecans evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake pecans, stirring every 15 minutes, until evenly brown, about 1 hour.
Notes
- Use a combination of granulated and brown sugar to get the right caramelization.
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You know the pecans are done when they are evenly brown on all sides.
- You can store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week, in the fridge for 1 month or in the freezer for 3 months.
Chris says
Candied pecans are addicting!