This Candied Pecans recipe combines the natural nuttiness of pecans with a sweet, cinnamon-infused coating for a perfectly crunchy treat that’s versatile and easy to make.
Ingredients
- Pecans: You can’t candy pecans without the star of the show. They’re the main ingredient and provide the nutty flavor and texture. (I recommend Millican Pecans.)
- Egg white: Acts as a binding agent, helping the sugar and spices stick to the pecans, creating a crunchy coating when baked.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pecans and, when heated with water, helps form the syrup that coats and crystallizes on the nuts.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor due to its molasses content, contributing to the overall richness of the pecans.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm and spicy flavor to the pecans, enhancing their overall taste profile.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the sugars, providing a contrast in taste.
- Vanilla: Provides a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugars and adds depth to the pecans’ taste.
- Water: It’s used to create a sugar syrup when combined with sugars. This syrup coats the pecans and helps in caramelization during the cooking process.
How to Make Candied Pecans
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt together.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk egg white, vanilla, and water together until foamy. Toss pecans in egg mixture to coat.
Step 3: Mix the cinnamon blend with the pecans, stirring thoroughly to make sure all the pecans are evenly coated.
Step 4: Spread coated pecans on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 300 degrees F. for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. (Mine are usually done in 30 minutes for this size batch.) Cool to room temperature before storing.
Storage
Keep your homemade candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. They can also be frozen for 2-3 months. Just remember to thaw frozen nuts at room temperature before serving.
How to Serve Candied Pecans
These easy candied pecans can be used in so many yummy ways. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Salads: Save some candied pecans for salads. They add a delightful crunch and sweetness. Try them on this Red, White and Blueberry Salad, for instance. Delish!
- Trail Mix: Incorporate them into a homemade trail mix or granola with other nuts, dried fruits, and maybe a hint of chocolate for a balanced and satisfying snack.
- Dessert Toppings: Use as a topping for pies, tarts, cakes, or cupcakes. They pair wonderfully with desserts like apple pie, pumpkin cheesecake, or vanilla ice cream.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sprinkle atop baked sweet potatoes for a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.
- Snack Bars: Mix them into homemade granola or energy bars for an extra crunch and burst of sweetness.
- Stuffed Fruits: Use as a filling for baked apples, pears, or dates for a delightful and easy dessert or appetizer.
- Bread and Muffins: Chop and add into bread or muffin batter for added texture and flavor.
- Charcuterie Boards: A wonderful contrast to cheeses, meats, and fruits.
- On-the-go Snack: Take them along as a tasty and energizing snack on hikes, picnics, or outdoor adventures. Or heck, even sitting on the couch…
- Hot Breakfast: Sprinkle over hot oatmeal, pancakes or waffles for a tasty breakfast upgrade.
- As a Gift: Package in decorative containers for a thoughtful present, perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Variations
- Nut Variations: Instead of pecans, try using other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews to create a different flavor profile.
- Spice Infusion: Experiment with different spices beyond cinnamon, such as nutmeg, cloves, or ginger, to add diverse flavor dimensions to your candy.
- Chocolate Coating: Dip the candied pecans in melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) and let them set for a delightful chocolate-covered version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a touch of cayenne pepper to the sugar mix for a fun kick of heat.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme to add a unique savory note to the sweet candied pecans.
- Flavored Extracts: Use different flavored extracts like almond, maple, or orange to enhance the aroma and taste of the candied pecans.
More Desserts to Try
Candied Pecans
This Candied Pecans recipe combines the natural nuttiness of pecans with a sweet, cinnamon-infused coating for a perfectly crunchy treat that's versatile and easy to make.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg white
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon water
- 2 cups raw pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt together.
- In a large bowl, whisk egg white, vanilla and water together until foamy. Toss pecans in egg mixture to coat.
- Mix the cinnamon blend with the pecans, stirring thoroughly to make sure all the pecans are evenly coated.
- Spread coated pecans on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. (Mine are usually done in 30 minutes for this size batch.) Cool to room temperature before storing.
Notes
STORAGE: Keep your homemade candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. They can also be frozen for 2-3 months. Just remember to thaw frozen nuts at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 3gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 154mgPotassium: 119mgFiber: 3gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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