If you’ve never made Candied Pecans at home, you’re in for an absolute treat! These irresistible little nuggets are sweet, spiced, and perfectly crunchy, with a beautiful caramelized coating that brings out the buttery flavor of pecans. Whether you’re looking for a snack to munch on, a show-stopping salad topper, or a homemade edible gift for the holidays, Candied Pecans do it all and then some. Each bite is bursting with cozy cinnamon warmth and just the right hint of vanilla—and I promise, once you try them, you’ll never go back to the store-bought kind.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Candied Pecans comes together with just a handful of ingredients, each one playing an important role. Sweetness, spice, and a little salt marry perfectly to highlight and elevate the naturally rich flavor of the pecans. Here’s how these simple pantry staples combine for snack-time greatness:
- Pecan halves: Fresh pecans are the star here; make sure they’re whole and unsalted for the best crunch.
- Granulated sugar: This is what gives the pecans their beautiful, shiny, candied shell.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy, holiday-inspired aroma to every batch.
- Salt: Just enough to keep things balanced and accentuate the sweetness.
- Water: Helps the sugar dissolve and evenly coat the nuts before baking.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with richness and a subtle fragrant finish.
How to Make Candied Pecans
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment not only prevents sticking, it makes cleanup a dream—especially once the sugary coating is involved!
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until they’re fully combined. This fragrant mixture is going to cling to the pecans in the most delightful way later on.
Step 3: Coat the Pecans
Next, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the water and vanilla extract, giving them a quick stir before pouring in the pecan halves. Cook the mixture for about three minutes, tossing gently, until the pecans are glossy and the liquid is mostly absorbed. This step helps the seasonings stick beautifully to every nook and cranny.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar
With the pecans still warm in the skillet, sprinkle that cinnamon sugar mixture right on top. Stir well to ensure every bit of pecan is evenly coated—trust me, this is where all that magic flavor starts to build up!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the sugar-coated pecans out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once about halfway through to ensure even caramelization. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden, aromatic, and your kitchen smells like a holiday bakery.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the Candied Pecans cool completely on the pan—they’ll crisp up beautifully as they come to room temperature. Once cooled, they’re ready to sprinkle, snack on, or package up for gifting.
How to Serve Candied Pecans
Garnishes
Candied Pecans are the ultimate finishing touch! Try sprinkling them over baked brie or goat cheese for a gorgeous cheese platter, or add a generous handful to roasted vegetables to introduce a sweet-savory crunch. For a festive treat, use them as a topper on creamy desserts or festive cakes for striking visual (and tasty!) flair.
Side Dishes
If you want to level up your everyday salads or grain bowls, a scattering of Candied Pecans is the easiest way to go from basic to gourmet. They pair wonderfully with sharp cheeses, fresh fruit, or roasted squash. Don’t be surprised if they steal the spotlight in your next dinner spread!
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Pack Candied Pecans into mason jars or decorative bags with a ribbon for homemade holiday gifts that never fail to please. Or, fill mini bowls with these beauties and serve them as party nibbles—the sweet aroma alone is enough to gather a crowd around your snack table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Candied Pecans perfectly crisp and flavorful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their taste and texture for up to two weeks—though in my house, they never last that long!
Freezing
Believe it or not, Candied Pecans freeze exceptionally well. Just cool completely, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour or so, and they taste as fresh as the day you made them.
Reheating
If your pecans lose a bit of crunch after storage or thawing, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them into a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Let them cool, and they’ll be back to their signature snap in no time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Snack
Absolutely! While Candied Pecans are a classic, this recipe works beautifully with walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Just keep an eye on bake time, as smaller nuts may need slightly less time in the oven.
Why are my Candied Pecans sticky?
If your pecans remain sticky after cooling, they may need a little more time in the oven. Be sure to let them bake until golden and let them cool completely so the candy coating sets into that perfect crunch.
Are Candied Pecans gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can safely share them with friends and family who have dietary restrictions—just double-check any extracts if you’re sensitive.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can experiment with using a little less sugar, though the coating might not be quite as thick or glossy. It’s also possible to substitute with coconut sugar or a portion of brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
How do I keep my Candied Pecans fresh for gifting?
Allow the pecans to cool fully before packaging, and use cute airtight containers or bags. Add a silica gel pack for extra insurance if you’re assembling them as gifts ahead of time—your recipients will love them!
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about pulling a pan of warm, fragrant Candied Pecans from the oven and sneaking a few while they cool. This recipe delivers that unbeatable sweet crunch every single time—so gather your ingredients and treat yourself (or someone you love) to a batch of these addictive gems. Enjoy every crunchy, cinnamon-spiced bite!
Print
Candied Pecans Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make irresistible candied pecans with this easy recipe. These sweet and crunchy nuts are perfect for snacking, topping salads, or giving as gifts during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Pecans:
- 2 cups pecan halves
Candy Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Sugar Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cook Pecans: In a large skillet over medium heat, add water and vanilla extract, then stir in the pecans. Cook for about 3 minutes until coated.
- Add Sugar Coating: Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and coat evenly.
- Bake: Spread the pecans on the baking sheet, bake for 25-30 minutes until golden, stirring halfway through.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Great as salad toppers or edible gifts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
