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If you’re searching for a snack that’s irresistibly sweet, crunchy, and bursting with warm, cozy flavors, this Candied Pecans Recipe is an absolute must-try. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, these pecans get beautifully caramelized sugar coating each nut, creating a delightful treat that’s equally great for snacking on its own or adding that extra sparkle to salads, desserts, or holiday platters. It’s a simple recipe, but one that truly elevates the humble pecan into a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Candied Pecans Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together in harmony to create that perfect balance of sweet, spice, and nuttiness. Each component plays a crucial role in enhancing flavor, texture, and even the gorgeous golden color of the finished pecans.
- 1 cup sugar: The sweet foundation that forms the crunchy, caramelized coating around each pecan.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that gives these nuts their signature inviting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the nutty richness of the pecans.
- 2 egg whites: Acts as a natural binder, helping the sugar and spices stick perfectly to the nuts.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps create the right consistency for coating the pecans smoothly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a subtle, sweet depth that enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 pound pecan halves: The star ingredient, toasted to crispy, buttery perfection under the sugary glaze.
How to Make Candied Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is a crucial step—it keeps the pecans from sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. This low temperature is key to slowly caramelizing the sugar without burning, allowing those flavors to develop beautifully.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. This simple blend is what gives the pecans their characteristic sweet-spicy kick. Stir it well to make sure every grain is evenly distributed, ensuring consistent flavor on every nut.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
Next, whisk the egg whites, water, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until combined. The egg whites work like magic here—they help the sugar mixture cling lovingly to the pecans, creating that signature crunchy shell once baked.
Step 4: Coat the Pecans
Drop in the pecan halves and toss them gently but thoroughly in the egg white mixture so each piece gets coated. Then pour your sugar mixture over the pecans, stirring again to give every nut a generous, even coating. This step guarantees that every bite is full of flavor and crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Caramelized Perfection
Spread the coated pecans evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for one hour at 250 degrees Fahrenheit, stirring the nuts every 15 minutes. This regular stirring is what ensures even roasting and prevents any clumps from forming. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool to room temperature to allow the coating to harden into that addictive crispiness.
How to Serve Candied Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
Candied pecans make an excellent garnish for a variety of dishes. Sprinkle them on top of winter squash soup or tossed salads to add a sweet, crunchy contrast. They also shine beautifully over creamy desserts like cheesecake, pumpkin pie, or vanilla ice cream, providing extra texture and a lovely visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These pecans are a phenomenal companion to cheese boards or charcuterie spreads, bringing just the right touch of sweetness to balance savory meats and rich cheeses. You can also sprinkle them over roasted vegetables or grain bowls to up the flavor factor and add a delightful crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Package your candied pecans in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for an easy, elegant homemade gift. Alternatively, add them to your morning oatmeal or yogurt cups for a sweet crunch or toss them into baking recipes like muffins and cookies to take your homemade treats up a notch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making them a perfect snack to have on hand whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to keep these nuts longer, freezing is a great option. Place the pecans in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll maintain their quality for up to three months. Just be sure to let them thaw fully before enjoying.
Reheating
If your pecans have lost a little crispness over time, gently warm them in a preheated oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This restores their crunch without burning the sugar coating. Just be careful not to overheat!
FAQs
Can I use other nuts in this Candied Pecans Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can try this recipe with walnuts, almonds, or even cashews for a delicious variation. The key is to adjust baking times slightly since different nuts may roast faster or slower.
Do candied pecans need refrigeration?
It’s not necessary to refrigerate candied pecans. They keep best in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Refrigeration can introduce moisture that might make them lose their crispness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses only nuts, sugar, spices, and egg whites. Just make sure your spices and vanilla extract are free of additives if you’re avoiding gluten strictly.
Can I make these Candied Pecans Recipe without egg whites?
Egg whites help the sugar mixture adhere to the nuts perfectly, but if you prefer not to use them, you can try a light coating of maple syrup or honey as a binder. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be amazing.
How long do candied pecans last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, candied pecans will last up to two weeks at room temperature. If frozen, they can stay fresh up to three months. Just keep an eye out for any signs of rancidity since nuts can spoil over time.
Final Thoughts
This Candied Pecans Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that brings so much joy and flavor with very little effort. Whether you’re treating yourself to a sweet snack or sharing them with friends, these pecans deliver a wonderful combination of crunch, spice, and sweetness that’s hard to resist. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making batch after batch for every occasion!
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Candied Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these sweet and crunchy Candied Pecans, a perfect snack or topping for salads and desserts. Coated in a flavorful mixture of cinnamon sugar and baked to perfection, these pecans offer a delicious, crunchy treat with a warm, spiced flavor profile.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Main Ingredient
- 1 pound pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir these together until evenly mixed to create your spiced coating.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites, water, and vanilla extract until slightly frothy.
- Coat Pecans: Add the pecan halves to the wet mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Add Sugar Mixture: Pour the cinnamon sugar mixture over the pecans and stir well to coat all the nuts evenly with the spiced sugar.
- Bake the Pecans: Spread the coated pecans evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Cool: Remove the pecans from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, they will become crisp and ready to enjoy or store.
Notes
- Stirring the pecans every 15 minutes is crucial to prevent burning and to ensure an even coating.
- Use parchment paper to make cleanup easier and to prevent sticking.
- Store cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- This recipe can be adjusted by adding other spices such as nutmeg or cayenne for a spicy kick.
