Name: Candied Pecans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound pecan halves; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 egg white; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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These Candied Pecans are everything you could want in a sweet snack: gorgeously golden, warm with cinnamon, and perfectly crisp, with just the right balance between sweet and salty. Whether you’re sneaking a handful straight off the pan, tucking them into your favorite salad, or packing jars for holiday gifts, these are the kind of treats that disappear in a flash. With just a few staple ingredients and a couple of simple steps, you can turn humble pecans into something truly irresistible, with a lovely crunch and a rich, toasted flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a short ingredient list creates such big flavor in these Candied Pecans. Each component plays an important role: from the cinnamon’s warmth to the vanilla’s whisper of sweetness and the crunch of those fresh pecan halves, every bite is magic. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Pecan halves: Use fresh, raw pecan halves for maximum buttery crunch and nutty flavor in every bite.
Granulated sugar: This creates the glistening, candy-like shell—feel free to swap in brown sugar or maple sugar for a fun twist.
Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and fragrance, making these pecans completely irresistible.
Salt: Just a touch sharpens the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
Egg white: Whipped to a froth, it acts as the glue that helps the sugar-spice mixture stick to each pecan.
Water: A splash helps bring the egg white to just the right consistency for even coating.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a rich, bakery-style aroma.

How to Make Candied Pecans

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this is a lifesaver for easy cleanup and ensures none of that sweet, crunchy coating sticks. Setting up your space before you start mixing helps everything go smoothly once your hands are sticky!

Step 2: Froth the Egg White Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until the mixture turns frothy and bubbly. This step is key: the egg white acts like a gentle hug, wrapping every pecan in the sweet, spiced shell that forms the hallmark of perfect Candied Pecans.

Step 3: Coat the Pecans

Toss your pecan halves into the frothy egg white mixture and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat every little crevice. You want each nut to be glistening and well-covered—giving them this bath is what makes every bite irresistible and evenly flavored.

Step 4: Mix the Sugar and Spices

In a separate small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed. Pour this aromatic blend over the wet pecans and toss again. They’ll start turning sparkly and plush as they get covered in the sugar and spice magic!

Step 5: Bake and Stir for Ultimate Crunch

Spread the sugar-coated pecans out on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they have room to crisp up. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, giving them a gentle stir every 15 minutes. This keeps them from sticking and helps every piece get caramelized and crunchy. Once they’re golden and dry, pull them out and let them cool completely—the coating will crisp up as they cool.

How to Serve Candied Pecans

Garnishes

Candied Pecans make a stunning garnish on just about anything: sprinkle them over leafy green salads for a sweet, nutty crunch, or scatter them onto roasted sweet potatoes for a festive touch. A handful over morning oatmeal or yogurt transforms a simple breakfast into something truly special.

Side Dishes

Bring your holiday side dishes to life by tossing these pecans into a classic brussels sprout or green bean dish, or fold them into a harvest-inspired grain salad. Their sweet crunch pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy cheeses, and fruit-forward dishes, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just serve Candied Pecans in a bowl—think outside the box! Pack them into little cellophane bags or mason jars for gift-giving, or layer trays with them as edible party favors. For an elegant appetizer, pair clusters with soft brie and sliced apples. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let Candied Pecans cool completely before storing, then transfer them to an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to two weeks—if you can resist nibbling them all in the first few days!

Freezing

Planning to make a big batch ahead of time? Once your Candied Pecans have cooled, stash them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. They thaw quickly at room temperature and retain that addictive crunch.

Reheating

If your Candied Pecans lose a bit of crispness after storage, simply spread them on a baking sheet and give them a quick toast in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Let them cool and they’ll be as fresh and snappy as the day you made them.

FAQs

Can I use another type Snack

Absolutely! While Candied Pecans are a classic, this method works beautifully with walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as smaller or thinner nuts may toast a little faster.

Do I have to use granulated sugar, or can I substitute with brown or coconut sugar?

You can easily substitute with brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor, or even coconut sugar for a hint of toasty richness. Each sweetener gives subtly different results, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite twist!

How do I keep the Candied Pecans from sticking together?

Stirring the pecans every 15 minutes during baking is the secret to keeping them separate and evenly coated. Once out of the oven, let them cool completely before transferring to a container—this sets the candy shell and prevents clumping.

Are Candied Pecans gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, making it a wonderful snack or gift for those who are avoiding gluten!

Can I make Candied Pecans in advance for the holidays?

Definitely! They keep well for up to two weeks in an airtight container, and you can even freeze them for longer storage. Whip up a big batch a week or two before your event and enjoy stress-free snacking and gifting.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making your own Candied Pecans before, now’s the time—trust me, these are about to become your new favorite snack. They’re surprisingly simple, endlessly versatile, and sure to bring a little extra joy to your day. Get ready to share, snack, and savor every sweet, cinnamon-kissed bite!

Candied Pecans Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Learn how to make delicious candied pecans that are perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping salads. These sweet and crunchy pecans are easy to prepare and will be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Pecans:

1 pound pecan halves

Candy Coating:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the pecans: In a large bowl, whisk the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until frothy. Add the pecans and stir until fully coated.
Make the sugar coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the sugar mixture over the pecans and toss until evenly coated.
Bake: Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the pecans are golden and the coating is dry and crisp.
Cool and serve: Let the candied pecans cool completely before serving or storing.