Candied Pecans Recipe

If you’re looking for a snack that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and crunchy with a hint of cinnamon warmth, Candied Pecans are about to become your new kitchen favorite. Their glossy candy shell, mingled with toasty pecan goodness and a whisper of vanilla, is positively irresistible—one bite and you’ll be dreaming up all sorts of ways to share or savor them. Whether you scatter them over salads for a festive crunch, pile them onto a dessert charcuterie board, or box them up for a thoughtful handmade gift, Candied Pecans are truly a treat everyone will love.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Candied Pecans come together beautifully with just a few pantry staples. The magic of this recipe is that each ingredient has an important role, transforming simple nuts into something even more special with the perfect texture and flavor.

• Pecan halves: Choose fresh, plump pecan halves for the best crunch—they soak up every bit of the sweet coating.
• Granulated sugar: The main event that delivers that signature caramelized candy shell.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and depth; don’t skip it, as it makes the pecans extra memorable.
• Salt: Just a touch; balances sweetness and makes the flavors pop.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses a comforting aroma and softens the sharper edge of the sugar.
• Egg white: This is your secret to a crisp, glossy coating that clings to every craggy bit.
• Water: Fluffs up the egg white, ensuring even coverage and crunch.

How to Make Candied Pecans

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your pecans don’t stick as they crisp up. Setting this up first means you can move right to candying without a pause, and your oven will be perfectly hot when you need it.

Step 2: Whisk Egg White and Water

In a roomy mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the egg white and water until the mixture is nice and frothy. This base is what gives the Candied Pecans their famous thin, shattery coating—aim for soft peaks with plenty of bubbles for maximum crunch later on.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Pecans

Stir in the vanilla extract, then toss in all your pecan halves. Use a spatula or your hands to make sure each pecan is evenly coated with the egg white-vanilla mixture. Work gently, ensuring every nook and cranny is slick—it’s the foundation for that wonderful candy shell.

Step 4: Mix Sugar, Cinnamon, and Salt

In a separate small bowl, blend together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. This melds everything perfectly before it meets the pecans, so the flavors are uniform, and every nut gets a little bit of sweet, spiced love.

Step 5: Coat the Pecans

Pour the cinnamon sugar mixture over the wet pecans, and gently stir to coat. Don’t rush—toss well enough that every piece glistens and no sugar is left at the bottom. This is when you’ll really see the transformation begin!

Step 6: Bake and Stir

Spread the sugar-coated pecans in a single, even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in your preheated oven and set a timer for 45 minutes. Every 15 minutes, remove the pan and stir the pecans, spreading them back out afterward. This ensures each piece bakes and candies evenly, with no sticky clumps.

Step 7: Cool and Crisp

Once out of the oven, let the Candied Pecans cool completely on the baking sheet. Trust the process—they’ll firm up as they cool, taking on their iconic candy crunch. Try not to sneak too many before they’ve hardened (though a few warm tastes are part of the fun)!

How to Serve Candied Pecans

Garnishes

Candied Pecans are gorgeous as a finishing touch! Sprinkle them over creamy pumpkin soup, leafy salads, or even roasted vegetables for sweet crunch and a bit of shine. Their sparkling candy coating makes any dish look notched up a level.

Side Dishes

Pair Candied Pecans with savory cheese boards, fruit trays, or even next to a sharp blue cheese and sliced pears. They’re just as welcome at brunch on top of pancakes or waffles as they are alongside a bowl of autumnal squash soup. The contrast of sweet and savory makes them wonderfully versatile.

Creative Ways to Present

Package Candied Pecans in mason jars tied with a rustic ribbon for the perfect homemade holiday gift. Fold them into cookie batter or top off baked brie with a handful for a wow-worthy appetizer. You can also scatter them on ice cream sundaes for a delightful upscale twist, or simply serve in a pretty bowl as an easy party snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra Candied Pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They retain their crunch and flavor beautifully—just be sure the container is well-sealed to keep out humidity and maintain crispness.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Candied Pecans for longer storage! Spread them in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight tub. They’ll last about two months and defrost at room temperature with nearly all their original crunch intact.

Reheating

If your Candied Pecans lose a bit of their snap (from humid weather or fridge storage), simply spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Let cool completely again—this refreshes the candy shell and restores the irresistible crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can swap in walnuts, almonds, cashews, or even peanuts if you prefer, but each nut brings its own texture and flavor. Pecans lend a naturally sweet, buttery taste that pairs beautifully with the candy coating, making the classic Candied Pecans especially delicious.

How do I keep the sugar coating from clumping?

The key is to mix your egg white coating thoroughly and toss the pecans well before adding the sugar blend. Also, be sure to stir the pecans regularly while baking, breaking up any clusters so each nut gets a uniform, sparkly crust.

Why did my candied pecans turn out sticky?

Sticky pecans usually mean they haven’t baked quite long enough, or the oven temperature was a little too low. Make sure to bake for the full time and cool the nuts completely—any residual warmth can keep them tacky instead of crisp.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

If you’re avoiding eggs, try using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) in place of the egg white. Whip it up the same way and follow the recipe as written—you’ll get a similarly crisp, shiny candied coating.

Are Candied Pecans gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients, so Candied Pecans are a delicious treat for those following a gluten-free lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Candied Pecans at home before, I can’t wait for you to try—once you taste that fresh, caramelized crunch, you’ll see why they’re a classic. They’re as easy as they are impressive, and everyone will want to know your secret. Happy snacking and gifting!

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