If you’ve ever found yourself sneaking handfuls of sweet, crunchy nuts at a holiday party, this is the treat that stole your heart: Candied Pecans! With glossy, crackly-sugar coating and just the right touch of cinnamon, these irresistible morsels are one of my most cherished homemade snacks. They’re simple to whip up, make your kitchen smell divine, and are perfect for gifting, tossing on salads, or simply nibbling by the handful. Candied Pecans promise an unforgettable blend of buttery crunch and cinnamon-sugar warmth in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Candied Pecans is how they use simple, pantry-friendly staples to create something truly magical. Each ingredient plays its part in building up sweet, spiced, crunchy goodness you can’t stop snacking on.
- Raw pecan halves: The real star—choose unroasted halves for perfect texture and fresh flavor.
- Granulated sugar: This is what gives the pecans their signature sweet, crackled coating.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a fantastic warmth and cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the pecans’ buttery notes.
- Salt: Just a hint, but it brightens up all those flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: The classic aroma booster—one little splash takes these over the top.
- Egg white: Acts as the “glue” that helps the sugar and spice stick to every pecan.
- Water: Helps whip the egg white to the perfect frothy consistency for even coating.
How to Make Candied Pecans
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents the sugary coating from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg White Mixture
In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white and water until the mixture turns frothy and pale, like a soft foam. This step ensures the pecans will get evenly coated and bake up extra crispy.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla
Pour in the vanilla extract, and mix it evenly into your egg white mixture. The vanilla’s sweet aroma will start to fill the air—a little preview of what’s to come!
Step 4: Coat the Pecans
Toss your raw pecan halves into the bowl with the egg white mixture. Use a spatula (or your clean hands) to gently fold and turn the pecans until every piece is lightly but thoroughly coated, ensuring maximum flavor with every bite.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. This fragrant mix is what makes Candied Pecans so addictively delicious.
Step 6: Sugar the Pecans
Sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture over the pecans. Toss until the pecans are covered in a grainy, spiced crust. Every nook and cranny should be coated—don’t rush this part!
Step 7: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Spread the coated pecans out on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent clumping and to ensure even, golden crispness. The sugar will melt and harden as they cool, turning the pecans into snackable jewels.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once golden and fragrant, remove from the oven and let your Candied Pecans cool completely on the pan. The crispy shell sets as they cool—if you sneak a warm one, I won’t tell.
How to Serve Candied Pecans
Garnishes
A handful of Candied Pecans instantly elevates anything from leafy green salads and creamy soups to simple bowls of yogurt or oatmeal. For an extra flourish, sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon or a zesty orange zest right before serving.
Side Dishes
These sweet pecans make an amazing sidekick to cheese boards, baked sweet potatoes, or even roasted vegetables. Their crunch and caramel notes balance savory dishes beautifully—try scattering a few over your next autumn dinner party spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon Candied Pecans into pretty jars or clear bags for beautiful, edible gifts. Or, use them as the star topper for holiday cakes, muffins, or French toast—your brunch guests will beg for the recipe. Even a simple bowl on the coffee table disappears faster than you’d imagine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Candied Pecans cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they keep their crispy texture for up to two weeks—though they rarely last that long in my house.
Freezing
If you have a surplus or plan ahead for the holidays, Candied Pecans freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for a ready-to-eat treat.
Reheating
If your pecans lose a bit of their crispness, you can spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for just 5–7 minutes. Let them cool again, and they’ll regain that perfect snap.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Absolutely! Brown sugar brings a deeper, almost caramel-like richness to your Candied Pecans, so feel free to swap it in or even combine both types for a more complex flavor.
How do I prevent my Candied Pecans from sticking together?
Stirring the pecans every 15 minutes as they bake is key. Spread them out in an even layer and gently separate any clusters with a spatula while they’re still warm from the oven.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes—Candied Pecans are naturally gluten-free, making them a stellar snack or topping option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I add other spices?
Definitely! Nutmeg, allspice, or a pinch of cayenne pepper add fantastic depth. Feel free to experiment with your favorite warming spices to create your signature version.
How do I keep them crispy in humid weather?
Humidity can make Candied Pecans a bit tacky. Store them with a food-safe silica packet or in a tightly sealed container, and avoid leaving the container open for long periods.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Candied Pecans at home, you’re in for such a sweet surprise! They’re easy, endlessly snackable, and just a little bit fancy—everything you want in a homemade treat. I hope you fall in love with them as quickly as I did!
Print
Candied Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Candied Pecans with this easy recipe. These sweet and crunchy pecans are perfect for snacking or as a holiday treat.
Ingredients
Pecans:
- 2 cups raw pecan halves
Sugar Mixture:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Egg White Mixture:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the egg white mixture: In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and water until frothy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Coat the pecans: Toss the pecans in the egg white mixture until fully coated.
- Prepare the sugar mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Coat the pecans with sugar: Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Cool: Let the pecans cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
