Sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible! These homemade candied pecans are coated in a sugar glaze with a hint of cinnamon, making them perfect for snacking, topping salads, or adding to your holiday dessert spread. Ready in just 20 minutes, this simple recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in just 20 minutes
- Perfectly sweet with a warm cinnamon spice
- Great for gifting during the holidays
- A delicious topping for salads, oatmeal, or desserts
- Stores well, making them perfect for make-ahead treats
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pecans
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Egg white
- Vanilla extract
- Water
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg white, vanilla extract, and water until frothy.
- Add the pecans to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and toss until well coated.
- Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even coating.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before serving or storing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 8
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Candied Pecans – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Maple-Flavored Pecans – Swap the granulated sugar for maple syrup for a richer taste.
- Pumpkin Spice Pecans – Use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a fall-inspired version.
- Keto-Friendly Pecans – Replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol.
Storage/Reheating
- Store cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- No reheating is necessary, but you can warm them slightly in the oven for a freshly roasted taste.
FAQs
How do I prevent the pecans from sticking together?
Make sure to spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet and stir halfway through baking.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! This recipe works well with almonds, walnuts, or cashews.
Are these pecans gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but it will affect the caramelization and crunch.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, but it will create a softer texture instead of a crunchy coating.
What’s the best way to package these for gifts?
Use mason jars or decorative bags for a festive touch.
Why are my candied pecans chewy instead of crunchy?
They may not have baked long enough—make sure they are fully dry before removing them from the oven.
Can I make these in a pan instead of the oven?
Yes! Cook them over medium heat, stirring constantly until caramelized.
How do I add a savory twist?
Try adding a bit of sea salt or rosemary for a sweet-savory combination.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Homemade candied pecans are an easy, delicious treat that can be enjoyed in so many ways. Whether you’re snacking, gifting, or using them to top your favorite dishes, these crunchy, cinnamon-spiced pecans are sure to be a hit. Make a batch today and enjoy the sweet crunch of this simple recipe!
Print
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible! These homemade candied pecans are coated in a sugar glaze with a hint of cinnamon, making them perfect for snacking, topping salads, or adding to your holiday dessert spread. This quick and easy recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, requiring only a few simple ingredients. Perfect for gifting or enjoying year-round!
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Mix the Coating – In a bowl, whisk together the egg white, vanilla extract, and water until frothy.
- Coat the Pecans – Add the pecan halves to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
- Sugar & Spice – In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle over the pecans and toss to coat.
- Bake to Perfection – Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Cool & Enjoy – Remove from the oven and let the pecans cool completely before serving. They will crisp up as they cool!
Notes
- Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy-sweet kick.
- These pecans make a great homemade holiday gift when packaged in a festive jar!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Find it online: https://yumandjoy.com/candied-pecans/
