If you’ve ever craved a snack that delivers that perfect crunch with a sweet, slightly spicy kick, then you are going to love this Homemade Candied Pecans Recipe. These pecans boast a glossy sugar coating infused with cinnamon and salt, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that’s utterly addictive. They’re so easy to make yet taste like they belong in a gourmet bakery. Whether you want to elevate your morning oatmeal, jazz up a salad, or simply enjoy a delicious nibble straight from the jar, this recipe is a must-try classic that delivers every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these candied pecans is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but essential. Each one plays a crucial role to ensure the nuts come out crispy, sweet, and perfectly spiced. Here’s what you’ll grab to create that magical coating and irresistible flavor.
- Pecan halves (6 cups or about 660g): The nutty star of the show, unsalted to let the coating shine without any added saltiness.
- Egg whites (2, at room temperature): Acts as the glue to help the sugar and spices stick perfectly to every pecan piece.
- Water (2 tablespoons or 30ml): Lightens the egg whites, making them fluffy and easier to mix in with the sugar mixture.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups or 400g): Provides that sweet, crunchy crust you’ll love with each bite.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds warm, cozy spice notes that transform ordinary pecans into a flavor celebration.
- Salt (2 teaspoons): Balances sweetness perfectly and enhances the overall taste experience.
How to Make Homemade Candied Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
First things first, preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). Get two large baking sheets ready by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, then give them a light spray of nonstick oil. This setup ensures your pecans won’t stick and helps them bake evenly. Having everything prepped from the start makes the process smooth and joyful, so you can focus on perfecting that glaze.
Step 2: Whip Up the Egg White Mixture
Using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites together with the water on medium-high. Keep going until you see a foamy, fluffy mixture building up—it usually takes about 2 minutes. This step is a game changer because the fluffiness of the egg whites helps the sugar and spices adhere uniformly, forming that irresistible candied shell.
Step 3: Mix Sugar, Cinnamon, and Salt
Once your egg whites are perfectly fluffy, fold in the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt using a silicone spatula. Gently combine everything until you notice the sugar and spice mixture evenly suspended in the egg whites. This is the secret mix that’ll coat the pecans with rich flavor and a touch of sparkle.
Step 4: Coat the Pecans and Bake
Next, pour in the pecan halves and stir thoroughly so every nut is coated with the glossy mixture. Spread them out on your prepared baking sheets in a single layer for even baking. Pop the sheets into the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. This regular stirring plus rotating the pans halfway ensures a uniform crunch and caramelized finish that’s just dreamy.
Step 5: Cool and Crisp
When the baking is done, let the pecans cool completely right on the sheets. This step is key because the sugar coating will harden as they cool, creating that perfectly crisp exterior you’re after. Resist the temptation to dig in immediately—it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Homemade Candied Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle these candied pecans over salads for a delightful sweet crunch, or add a handful to holiday desserts like pies and cakes for extra texture and flavor contrast. Their shiny, caramelized coating also makes them excellent as a garnish atop yogurt bowls or even creamy brie cheese, adding both beauty and taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these candied pecans with roasted vegetables or autumn-inspired sides. They elevate simple dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts or maple-glazed carrots by introducing a crunchy, sweet, and salty element. The mixture of textures and flavors makes your entire meal more exciting and memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, arrange a variety of candied nuts, cheeses, fresh fruits, and crackers on a rustic wooden board, using these pecans as the star crunch. You can also package them in pretty jars or small cellophane bags tied with ribbons to give as heartfelt homemade gifts that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your homemade candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to three weeks, making them a perfect snack or garnish ready whenever you need a quick touch of sweetness.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious treats even longer, freezing is a great option. Place the pecans in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh your candied pecans and bring back their crunch after storage, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This little heat kiss helps revive their crispiness and makes them taste freshly made all over again.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts in this Homemade Candied Pecans Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional here, almonds, walnuts, or cashews work beautifully with this method. Just make sure to adjust baking times if needed, since different nuts can vary in size and moisture.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning while baking?
Baking at a relatively low temperature like 300°F and stirring the pecans every 15 minutes helps prevent burning. Also, rotating your baking sheets mid-way ensures even cooking and caramelization on all sides.
Can I make these pecans without egg whites?
Egg whites are key for binding the sugar and achieving that smooth coating. If you’re avoiding eggs, you might try using aquafaba as a substitute, but the texture may differ slightly.
Are these candied pecans gluten-free?
Yes! This Homemade Candied Pecans Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it safe for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your cinnamon and other spices are pure to be certain.
What’s the best way to use leftover candied pecans?
Leftovers are incredibly versatile! Toss them into salads, sprinkle on oatmeal, mix into trail mix, or crush and use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. They add delightful texture and a hint of sweetness wherever you add them.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about making your own snacks from scratch, and this Homemade Candied Pecans Recipe hits every mark for flavor, texture, and simplicity. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these pecans are a crowd-pleaser that elevate everyday moments into little celebrations. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this sweet, crunchy delight again and again!
Print
Homemade Candied Pecans Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Enjoy a crunchy, sweet, and perfectly spiced snack with these Homemade Candied Pecans. Coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked to a crisp, these pecans are ideal for snacking, topping salads, or adding to desserts. This easy recipe transforms simple pecans into a delightful treat that keeps well for weeks.
Ingredients
Nut Mixture
- 6 cups (about 660g) pecan halves, unsalted
Coating
- 2 egg whites, at room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) water
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, then lightly grease them with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Set the trays aside for later use.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to beat the egg whites and water together on medium-high speed. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes foamy and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Then fold in the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt gently with a silicone spatula until fully combined.
- Coat the Pecans: Add the pecan halves to the coating mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure every nut is completely coated with the sweet and spiced egg white mixture.
- Arrange and Bake: Spread the coated pecans evenly in a single layer across the prepared baking sheets to ensure even baking. Place the trays in the oven and bake for 45 minutes total. Every 15 minutes, stir the pecans and rotate the baking sheets, swapping their oven positions to promote uniform cooking and prevent burning.
- Cool the Pecans: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the pecans to cool completely on the sheets. During cooling, the sugar coating will harden and become crisp for the perfect crunchy finish.
- Store Properly: Once cooled, transfer the candied pecans to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 3 weeks or freeze them for longer storage, up to 3 months. If frozen, let them thaw naturally at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better whipping and coating.
- Stirring and rotating baking sheets during baking is key to even crisping and prevents burning.
- If you prefer a less sweet snack, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
