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
