These sweet and crunchy Candied Pecans are an irresistible holiday treat! Coated in a delightful blend of sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, they make a fantastic snack or a thoughtful homemade gift. With just a handful of ingredients and a low, slow bake, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples and fresh pecans, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime.
- Perfect Holiday Treat: Sweet, spiced, and crunchy, these pecans are a hit at parties or as gifts.
- Versatile: Use them as a topping for salads, desserts, or simply enjoy as a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 egg white
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pound pecan halves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Sugar Coating
- In a large ziplock bag, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Whisk Egg Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes frothy.
Step 4: Coat the Pecans
- Add the pecan halves to the egg mixture, stirring to ensure all pecans are evenly coated.
Step 5: Toss with Sugar Mixture
- Transfer the coated pecans into the ziplock bag with the sugar mixture.
- Seal the bag and shake well until all the pecans are evenly covered with the sugar and cinnamon coating.
Step 6: Bake the Pecans
- Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring the pecans every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
- Once done, remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet.
- Enjoy these delicious candied pecans as a holiday snack, or package them up for gifts!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Large ziplock bag
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions: Candied pecans make a wonderful addition to charcuterie boards, holiday snack trays, or even salads for a festive touch. They’re also delicious on top of desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or pies.
Storage: Store cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: These pecans can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy-Sweet Pecans: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture for a hint of heat.
- Maple Glaze: Substitute half of the sugar with maple syrup for a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Nut Mix: Use a combination of pecans, almonds, and walnuts for a mixed candied nut medley.
Helpful Notes
- Check Every 20 Minutes: Stirring every 20 minutes helps prevent burning and ensures the pecans are evenly coated and crisp.
- Frothy Egg White: Be sure to whisk the egg white until frothy; this helps the sugar mixture stick to the pecans.
- Cooling Step: Let the pecans cool fully to achieve maximum crunch and to help the coating set.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Martha Stewart’s Candy Tip: Always use fresh spices for the best flavor, especially in simple recipes like candied nuts.
Ina Garten’s Secret for Nuts: Roast nuts at a low temperature to develop their natural oils and flavors without burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, almonds, walnuts, or cashews work well. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size of the nuts.
Do I have to use egg whites?
Egg whites help the sugar mixture adhere, but you can use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) as a vegan alternative.
Can I make these pecans ahead of time?
Absolutely! They keep well for up to two weeks in an airtight container, making them perfect for holiday prep.
What if I don’t have a ziplock bag?
You can mix the sugar coating in a bowl and toss the pecans with a spoon or spatula to coat them evenly.
Why bake at a low temperature?
A low temperature allows the sugar to caramelize slowly, creating a crispy, perfectly coated texture without burning.
These Candied Pecans are an easy yet impressive treat that’s sure to be a hit with friends and family. Whether enjoyed as a snack, topping, or gift, these sweet, spiced nuts are a holiday favorite!
Candied Pecans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 egg white
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pound pecan halves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Coating Mix: In a large ziplock bag, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Whip the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until frothy.
- Coat the Pecans: Add the pecans to the egg mixture, stirring to ensure each pecan is fully coated.
- Add Sugar Mixture: Transfer the coated pecans to the ziplock bag with the sugar mixture. Seal the bag and shake until the pecans are evenly coated.
- Bake: Dump the coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them into a single layer. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even coating and avoid clumping.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed or stored!
Notes
- Check Every 20 Minutes: Stirring every 20 minutes helps prevent burning and ensures the pecans are evenly coated and crisp.
- Frothy Egg White: Be sure to whisk the egg white until frothy; this helps the sugar mixture stick to the pecans.
- Cooling Step: Let the pecans cool fully to achieve maximum crunch and to help the coating set.
