Candied pecans recipe - A Dish of Daily Life (2024)

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This quick and easyCandied Pecans Recipeis perfect for snacking, topping salads, or gifting during the holiday season. The combination of caramelized sugar, warm cinnamon, and toasty pecans is one of my favorite holiday recipes that I eat all year long.

This candied pecans recipe is one of my favorite treats. It has just the right amount of sweetness but the great nutritional benefits of raw nuts.

And I use them all the time.

I add coated pecans to my favorite salads. They are especially good on thisGreen Salad with blueberries.

Serve them on your favorite ice cream or as a brownie topping.

Or my most favorite way is to just eat a small bowl of these for my afternoon snack. A bowl of candy pecans and an orange is the perfect snack!

What are Candied Pecans?

Candied pecans are pecan halves coated in a blend of caramelized sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. The result is a treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

This recipe lets you make them with basic ingredients and no candy thermometer needed. And you still get great results every time.

What ingredients are in Candied Pecans Recipe?

Sugar: Forms the sweet and crispy coating on the pecans.
Ground Cinnamon: adds a classic warm and spicy flavor.
Cream of Tartar: keeps the crystals in the sugar coating small so you don’t get big clumps of raw sugar
Boiling Water: Combines with sugar to make the base for the candied coating.
Pecan Halves: The star of the show, these raw pecans have a rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.

Pro Tip:Be sure to use pecan halves and not pieces. While pieces will work, they aren’t as beautiful in this sugared pecans recipe, and they are harder to make an even layer.

How to Make Candied Pecans Recipe:

Combinesugar and candy ingredients andbringto a boil over medium heat.
Simmeruntil sticky and well combined.
Removefrom heat,stirpecans into cinnamon sugar mixture, thenlet coolfor a few minutes.
Addvanilla,mixingso you have an even coating on each nut.
Spreadcandies pecans on a prepared baking sheet in a single layer, separating the clumps.
Coolthenserveorstore.

Pro Tips:Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line your baking sheet for easy removal and cleanup.

Are Candied Pecans Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, this candied peacans recipe is gluten-free! It is a great recipe to serve to your friends with dietary restrictions. It also makes great gifts!

How Long Do Candied Pecans Recipe Last?

Candied pecans will last in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. But I never have them last that long. They are such a sweet snack that a large bowl of these is gone in a day or two.

Are Candied Pecans Recipe Healthy?

While candied pecans are not necessarily healthy (they have been candied), they are a great option since candied pecans are full of healthy fats and good protein. If eaten in moderation, they are a perfect sweet treat to satisfy any craving.

Can You Freeze Candied Pecans Recipe?

Yes you can freeze candied pecans! If you have a huge batch you really cannot eat, feel free to put these in a freezer safe container. When you pull them out of the freezer, spread them on parchment paper so they thaw crunchy and do not get soggy in the bag.

Pro Tip:If you really have more of this candied pecan recipe than you can eat, put them in a mason jar with a bow and give them to your neighbors. A bag of caramelized pecans makes perfect last-minute gifts for happy holidays or any time you want to say hello to your neighbors.

Can you use different nuts in this Candied Pecans Recipe?

Yes you can use different nuts in this candied pecans recipe! But if you do, do not call them “pecans.”

Can you use brown sugar to make Candied Pecans Recipe?

Yes you can use brown sugar to make candied pecans! I prefer using white sugar because it lets the flavors of the nuts, cinnamon, and vanilla really shine through.

However, these are also delicious when made with brown sugar. Brown sugar is just white sugar mixed with molasses, so it will give you a deeper flavor and a darker molasses taste to your nuts.

What to Serve with Candied Pecans Recipe:

You can serve so many things with candied pecans. I like to sprinkle them on salads, ice cream, or enjoy as a standalone snack for my sweet tooth. Pair them with cheese and fruit for a delightful appetizer or part of your charcuterie board.

Are Candied Pecans Recipe Good for You?

At my house, candied pecans are good for you. I always encourage delicious recipes with protein to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The protein helps you feel fuller longer so you feel the need to indulge less. Besides, pecans provide healthy fats and essential nutrients, so candied flavored pecans are a great snack.

Additional Pecan Recipes You’ll Love…

Banana Crumb Cake
White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Fudge
Pecan Crusted Chicken
Popcorn Snack Mix
Doubletree Cookies
Pecan Crusted Sweet Potato Casserole
Signature Brownies

Whether you are looking for an easy recipe with simple ingredients or you need some homemade holiday gifts, this candied pecans recipe has the perfect amount of sweetness and is an easy way to make something delicious in your kitchen.

Candied Pecans

Yield: 6 Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Indulge in the sweet crunch of our Candied Pecans Recipe! Perfect for snacking or elevating your favorite dishes like salads and sweet potatoes!

Ingredients

Instructions

Stir together the sugar, cinnamon, cream of tartar, and boiling water in a small saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.
Continue to cook at a slow boil over medium heat for about 8 minutes or so, stirring constantly.
Remove saucepan from heat, and stir in pecans.
Add vanilla, and continue to stir until pecans are evenly coated.
Pour pecans onto a sheet of parchment paper.
Separate nuts that have clumped together with a fork.
Let cool.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 621Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 32gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 74gFiber: 5gSugar: 69gProtein: 5g

Originally Posted on Life Currents, posted with permission.

Originally Posted: December 11, 2015

Photos & Text Updated: December 23, 2023

Candied pecans recipe - A Dish of Daily Life (2024)

FAQs

How long can you keep homemade candied pecans? ›

How long will candied pecans keep? They will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, at least three weeks in the refrigerator, or up to two months in the freezer. No matter where you store them, keep in a tightly sealed, airtight container.

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How do you keep candied pecans from sticking together? ›

Under-cooking the pecans is the likely cause of stickiness, but the risk is low when they're oven-baked. After the sugar-coated nuts have darkened and turned very fragrant, about 20 minutes in the oven, stir the pecans and separate any pieces that have stuck together. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Amount Per Serving
Total Carbohydrate 9g	3%
	Dietary Fiber 2g	7%
	Sugars 7g	0%
Protein 2g	4%

Can diabetics eat candied pecans? ›

Since nuts are low on the glycemic index, pecans can slow the body's absorption of carbohydrates down, which ultimately leads to lower blood glucose (sugar) levels; just ensure you're using unsalted, dry-roasted pecans and not candied pecans that can be high in sugar and added fat.

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Is pecan candy good for you? ›

Being that pecans are the main ingredient; the snack contains essential vitamins & minerals, can aid in long-term heart health, can be enjoyed by gluten intolerant consumers, can provide a high number of antioxidants, and can supply a large amount of protein & fiber.

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How to make your own pecan meal? ›

How to Create Your Own Pecan Meal. For a hearty substitute to flour or breading ingredients, round up your favorite pecan nuts and grind them up to make pecan flour. Using a food processor would be the easiest and quickest way to make pecan flour. If you don't have a food processor, a blender can work.

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Do candied pecans need to be refrigerated? ›

No, they store nicely on the counter, but if you want to keep them fresher for a little longer, pop them in the fridge. And the nice thing is that they can be stored on the counter, in the fridge, or the freezer and they are just as good! Can you freeze them? Yes, these Cinnamon-Sugar Candied Pecans freeze well.

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How much is a bag of pecans worth? ›

The Average Cost of a Bag of Pecans in the US. In general, the hard shell pecans cost $6.99 per pound, and the pecans with a paper shell cost $7.49 per pound. Pecans without shells from a pecan farm can cost you nearly $13.99 per pound.

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Do candied nuts go bad? ›

Okay, all bad dad jokes aside, these candied walnuts will last quite a while. All nuts do go rancid eventually, but as long as you cool them completely and then store them in an air-tight container, they should be good for about a month.

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How long can you store glazed pecans? ›

If stored properly (in an airtight container or kept in the freezer), these glazed pecans should keep well for up to six weeks. You never know when you'll need some extra toppings or additions to your salad! Because they can last so long, these pecans are great for preparing ahead of time.

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How long are baked pecans good for? ›

For proper storage, store your toasted pecans in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you're not planning to use your pecans within two weeks of purchasing them, throw them in a resealable bag or air-tight container and freeze them.

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