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If you’re a fan of candied nuts, you’ll love this recipe for Candied Pecans! They’re super easy to make and are the perfect sweet and crunchy snack. Everyone loves these for the holiday season!
Christmas is just around the corner, and that means one thing – time to prepare your favorite holiday treats! This year, why not try something a little different and make candied pecans?
They’re easy to make and taste delicious. Plus, they’re perfect for snacking on or adding to your favorite recipes. So give them a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Now – aside from the holidays, if you’re looking for an easy, delicious way to add some flavor and crunch to your next salad or bowl of fruit, look no further than these candied pecans.
This simple recipe is perfect for beginner cooks, and it’s a great way to use up any leftover nuts you might have on hand. Plus, the sweet flavor and crunchy textures are irresistible! Keep reading for the step-by-step instructions.
candied pecans recipe
Here are some commonly asked questions
What are Candied Pecans?
Candied Pecans are a delicious Southern tradition. They’re easy to make, with just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep work. This is the only candied pecan recipe you’ll ever need!
Why are my candied pecans sticky?
If your candied pecans are sticky, it is likely because the sugar syrup coating has not completely hardened. The syrup may still be wet, or it may have started to crystalize. If the syrup is still wet, you can try putting the nuts in the oven for a few minutes to help the syrup harden.
Why are my candied pecans soft?
If your candied pecans are soft, it is likely because the sugar syrup coating has not completely hardened. The syrup may still be wet, or it may have started to crystalize. If the syrup is still wet, you can try putting the nuts in the oven for a few minutes to help the syrup harden.
Can candied pecans be frozen?
Candied pecans can be frozen, but the candy coating may not hold up well to the freezing process. The sugar syrup coating may start to crystalize and the texture of the nuts may change. If you plan on freezing candied pecans, it is best to eat them within a few months.
candied nuts
Ingredients for Candied Pecans
- granulated sugar
- light brown sugar– packed
- ground cinnamon
- fine sea salt– less if you prefer more sweet taste
- vanilla extract
- water
- pecan halves
Do candied pecans go bad?
Candied pecans will eventually go bad, but they have a long shelf life. Store these nuts at room temperature in an airtight container for several months.
When stored in a warm environment the candy coating may start to melt. If the candy coating starts to melt, the shelf life of the nuts will be shorter.
Candied pecans have a long shelf life and can be enjoyed for months if stored properly. However, the high sugar content means that they should not be eaten in large quantities. Candied pecans can be a healthy snack when eaten in moderation, but they should not be consumed on a daily basis.
Are candied pecans dairy free?
Yes, candied pecans are dairy free. The sugar syrup coating does not contain any dairy products.
Do I need to refrigerate candied pecans?
No, you do not need to refrigerate candied pecans. Store the nuts at room temperature in an airtight container. However, if you live in a warm climate, you may want to store the nuts in the refrigerator to prevent the candy coating from melting.
How to Make Candied Pecans
- First, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- Second, in a large skillet, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and water.
- Stir to combine.
- Now cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring often until the mixture is bubbling and the sugars have melted. This should take about 1 minute.
- Stir in the pecans until they are well coated with the sauce.
- Continue to stir and cook for about 2-3 additional minutes, or until the pecans look candied and smell nutty. Watch them closely because the pecans can burn quite quickly.
- Finally, transfer them to the prepared baking sheet and spread them into a single layer.
- Allow them to cool completely and then break them apart before serving.
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Or you can store them in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, and in the freezer for about a month or so.
Why do people like to eat candied pecans?
Candied pecans are a popular snack because they are sweet, crunchy, and full of flavor. The candy coating on the nuts makes them different from other types of nuts, and the sweetness can be addictive. Candied pecans are also versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes.
Are candied pecans keto-friendly?
Candied pecans are not keto-friendly because they are coated in sugar syrup. The carbohydrates in the sugar syrup will cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which is not ideal for people following a ketogenic diet.
However, if you are looking for a keto-friendly alternative to candied pecans, you can try making this recipe with sugar substitutes.
Don’t Miss These Other Pecan Recipes
- Easy Pecan Pie
- Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
- No-Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
- Hummingbird Cake
- Easiest Snowball Cookies
- Rolo Pretzel Turtles
- Fruit co*cktail Cake
- Best German Chocolate Cake
- Best Ever Cowboy Cookies
- Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes
- Divinity Candy
- Rum Cake
Do you need to coat your hands with oil when making candied pecans?
No, you do not need to coat your hands with oil when making candied pecans. The sugar syrup that is used to coat the nuts will act as a natural lubricant and prevent the nuts from sticking to your hands.
However, if you find that the nuts are sticking to your hands, you can lightly coat them with oil.
What are some recipes that use candied pecans?
They can be used in a variety of recipes, including baked goods, salads, and main dishes. They can also be eaten on their own as a snack. Some recipes that use candied pecans include:
Pecan Pie
Pecan Salad
Use them in place of raw nuts in any salad recipe. They add sweet and crunchy contrast to the greens and other ingredients in the salad.
Chicken with Pecan Sauce
They can be used to make a delicious sauce for chicken or pork. The sauce is made by blending candied pecans with butter, flour, and chicken broth.
More Great Homemade Candy Recipes
- Buckeyes
- Meringue Cookies
- Easy No-Cook Fudge
- Oreo Peppermint Bark
- Divinity Candy
- No-Bake Chocolate Haystacks
- Homemade Gumdrops
- Sugar Cookie Truffles
- Chocolate Nut Clusters
- Microwave Peanut Brittle
DON’T MISS MY HOLIDAY E-BOOK!
Products I love when making Homemade Candied Pecans…
This candied pecans recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made homemade candied treats before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this holiday recipe. (you can alsoSHOP MY FAVORITESin my store)
If you love this easy candied pecans recipe, you’re going to love these other holiday recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
Buckeyes
Peanut butter and chocolate are a classic pairing – these traditional buckeyes are the perfect no-bake candy to bring those flavors together.
Hot Cocoa Dip
Creamy Hot Cocoa Dip is so simple to make and is perfect for parties! Add a little whipped cream or more mini marshmallows on top for fun.
Oreo Balls – Oreo Truffles
Oreo Balls – Oreo Truffles are an easy no-bake treat made with just 3 ingredients and can be decorated for any holiday. They taste SO GOOD!
Easy Meringue Cookies
Looking for an easy meringue cookie recipe to impress your friends and family this Christmas? Look no further! These meringue cookies are simple to make and taste delicious.
Church Window Cookies
Church Window Cookies are an easy no-bake holiday treat made with chocolate, colorful mini marshmallows, nuts, and coconut made to look like stained glass windows. They are a Christmas classic.
Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
A classic holiday treat – these buttery, chewy Christmas Rice Krispie Treats are made into Christmas trees and topped with festive sprinkles.
Easy No-Cook Fudge
Easy No-Cook Fudge is a quick holiday recipe made with just 5 simple ingredients (+ any mix-ins) whipped together and chilled before serving.
Peppermint Bark Cookies
Peppermint Bark Cookies are the perfect treat for the Holiday season. Made with Oreo Cookies, white chocolate, and crushed peppermint candies.
Check out these other candied recipes too!
Include these goodies in a beautiful Christmas Cookie Board
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Rate this Recipe
Candied Pecans
Course Snack
Servings: 4 cups
If you’re a fan of candied nuts, you’ll love this recipe for Candied Pecans! They’re super easy to make and are the perfect sweet and crunchy snack. Everyone loves these for the holiday season!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Inactive 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt – less if you prefer more sweet taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons water
- 4 cups pecan halves
Instructions
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
In a large skillet, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and water.
Stir to combine.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring often until the mixture is bubbling and the sugars have melted. This should take about 1 minute.
Stir in the pecans until they are well coated with the sauce.
Continue to stir and cook for about 2-3 additional minutes, or until the pecans look candied and smell nutty. Watch them closely because the pecans can burn quite quickly.
Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet and spread them into a single layer.
Allow them to cool completely and then break them apart before serving.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Or you can store them in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, and in the freezer for about a month or so.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 915kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 80g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 296mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 0.2mg | Net Carbohydrates: 39g
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Taste of the Frontier cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
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Reader Interactions
Heather N says
My family and I absolutely LOVE this recipe! Just the right amount of everything. I do, however, use 2t of vanilla. So delicious 😋Reply
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