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Learn how to make candied pecans at home with this straightforward recipe. Using just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a batch of cinnamon sugar pecans ready in no time. The main step involves creating a seasoned egg white mixture to coat the pecans thoroughly, followed by baking them in the oven. This approach ensures that each pecan does, in fact, get candied in the process and end up with a sweet and slightly salty crust.
Jump to Section
- WHY learn How to Make Candied Pecans
- Ingredients to make Candied cinnamon sugar Pecans
- HOW TO MAKE Candied Pecans in the oven
- TIPS FOR making the Best Candied Pecans
- what to do with your Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
- HOW TO STORE candied pecans
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- MORE cooking tutorials:
- How to Make Candied Pecans Recipe
Candied pecans are the kind of snack that is hard to stop eating once you start. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, making them a great addition to salads or even just as a snack on their own. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require any complex cooking techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
WHY learn How to Make Candied Pecans
- Cost-effective treat. Candied nuts cost a premium in stores. Purchase pecans in bulk and make these at home, saving you money in the long run while still enjoying this treat.
- Versatile ingredient. Candied pecans aren’t just for snacking, although they’re so addicting that you won’t stop munching on them. The great thing about spiced pecans is that they make a delicious topping for salads, cheese boards, yogurt, and so much more!
- Gifts for any occasion. Homemade candied pecans make a thoughtful gift for various occasions like housewarmings, birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as a gesture of appreciation.
- Quality assurance. When you make candied pecans at home, you have control over the ingredients used. You can select the best and freshest pecans and avoid additives and extra sweeteners typically found in store-bought candied pecans.
Ingredients to make Candied cinnamon sugar Pecans
- Pecan halves: Pecans have a buttery and rich nutty flavor. When baked, they become crispy and develop a nice caramelized coating that pairs well with their richness. Using pecan halves will ensure you get a nice bite-size crunch.
- Egg white: Helps the sugar and cinnamon adhere to the nuts. When beaten until foamy, it helps the candied pecans create a nice crispy and flavorful coating.
- Sugar: When combined with the egg white and baked, sugar caramelizes, forming a sweet, glossy shell around the pecans. It also helps to contribute to the crispiness of the candied pecans once they are cooled.
- Butter: Adds richness and buttery flavor and helps to coat the pecans evenly.
- Cinnamon: This simple seasoning adds a warm, spicy flavor and complements the sugar and nutty pecans well. It’s what gives spiced pecans its signature taste and aroma.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances everything together.
HOW TO MAKE Candied Pecans in the oven
Making candied pecans in the oven is as simple as coating the nuts in a sweet and spicy egg white mixture and roasting them to crispy perfection. It’s so easy, and the results are tasty, rewarding, and irresistble.
How to Make cinnamon sugar Pecans
- In a large bowl, beat the egg white until foamy. Add sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Add the pecans to the egg-white mixture.
- Fold the pecans into the wet mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Add melted butter and toss to coat.
How To Roast Candied Pecans in the Oven
- Spread the coated nuts into an even layer on a prepared baking sheet. Bake until crispy, stirring halfway through to prevent clumping.
- Remove from oven and let cool until crisp.
TIPS FOR making the Best Candied Pecans
- Use room-temperature egg white. Bring the egg white to room temperature before beating it. It will whip up better and create a smoother coating on the pecans.
- Coat evenly. Ensure the egg white mixture coats the pecans well to get an even coating with the perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness in every bite.
- Use parchment paper. Line the baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
- Keep an eye on the candied pecans. Ovens vary, so watch the pecans closely towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning. They can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quickly.
- Cool completely. Let the candied pecans cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking them up and storing them. They will continue to harden as they cool, so don’t rush this step.
what to do with your Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
- As a tasty sweet snack – Double the batch to have these tasty sweet bites on hand when you’re craving something sweet. Keep them on the counter for easy snacking or add to lunch boxes as a healthier dessert option.
- Add a sweet and crunchy topping. Top your favorite no-churn ice cream, yogurt, or chia pudding with spiced pecans to give it a nice crunch. Or you can add them to a cheese board or baked brie appetizer platter.
- Delicious topping to salads – Spiced pecans make a delicious addition to seasonal salads like roasted beet salad, fall harvest salad, and strawberry arugula salad.
- Make a customized trail mix – Add cinnamon sugar pecans to chocolate granola or homemade granola for a sweet crunch. Or toss them with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, and candied walnuts for a custom trail mix blend.
- Pack them up as thoughtful gifts – Fill a nice jar or container with candied pecans and tie a pretty bow with a tag, including the recipe. It makes a delicious homemade gift that shows you put extra effort into creating something special.
HOW TO STORE candied pecans
Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, then transfer them to the refrigerator for longer storage.
HOW LONG WILL candied pecans LAST IN THE FRIDGE?
Candied pecans can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks. Make sure they are stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture and aroma from other foods affecting the nuts’ texture and flavor.
CAN I FREEZE spiced pecans?
Yes! Store candied pecans in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a a few hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The pecans are done baking when they are golden brown, and the coating appears caramelized. I recommend keeping a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking. When cooled, candied pecans should be crispy, not soggy or wet.
Absolutely! This simple spiced pecans recipe works well with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Feel free to experiment with your favorites or try a mix of several nuts. Watch them closely as they bake, though, to avoid burning them.
The most important thing to remember is that sugar has to be baked long enough to caramelize and form a crispy coating on the nuts. You can fix the soggy pecans by spreading them on a baking sheet in a single layer and popping them back in the oven for 5-10 minutes to dry out more. Keep in mind they will continue to harden as they cool.
Learning how to make candied pecans opens up lots of delicious opportunities to enjoy them. From topping salads and ice cream to adding them to a holiday cheese board. The problem with these cinnamon sugar pecans is that they are so irresistible that they’ll fly off your serving platter before you know it!
MORE cooking tutorials:
- How to Toast Pecans
- How to Make Muesli
- How to Make Granola
- How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
- How to Make Homemade Apple Butter
- How to Make Jam
- How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
- How to Make Creamy Almond Butter
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How to Make Candied Pecans
Video
Ingredients
- 1 large egg white
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300˚F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg white until foamy. Add sugar, cinnamon and salt, and stir until well combined. Add the pecans and fold into the egg mixture until they are evenly coated, then add the melted butter and toss to coat.
- Spread the nuts into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from the oven and let cool until crisp.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
