Candied Pecans
User Reviews
4.6
Candied Pecans
Description
The Candied Pecans recipe coats pecan halves with a mixture of egg white, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then bakes them low and slow at 250°F for an hour. This method produces pecans with a crunchy, sweet-spiced exterior and a tender nut inside. The use of egg whites helps the sugar-spice mixture adhere smoothly, creating an even coating that toasts evenly during baking. Stirring every 15 minutes prevents clumping and ensures thorough candied shells.
These pecans offer a sweet and slightly spicy flavor profile from the cinnamon and vanilla, balanced by a touch of salt. Their crunchy texture complements salads, oatmeal, or desserts. They also store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them ideal for prepping ahead or gifting.
The recipe suggests variations with other nuts such as walnuts or almonds and experimenting with different spices like nutmeg or ginger. This flexibility allows tailoring the sweetness and spice level to suit personal preference or specific dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg white
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine the sugar, cinnamon and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites, water and vanilla extract. Add the pecans to the bowl and stir them into the egg white mixture with a rubber spatula, making sure they are all moistened. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pecans from the egg white mixture and drop them into the bag with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Once all of the pecans are added, seal the bag, and shake it to coat all of the pecans.
- Using a clean slotted spoon, remove the pecans from the bag and place onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 1 hour, stirring them every 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature. The pecans can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- In place of pecans, try walnuts, almonds, cashews, or a nut mix for different flavor and texture.
- Experiment with other spices such as nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, clove, or pumpkin spice for added complexity.
- Store candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or refrigerate to extend freshness up to one month.
- For gifting, package the nuts in decorative bags or jars with labels.
- You can freeze candied nuts in freezer-safe containers for up to three months without loss of quality.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings (1 pound candied pecans)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 329 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 329kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Sodium | 202mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 163mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 20IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 30mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.