Candied Pecans Recipe
User Reviews
4.5
Candied Pecans Recipe
Description
This Candied Pecans recipe begins by melting a mixture of granulated and brown sugars with cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and water to create a sweet and flavorful syrup. Pecan halves are stirred into this syrup and cooked over medium heat until the nuts become well-coated and emit a nutty aroma. Transferring the pecans to a baking sheet to cool helps the sugary coating harden evenly, resulting in a crisp texture.
The cinnamon and vanilla add warmth and spice to the pecans, while the salt balances sweetness. Pecan halves provide a rich, buttery crunch that complements many dishes. This method ensures the nuts are evenly coated and avoids burning by careful attention during cooking.
The candied pecans can be used on salads for added sweetness and crunch or enjoyed alone as a snack. They also work in baking and as garnishes. Their shelf life depends on storage in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
Frequent stirring is important to prevent burning as the sugar mixture cooks rapidly once bubbling. Transferring the pecans from the hot skillet promptly avoids overcooking or hardening. Alternatives to pecans include almonds, walnuts, or cashews, adjusting cooking times as needed. Spice variations like nutmeg or a pinch of cayenne pepper can personalize the flavor profile.
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt fine sea salt
- 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.
- Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and water in a large skillet.
- Stir to combine. Then, cook over medium heat, stirring often until the mixture is bubbling and the sugars have melted, which takes about 1 minute.
- Stir in pecans until well coated with sauce.
- Continue to stir and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the pecans look candied and smell nutty. Watch closely, as they can burn quickly.
- Transfer to a prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer.
- Allow to cool and break apart before serving.
Notes
- Stir pecans frequently once added to the sugar mixture to prevent burning; the cooking time is brief and requires close attention.
- Transfer pecans promptly to a baking sheet after cooking to avoid overhardening or burning in the skillet.
- You can substitute other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews, watching cooking time due to size differences.
- Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, ginger, or a small amount of cayenne to customize flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 210 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 210kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Sodium | 74mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 108mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 15IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.3mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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