5 from 33 votes
Stovetop Caramelized Pecans
Stovetop Caramelized Pecans are made by coating pecan halves in a bubbling mixture of brown sugar and water, then cooking them briefly until the liquid evaporates and the sugar crystallizes, forming a sweet, slightly sticky glaze. Once cooled on parchment, the pecans separate into crunchy, flavorful nuts with a buttery caramel taste that works well as a snack or topping.
Prep Time
1 hr
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings:
8
servings
Calories:
223 kcal
Course:
Snacks
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups pecans halved
Instructions
- In a nonstick skillet over medium high heat, melt together brown sugar and water until rapidly bubbling. Add pecans, stirring thoroughly to coat. Cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes, until fragrant and most of the liquid has evaporated. (But not so long at the sugars burn.)
- Spread pecans into a single layer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and use a fork to separate them. Let stand at room temperature for about an hour, until fully cooled, set, and dry. (Pecans will be only very slightly tacky to the touch.)
- Break apart any pecan clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- For a warm spice note, add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to the sugar mixture while cooking.
- For a spicy variation, include 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or adjust to taste with the brown sugar.
- Sprinkle the cooled caramelized pecans with flaked sea salt to enhance flavor contrast.
- Store pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, refrigerated for a couple weeks, or frozen for up to two months.
Nutrition Information
Calories
223kcal
(11%)
Carbohydrates
16g
(5%)
Protein
2g
(4%)
Fat
17g
(26%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Sodium
4mg
(0%)
Potassium
119mg
(3%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
14g
(28%)
Vitamin A
15IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
0.2mg
(0%)
Calcium
29mg
(3%)
Iron
0.7mg
(4%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 223
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 223kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 4mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 119mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 15IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 29mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.