If you're looking for an easy snack that packs big flavor, these Candied Pecans are a must try. Crunchy pecans are coated in a sweet, spiced mixture of sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of cayenne pepper, then baked low and slow until perfectly caramelized.
These homemade candied pecans are great for holiday snacking, party appetizers, charcuterie boards, salads, desserts, or edible gifts.
The combination of sweet, warm spices and just a little heat makes them hard to stop eating!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and a pound of pecan halves.
- Perfectly crunchy: Baking the pecans at a low temperature helps create a delicious crisp coating without burning the sugar.
- Great for entertaining: Put them out as a snack, add them to a charcuterie board, or use them to add crunch to your favorite salad.
Ingredients
- Pecan halves
- Egg Whites
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cayenne pepper
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Salt
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: WHISK EGG WHITES
In a large bowl, combine the egg whites and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined, then add the pecan halves and toss until they're evenly coated.
Step 2: Add the Spices
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
step 3: Coat the Pecans
Pour the dry mixture over the coated pecans and toss thoroughly. Make sure every pecan gets a good coating of the sweet spice mixture.
Step 4: BAKE
Spread the coated pecans onto a baking sheet in an even layer.
Bake at 250°F for 30 minutes, stirring the pecans every 10 minutes.
Step 5: SERVE
Remove the pecans from the oven and allow them to cool completely. They'll continue to crisp up as they cool.
Once they're cooled, they're ready to snack on!
Pro Tips
Don't skip the stirring
Stirring every 10 minutes helps the pecans cook evenly and prevents the sugar coating from sticking too heavily to the pan.
Give them room
Spread the pecans into an even layer so the hot air can circulate around them.
Let them cool completely
The coating gets crunchier as the pecans cool, so don't judge the final texture while they're still hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these candied pecans ahead of time?
Absolutely. These pecans are a great make ahead snack. Store them in an airtight container until you are ready to serve.
Can I leave out the cayenne pepper?
Yes. The cayenne adds a subtle sweet and savory flavor. You can leave it out if you prefer traditional sweet candied pecans.
How do I know when the pecans are done?
After 30 minutes, the coating should be set and the pecans should smell toasted and fragrant. They'll become noticeably crunchier as they cool.
Final Bite.
These Candied Pecans are one of those recipes that are ridiculously easy to make, but taste like you put way more effort into them. You've got sweet sugar, warm cinnamon and nutmeg, vanilla, and just enough cayenne to give every crunchy bite a little kick.
Make a batch for the holidays, put them out for your next game day spread, or keep a container around for when you need a quick sweet and salty snack. Just don't be surprised when the bowl disappears!
Related
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Candied Pecans
These easy Candied Pecans are sweet, savory, and crunchy with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and cayenne. Perfect for holidays, parties, snacking, and gifting.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8
Ingredients
- 1 pound pecan halves
- Egg whites from 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the 2 egg whites and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the pecan halves to the wet mixture and toss until all of the pecans are evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the dry spice mixture over the coated pecans and toss thoroughly until the pecans are evenly covered.
- Spread the coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet in a single, even layer.
- Bake at 250°F for 30 minutes, stirring the pecans every 10 minutes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pecans to cool completely. The coating will continue to crisp as they cool.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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