Candied pecans are a timeless treat, perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a gourmet touch to your favorite dishes. This easy recipe, inspired by the home-style goodness of Pioneer Woman’s cooking, will guide you through creating perfectly crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coated pecans using either your stovetop or oven. Get ready to elevate your snack game with this irresistible candied pecans recipe.
A jar of the best Candied Pecans recipe with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating.
Two Simple Methods for Perfect Candied Pecans
What makes this candied pecans recipe truly stand out is its versatility. Whether you prefer the speed of stovetop cooking or the hands-off approach of baking, you can achieve wonderfully crisp and flavorful candied pecans. And the best part? You’re not limited to just pecans! This method works beautifully with walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, or even a delightful mix of your favorite nuts. Imagine the possibilities for snacking, holiday gifts, or adding a crunchy topping to your desserts and salads.
These candied pecans are more than just a snack; they’re an experience. From the satisfying crunch to the warm cinnamon spice and sweet glaze, they’re perfect on their own. But their versatility extends far beyond snacking. Keep reading to discover over a dozen creative ways to use these delightful candied pecans, from gourmet salad additions to charming homemade gifts. And if you’re looking to spread holiday cheer, consider packaging them in a festive nut cone with a free printable label for a truly thoughtful present.
If you’re in the mood for more easy and delightful homemade treats, don’t miss out on these other fantastic recipes: Graham Cracker Toffee, for a buttery, crunchy delight, Homemade Caramels for melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, or Chocolate Fudge for a rich and decadent indulgence.
Baking Candied Pecans: A Step-by-Step Guide
The oven method is perfect for making a larger batch of candied pecans with minimal hands-on time. Here’s how to achieve perfectly baked, crunchy candied pecans:
Getting Started: Begin by preheating your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Preparing the Wet Coating: In a mixing bowl, whisk together one large egg white, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of water until the mixture becomes slightly stiff, forming soft peaks. This egg white mixture is key to the crunchy texture of your candied pecans.
Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even coating of flavor for your pecans.
Two images showing how to make candied pecans by whisking together an egg white mixture then coating the pecans in it and dumping on cinnamon sugar.
Coating the Pecans: Add 16 ounces (about 4 cups) of pecan halves to the egg white mixture. Gently toss the pecans until they are evenly coated. Next, pour the cinnamon sugar mixture over the coated pecans. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every pecan is generously covered in the sweet, spiced sugar.
Baking to Crunchy Perfection: Spread the cinnamon-sugar coated pecans in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, making sure to stir them every 15 minutes. This stirring is crucial for even baking and preventing the pecans from clumping together too much.
Cooling and Crystallizing: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the candied pecans cool completely directly on the baking sheet. As they cool, the sugar coating will harden and crystallize, creating that signature crunchy texture. Avoid the temptation to touch or taste them while they are hot, as they will be sticky and not yet fully crisp.
Two images showing an easy candied pecans recipe right after baking then when they are transferred to a jar.
Stovetop Candied Pecans: Quick & Easy
For a smaller batch or when you’re short on time, the stovetop method is incredibly efficient for making candied pecans. Here’s how to do it:
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Toast the Pecans: Place 1 cup of pecans in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly toasted. Toasting enhances the nutty flavor of the pecans. Transfer the toasted pecans to a plate and set aside.
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Create the Candy Coating: In the same pan, combine ½ cup of brown sugar, a dash of salt, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir the ingredients well to combine. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar mixture begins to bubble and thicken into a glaze.
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Candy the Pecans: Return the toasted pecans to the pan with the sugar glaze. Toss continuously to coat all the pecans evenly in the bubbling glaze. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring constantly, ensuring each pecan is beautifully glazed.
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Cool and Set: Remove the pan from the heat and immediately transfer the candied pecans to a parchment-lined tray or baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer and allow them to cool completely. As they cool, the glaze will harden, resulting in perfectly crisp stovetop candied pecans.
Storing Your Candied Pecans
Storing: To maintain their delightful crunch, store your candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for several weeks when stored properly. For extended storage, you can also keep them in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Candied pecans freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for making ahead of time. Simply place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Use Candied Pecans
Candied pecans are incredibly versatile and can elevate a wide range of dishes. Here are some delicious and inspiring ways to use them:
- Salads: Sprinkle them on a Mixed Green Salad with Berries or an Apple Cranberry Fruit Salad for added sweetness and crunch. Their sweet and savory profile makes them a perfect salad topping.
- Desserts: Serve them over Pumpkin Pie for an extra layer of flavor and texture. They are also fantastic on ice cream, yogurt parfaits, and chocolate desserts.
- Charcuterie Boards: Add a bowl of candied pecans to your next Charcuterie Board for a sweet and crunchy element that complements cheeses and savory meats beautifully.
- Breakfast Dishes: Enhance your morning routine by topping buttermilk pancakes, pumpkin waffles, French Toast or Coffee cake with candied pecans. They also add a delightful crunch to your favorite oatmeal.
- Vegetable Sides: Sprinkle them over glazed carrots or roasted sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and texture that elevates simple vegetable dishes.
- Gifting: Package them in decorative jars or bags and gift to neighbors or friends, especially during the holiday season. Homemade candied pecans make a thoughtful and delicious gift.
- Trail Mix: Incorporate candied pecans into your homemade trail mix for a sweet and crunchy boost of energy.
Follow us for more delicious and easy recipes, and get ready to make these Pioneer Woman inspired candied pecans a new family favorite!
Recipe: Pioneer Woman Inspired Candied Pecans
A jar of the best Candied Pecans recipe with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating.
Yields: 4 cups
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces unsalted pecan halves (about 4 cups)
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Wet Coating: In a mixing bowl, beat egg white, vanilla, and water until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare Dry Coating: Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a separate bowl and stir to combine.
- Coat Pecans: Add pecans to the egg white mixture and gently toss to coat. Add the cinnamon sugar mixture and stir gently until the pecans are well coated.
- Bake: Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Store: Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Recipe Notes:
- Nuts: Feel free to use other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, or pistachios.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Stovetop Candied Pecans: For stovetop instructions, please refer to the stovetop method section above.
Enjoy these delightful Pioneer Woman inspired candied pecans!
