Description
This recipe for Candied Pecans offers a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat, perfect for snacking or gifting. Toasted pecans are coated in a warm cinnamon-spiced brown sugar glaze, creating a rich and flavorful snack that can be stored for months.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for the candied pecans to cool on later.
- Toast Pecans: Add 3 cups pecan halves to a large nonstick skillet and toast them over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. Transfer toasted pecans to a bowl and set aside.
- Make Sugar Mixture: In the now empty skillet, combine 4 tablespoons water and 1½ cups packed light brown sugar. Stir just until combined, then avoid stirring further until pecans are added.
- Boil Sugar Mixture: Cook the sugar mixture over medium heat for about 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil in the center of the pan.
- Add Pecans and Spices: Add the toasted pecans, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg to the boiling sugar mixture.
- Coat Pecans: Stir continuously for about 1 minute to evenly coat the pecans with the spiced sugar syrup.
- Cook on Low Heat: Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for 5 minutes, allowing the coating to thicken and cling to the pecans.
- Cool in Pan: Let the nuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Spread and Cool Completely: Spread the coated pecans onto the prepared parchment paper, separating any clumps. Allow them to cool completely before packaging or storing.
Notes
- Make about 12 servings, each approximately ¼ cup.
- Store candied pecans in an airtight container for up to 6 months in the freezer or 3 months at room temperature.
- Use parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking during cooling.
- Stirring continuously after adding pecans is key to prevent burning the sugar.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast pecans until fragrant but be careful not to burn them.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
