Easy Oven-Baked Candied Pecans Recipe

Imagine the irresistible aroma of warm, sweet spices filling your kitchen. This candied pecans recipe delivers exactly that, transforming simple nuts into a gourmet delight. You’ll love how effortlessly you can create these crunchy, perfectly sweet treats at home. They are incredibly versatile, perfect for snacking, gifting, or elevating your favorite dishes. Get ready to bake a batch of homemade goodness!

Why You’ll Love These Candied Pecans

This recipe for candied pecans is a true kitchen hero, combining simplicity with outstanding results. Discover why they will quickly become a favorite:

• Effortless Preparation: With minimal steps and common pantry ingredients, these sweet pecans come together quickly.
• Perfectly Sweet and Crunchy: Each pecan boasts a delightful crisp coating and a rich, buttery flavor.
• Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy them straight from the pan, or use them to enhance salads, desserts, and breakfast bowls.
• Make Ahead and Store Easily: Prepare a big batch and keep them fresh for weeks, ready whenever a craving strikes.
• Deliciously Addictive: These sugar-coated pecans are so good, you might find yourself making them again and again!

Ingredients

To make these delightful candied pecans, gather these simple items. You likely have most of them already!

• 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

Notes & Substitutions

High-quality ingredients make a difference in your final sweet pecans. Fresh pecan halves are key; ensure they smell mild and nutty, not rancid. The egg white provides a sticky base for the sugar coating, helping it adhere beautifully to each nut and ensuring a crisp texture. You can use a blend of brown and white sugar as specified for balanced sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. Fine sea salt is crucial to cut through the sweetness, enhancing all the other flavors. Use a good quality vanilla extract for the best aromatic finish. For cinnamon, feel free to use alternatives like pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of nutmeg for a unique twist.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools to make these easy candied pecans. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick:

• Large baking sheets: Essential for spreading nuts in a single layer.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing bowls: At least two, for wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk or electric mixer: For whipping the egg white mixture.
• Spatulas or wooden spoon: For gentle tossing and stirring.

How to Make Candied Pecans (Step-by-Step)

Making these irresistible candied pecans is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

1. Prep Oven and Baking Sheet: First, preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial for preventing the sweet pecans from sticking and makes for easy cleanup later.
2. Prepare Wet Coating: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the large egg white, vanilla extract, and water. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. This means the egg white should be firm enough to hold its shape when you lift the whisk. This frothy mixture is what creates the perfect sticky base for your coating.
3. Mix Dry Coating: In a separate, larger mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined. This dry mix forms the delicious spiced sugar coating for your candied nuts.
4. Coat Pecans (Wet): Add the unsalted pecan halves to the bowl with the beaten egg white mixture. Gently toss the pecans until they are evenly coated. Each pecan should be lightly covered with the frothy white mixture. Be careful not to break the delicate nuts.
5. Coat Pecans (Dry): Next, add the cinnamon sugar mixture to the bowl with the wet pecans. Continue to stir gently, ensuring that all the pecans are completely and evenly coated with the dry sugar mixture. Take your time to achieve a uniform coating on every single nut.
6. Bake Until Golden: Spread the well-coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to uneven baking. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. During baking, stir the pecans every 15 minutes to ensure they brown evenly and achieve a consistent crispness.
7. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the candied pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling process is essential for them to become perfectly crunchy. Do not try to move them while warm, as they will still be soft and sticky.

Pro Tips for Perfect Candied Pecans

Achieving perfectly crunchy and flavorful candied pecans is easy with these simple tips:

• Use Fresh, High-Quality Pecans: Fresh pecans are key for the best flavor and texture. Avoid any that smell stale.
• Ensure Even Coating: Thoroughly coat each pecan with both the wet and dry mixtures for consistent crispness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give the pecans space to bake evenly. Use two sheets if necessary.
• Stir Frequently During Baking: Stirring every 15 minutes helps prevent burning and promotes uniform caramelization.
• Cool Completely for Best Crunch: Patience is a virtue here! Fully cooled pecans will be deliciously crisp.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a simple recipe, minor issues can arise. Here’s how to handle common problems with your glazed pecans:

• Pecans are sticky: This usually means they haven’t cooled completely. Let them sit longer on the parchment paper. They will firm up as they cool down.
• Pecans are not crunchy: They might need more baking time. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and bake until truly crisp, stirring often.
• Pecans are burnt: Oven temperatures can vary. Monitor closely, especially towards the end, and stir frequently to prevent hot spots.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

These homemade candied pecans are wonderfully versatile, offering countless ways to enjoy them.

Serving Ideas

• Standalone Snack: Enjoy them directly from the jar for a satisfying, sweet treat.
• Sprinkle on Salads: Add a delightful crunch and touch of sweetness to your favorite green salads.
• Garnish Desserts: Elevate pies, cheesecakes, or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Add to Oatmeal or Yogurt: Perfect for breakfast, providing texture and flavor to your morning routine.
• Package as a Homemade Gift: Tie them in a decorative bag for a thoughtful, edible present.

Storage Instructions

Store your delicious candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator for several weeks. Keeping them away from humidity will help maintain their crisp texture.

Delicious Variations

• Spicy Candied Pecans: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dry sugar mixture for a fiery kick.
• Citrus Glazed Pecans: Mix in 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest with the dry ingredients for a bright flavor.
• Maple Candied Pecans: Substitute 1 teaspoon of maple extract for vanilla, or drizzle with a touch of maple syrup after baking.
• Cocoa Pecans: Whisk in 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder with the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
• Different Nuts: This recipe also works beautifully with walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a mix of sweet nuts.

Candied Pecans Nutrition

These candied pecans are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in moderation. While they offer healthy fats from the pecans, they also contain added sugars.

For more detailed information on the health benefits of pecans, including their rich antioxidant profile and impact on heart health, consider this research. The nutritional benefits of pecans

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These candied pecans store wonderfully. You can prepare them several weeks in advance and keep them fresh in an airtight container.

What if I don’t have an egg white?

While egg white helps create a perfect coating, you can try using a light coating of aquafaba (chickpea brine) or a small amount of melted butter combined with water as an alternative binder.

Why are my candied pecans sticky?

They likely need to cool completely, or they might not have baked long enough. Ensure they’re fully firm and crunchy before storing them.

Can I use pre-toasted pecans?

Yes, you can use pre-toasted pecans, but you might need to slightly reduce the baking time. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning.

Conclusion

You now have the perfect recipe for making homemade candied pecans that are incredibly easy and utterly delicious. From their simple preparation to their versatile uses, these sweet, crunchy treats are sure to impress. Whether you’re snacking, gifting, or enhancing a dish, these glazed pecans will quickly become a cherished favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the magic of homemade goodness!

Easy Oven-Baked Candied Pecans

These oven-baked candied pecans are perfectly sweet, crunchy, and loaded with warm cinnamon spice. Simple to make with pantry staples, they’re ideal for snacking, gifting, or adding a festive touch to salads and desserts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Dessert, Holiday, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 16 oz unsalted pecan halves (about 4 cups)
• 1 large egg white
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp water

Equipment

• Large baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls (2)
• Whisk or electric mixer
• spatula or wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg white, vanilla extract, and water until stiff peaks form.
3. In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Add pecans to egg white mixture and toss to coat evenly.
5. Transfer coated pecans into the sugar mixture and toss until fully coated.
6. Spread pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for even baking.
8. Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet.

Notes

To reduce stickiness, make sure pecans are fully cooled before storing. You can customize the spice blend to your taste — try pumpkin spice or add cayenne for heat. Store in an airtight container away from humidity to keep them crisp.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com