If you’ve ever wondered how to add a little sparkle and crunch to your snack time or dessert toppings, this Candied Pecans Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the natural buttery richness of pecans with a glossy, sweet caramel coating, these candied pecans transform everyday nuts into irresistible bites bursting with flavor and texture. Perfect for sprinkling over salads, topping cakes, or simply enjoying by the handful, this recipe is delightfully simple yet incredibly rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Candied Pecans Recipe is a breeze, thanks to its short and straightforward ingredient list. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: pecans bring crunch and earthiness, sugar lends sweetness and caramelization, and water helps create the perfect syrup base that turns into that beautiful candy coating.
- 2 cups pecan halves: Choose fresh, high-quality pecans for the best crunch and flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens and caramelizes to coat the pecans perfectly.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly and create a smooth syrup.
How to Make Candied Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Skillet
Start by placing a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. This is important to ensure even cooking when you add your sugar and pecans later.
Step 2: Make the Syrup
Combine the granulated sugar and water directly in the skillet. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved. As the mixture begins to simmer, avoid stirring too vigorously — just enough to keep everything combined. This is where the magic begins as the syrup nears the perfect consistency.
Step 3: Coat the Pecans
Add the pecan halves to the syrup in the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to stir and ensure every pecan is thoroughly coated in the glossy syrup. The sugar will start to thicken, sticking lovingly to every nut.
Step 4: Cook
Keep stirring continuously for 8 to 10 minutes. This is a crucial step: the syrup will go from liquid to a shimmering, crystalline caramel coating. Watch and listen as the pecans crackle slightly and take on a beautiful amber color. Patience here pays off with perfectly candied nuts.
Step 5: Cool the Pecans
Once the pecans are evenly coated and shiny, remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately transfer the nuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and quickly spread them out, preventing them from sticking together. Let them cool completely until they harden into delightful, crunchy treats.
How to Serve Candied Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
One of the simplest yet most delightful ways to enjoy candied pecans is as a garnish. They add eye-catching sparkle and a satisfying crunch atop green salads with soft cheese or drizzled with balsamic glaze. Imagine biting into a crunchy sweet nut amidst fresh greens — absolute heaven.
Side Dishes
Candied pecans also amplify side dishes beautifully. Toss them into roasted vegetable mixes, sprinkle on steamed cauliflower gratin, or stir them through fluffy mashed sweet potatoes for an unexpected flavor pop and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try incorporating your candied pecans into dessert boards or charcuterie spreads as a crunchy complement to cheeses and fruit. They also make incredible ice cream toppings or mix-ins for homemade granola, elevating everyday snacks and desserts to something spectacular.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your candied pecans fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their perfect crunch and flavor for up to two weeks, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack or gift.
Freezing
If you want to keep your candied pecans for even longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled pecans in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing excess air. They’ll keep well for up to three months, ready to thaw at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
Sometimes the coating softens a bit in storage. To bring back that fresh, crisp crunch, simply spread the pecans on a baking sheet and warm them in a low oven (around 275°F or 135°C) for 5 to 7 minutes—watch carefully so they don’t burn.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts in this Candied Pecans Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans have a distinct buttery flavor that’s hard to beat, you can swap in walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Just keep an eye on cooking times as some nuts caramelize faster than others.
Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?
No candy thermometer needed here. The visual cues and texture as you stir the syrup are enough. With a bit of attention, you’ll notice when the syrup turns from liquid to thick and crystallized, signaling perfect coating.
How do I prevent my candied pecans from sticking together?
Right after cooking, spread your candied pecans out on parchment paper to cool in a single layer. This quick step prevents clumping and helps each pecan maintain its individual crunchiness.
Can I add spices to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper after adding the pecans to the syrup for a cozy or spicy twist. Just adjust to your taste preferences.
Are candied pecans vegan?
This Candied Pecans Recipe contains just pecans, sugar, and water, so it’s naturally vegan. However, always check your sugar source if strict vegan standards are important, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Candied Pecans Recipe inspires you to bring some sweet crunch into your kitchen adventures. It’s a perfect blend of simple ingredients transformed into a versatile treat that brightens salads, desserts, or snack time. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without making these at home!
Print
Candied Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously sweet and crunchy candied pecans made by coating pecan halves in a caramelized sugar syrup, cooked on the stovetop in just 15 minutes. Perfect as a snack, topping for salads, or dessert garnish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the Skillet: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat to warm it up before starting the cooking process.
- Make the Syrup: Combine the granulated sugar and water in the preheated skillet, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture starts to simmer.
- Coat the Pecans: Add the pecan halves into the skillet, stirring well to ensure they are evenly coated with the sugar syrup.
- Cook: Continue to stir the pecans continuously for 8 to 10 minutes as the syrup thickens and begins to crystallize, forming a shiny caramel coating on the pecans.
- Cool the Pecans: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately transfer the pecans to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them out quickly to prevent clumping and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent the sugar from sticking and burning.
- Stir continuously during cooking to avoid burning the sugar and ensure even coating.
- Once cooled, store candied pecans in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.
- These candied pecans can be added to salads, desserts, or eaten as a snack.
- Allow the pecans to cool completely before handling to ensure the sugar hardens properly.
