This Candied Pecan Recipe comes together in about 60 minutes and bakes on a single baking sheet for a quick and easy snack that your family will love! Whether you’re topping off a salad, adding crunch to your holiday desserts, or just munching on them straight out of the bowl, these sweet, crunchy gems will definitely be a hit. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Ingredients for Candied Pecans

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this irresistible recipe:

1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps in the caramelizing process.
¼ cup light brown sugar (packed): Gives a wonderful molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with the pecans.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warm spice enhances the flavor beautifully.
½ teaspoon salt: Just a couple pinches to balance the sweetness.
1 large egg white: This will help the sugar adhere beautifully to the pecans.
2 teaspoons water: Just to thin out the egg white mixture a bit.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because everything’s better with a splash of vanilla!
4 cups pecan halves: Feel free to use broken pieces if that’s what you have.

Let’s Talk Ingredients:

Sugar: You can play around with the sugars! Coconut sugar or even a sugar substitute can work in a pinch, but I recommend sticking with the granulated and brown sugars for that crunchy, sweet coating.
Nuts: While pecans are the star of this show, you could also use walnuts, almonds, or whatever nuts lurk in your pantry.
Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different spices. A pinch of nutmeg or even cayenne for a kick can make these nuts extra special.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 225 degrees F. While that heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. The parchment paper helps the pecans from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk it all together until well mixed. This is where the magic starts!
Whisk the Egg White Mixture: In a large bowl, add 1 large egg white, 2 teaspoons water, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk this together until it’s light and foamy, which takes about 2 minutes. You want those little bubbles to form, it’s part of what helps the sugar stick.
Add the Pecans: Toss 4 cups of pecan halves into the bowl of egg white mixture. Stir well until they are completely coated. It may seem like a lot of egg white at first, but trust me, it’s enough!
Sugar Coating Time: Now, sprinkle the dry sugar mixture over the pecans, stirring gently until everything is well coated. You want each pecan to be happy and coated with that sweet mixture.
Bake: Pour the pecans out onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 60 minutes, giving them a stir every 15 minutes. The aroma will dance through your kitchen like a sweet melody!
Cool Down: Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They might look a bit soft right out of the oven, but don’t worry, they’ll harden up as they cool.
Serve & Enjoy: Once completely cool, dive right in! They’re great as a snack, a topping for salads, or even a sweet addition to your breakfast oatmeal.

If you loved these candied pecans, be sure to check out my Candied Orange Slices or my Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This Candied Pecan Recipe comes together in under 60 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something sweet without a lot of fuss!

Minimal Cleanup

With just one baking sheet involved, cleanup is a breeze. You can enjoy your pecans snack guilt-free, knowing you won’t be scrubbing pots and pans for hours.

Crowd-Pleaser

The whole family will love it! Whether you’re making these as a snack for movie night or topping off your holiday dishes, they’re sure to get a round of “YUM!” from the crowd.

Customizable

Use whatever ingredients you have! Got some random spices from that “bring a dish” night? Toss it in! You could experiment until you find your ultimate flavor profile.

Comfort Food

These pecans truly are loaded with tons of flavor. The combination of sweetness and the crunchiness just hits the spot, and the delightful aroma wafting through your home is comfort in its truest form.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Candied Pecan Recipe

These tasty treats are fantastic on their own, but why stop there? They can elevate so many dishes! Here are a few ideas to consider:

Salads: Sprinkle them over your favorite leafy greens for a delightful crunch.
Desserts: Use these as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a sweet crunch?
Charcuterie Boards: They add an elegant touch to your cheese and meat boards.

Storing Your Pecans

Room Temperature: These candied pecans will keep nicely at room temperature for up to two weeks. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.
Refrigeration: You can place them in the fridge, but keep in mind their delightful crunch factor may lessen a bit.
Freezer Friendly: Yes! You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Just let them come to room temperature after thawing.

Reheating Instructions

Generally, you don’t need to reheat candied pecans since they taste great at room temperature! But if you do want to bring back some of that soft-baked goodness, pop them in a 300°F oven for just a couple of minutes until warm.

So, are you ready to get your snack on with this easy and delicious candied pecan recipe? I mean, really, what’s stopping you? Grab your ingredients and get those pecans baking away in the oven. You won’t regret it, and your family will thank you for that sweet treat!

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Easy Candied Pecans Recipe

Author: amelia
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful candied pecan recipe that comes together in about 60 minutes, perfect for topping salads, desserts, or enjoying as a snack.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg white
2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups pecan halves

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 225°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
In a large bowl, whisk the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until light and foamy.
Toss the pecan halves into the egg white mixture until coated.
Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until well coated.
Pour the pecans onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer.
Bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

Notes

These pecans can be customized with different nuts and spices. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 200
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg