Candied pecans recipe - A Dish of Daily Life (2024)

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This quick and easyCandied Pecans Recipeis perfect for snacking, topping salads, or gifting during the holiday season. The combination of caramelized sugar, warm cinnamon, and toasty pecans is one of my favorite holiday recipes that I eat all year long.

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This candied pecans recipe is one of my favorite treats. It has just the right amount of sweetness but the great nutritional benefits of raw nuts.

And I use them all the time.

I add coated pecans to my favorite salads. They are especially good on thisGreen Salad with blueberries.

Serve them on your favorite ice cream or as a brownie topping.

Or my most favorite way is to just eat a small bowl of these for my afternoon snack. A bowl of candy pecans and an orange is the perfect snack!

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What are Candied Pecans?

Candied pecans are pecan halves coated in a blend of caramelized sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. The result is a treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

This recipe lets you make them with basic ingredients and no candy thermometer needed. And you still get great results every time.

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What ingredients are in Candied Pecans Recipe?

  • Sugar: Forms the sweet and crispy coating on the pecans.
  • Ground Cinnamon: adds a classic warm and spicy flavor.
  • Cream of Tartar: keeps the crystals in the sugar coating small so you don’t get big clumps of raw sugar
  • Boiling Water: Combines with sugar to make the base for the candied coating.
  • Pecan Halves: The star of the show, these raw pecans have a rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.

Pro Tip:Be sure to use pecan halves and not pieces. While pieces will work, they aren’t as beautiful in this sugared pecans recipe, and they are harder to make an even layer.

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How to Make Candied Pecans Recipe:

  1. Combinesugar and candy ingredients andbringto a boil over medium heat.
  2. Simmeruntil sticky and well combined.
  3. Removefrom heat,stirpecans into cinnamon sugar mixture, thenlet coolfor a few minutes.
  4. Addvanilla,mixingso you have an even coating on each nut.
  5. Spreadcandies pecans on a prepared baking sheet in a single layer, separating the clumps.
  6. Coolthenserveorstore.

Pro Tips:Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line your baking sheet for easy removal and cleanup.

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Are Candied Pecans Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, this candied peacans recipe is gluten-free! It is a great recipe to serve to your friends with dietary restrictions. It also makes great gifts!

How Long Do Candied Pecans Recipe Last?

Candied pecans will last in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. But I never have them last that long. They are such a sweet snack that a large bowl of these is gone in a day or two.

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Are Candied Pecans Recipe Healthy?

While candied pecans are not necessarily healthy (they have been candied), they are a great option since candied pecans are full of healthy fats and good protein. If eaten in moderation, they are a perfect sweet treat to satisfy any craving.

Can You Freeze Candied Pecans Recipe?

Yes you can freeze candied pecans! If you have a huge batch you really cannot eat, feel free to put these in a freezer safe container. When you pull them out of the freezer, spread them on parchment paper so they thaw crunchy and do not get soggy in the bag.

Pro Tip:If you really have more of this candied pecan recipe than you can eat, put them in a mason jar with a bow and give them to your neighbors. A bag of caramelized pecans makes perfect last-minute gifts for happy holidays or any time you want to say hello to your neighbors.

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Can you use different nuts in this Candied Pecans Recipe?

Yes you can use different nuts in this candied pecans recipe! But if you do, do not call them “pecans.”

Call them whatever kind of nut you choose to use. I really like using walnuts and cashews.

Can you use brown sugar to make Candied Pecans Recipe?

Yes you can use brown sugar to make candied pecans! I prefer using white sugar because it lets the flavors of the nuts, cinnamon, and vanilla really shine through.

However, these are also delicious when made with brown sugar. Brown sugar is just white sugar mixed with molasses, so it will give you a deeper flavor and a darker molasses taste to your nuts.

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What to Serve with Candied Pecans Recipe:

You can serve so many things with candied pecans. I like to sprinkle them on salads, ice cream, or enjoy as a standalone snack for my sweet tooth. Pair them with cheese and fruit for a delightful appetizer or part of your charcuterie board.

Are Candied Pecans Recipe Good for You?

At my house, candied pecans are good for you. I always encourage delicious recipes with protein to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The protein helps you feel fuller longer so you feel the need to indulge less. Besides, pecans provide healthy fats and essential nutrients, so candied flavored pecans are a great snack.

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Additional Pecan Recipes You’ll Love…

Whether you are looking for an easy recipe with simple ingredients or you need some homemade holiday gifts, this candied pecans recipe has the perfect amount of sweetness and is an easy way to make something delicious in your kitchen.

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Candied Pecans

Yield: 6 Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Indulge in the sweet crunch of our Candied Pecans Recipe! Perfect for snacking or elevating your favorite dishes like salads and sweet potatoes!

Instructions

  1. Stir together the sugar, cinnamon, cream of tartar, and boiling water in a small saucepan.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.
  3. Continue to cook at a slow boil over medium heat for about 8 minutes or so, stirring constantly.
  4. Remove saucepan from heat, and stir in pecans.
  5. Add vanilla, and continue to stir until pecans are evenly coated.
  6. Pour pecans onto a sheet of parchment paper.
  7. Separate nuts that have clumped together with a fork.
  8. Let cool.
  9. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 621Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 32gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 74gFiber: 5gSugar: 69gProtein: 5g

Originally Posted on Life Currents, posted with permission.

Originally Posted: December 11, 2015

Photos & Text Updated: December 23, 2023

Candied pecans recipe - A Dish of Daily Life (2024)

FAQs

Candied pecans recipe - A Dish of Daily Life? ›

Under-cooking the pecans is the likely cause of stickiness, but the risk is low when they're oven-baked. After the sugar-coated nuts have darkened and turned very fragrant, about 20 minutes in the oven, stir the pecans and separate any pieces that have stuck together. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes.

How do you keep candied pecans from sticking together? ›

Under-cooking the pecans is the likely cause of stickiness, but the risk is low when they're oven-baked. After the sugar-coated nuts have darkened and turned very fragrant, about 20 minutes in the oven, stir the pecans and separate any pieces that have stuck together. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes.

How long do candied pecans stay good? ›

How long will candied pecans keep? They will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, at least three weeks in the refrigerator, or up to two months in the freezer. No matter where you store them, keep in a tightly sealed, airtight container.

Why are my candied pecans soggy? ›

Why are my candied pecans soft and sticky? If your pecans are soft, it's most likely because they weren't baked long enough and are still retaining moisture. The sugar needs to bake long enough to caramelize and form a brittle coating on the nuts.

How much sugar is in candied pecans? ›

Candied Pecans Nutritional Facts and Calories
Amount Per Serving% DV
Sugars5g10%
Fiber1g4%
Proteins1g1%
Cholesterol0mg0%
7 more rows

Why are my candied pecans still sticky? ›

If after they have cooled down, the pecans are still sticky, this means that the sugar mixture never reached a high enough temperature when on the stove. To fix them, place the nuts back into the skillet and cook a bit longer.

How long do pecans last in a ziplock bag? ›

Sealed plastic bags are best for storing pecans in the freezer. In-shell pecans can be stored in a cool, dry place for 6 to 12 months. They can be refrigerated up to 18 months and frozen for about three years.

Are 2 year old pecans good? ›

In-shell pecans can remain good for 4 months at 70°F, but can be stored successfully for 18 months at 32°F to 36°F. Storage life of in-shell nuts may extend to 5 years or more when stored at 0°F (table 1).

What causes pecans to go bad? ›

In-shell pecans may start to darken in color when stored amidst high humidity. Store pecans in cool, dry places away from heat: Because pecans contain such a high amount of healthy, plant-based oils, they are prone to going rancid if they spend too long in warm temperatures.

How many cups is 1 pound of pecans? ›

Measurements and Substitutions

If you happen to have pecans in their shells, remember that 1 pound equals 3 cups shelled, about 4 cups pecan halves, and about 3 3/4 cups chopped nuts. Equivalents to know when using shelled pecans are that 1 pound equals 4 cups and 1 cup of pecan halves equals 3/4 cup chopped.

Can dogs eat pecans? ›

Why are pecans bad for dogs? These nuts are toxic for dogs. Eating them can result in pets becoming sick and needing immediate veterinary care. “The reason pecans are considered toxic is that they contain a compound called juglone, also found in walnuts, that is harmful to dogs,” advises Dr.

Do candied nuts go bad? ›

Okay, all bad dad jokes aside, these candied walnuts will last quite a while. All nuts do go rancid eventually, but as long as you cool them completely and then store them in an air-tight container, they should be good for about a month. You might also like our Candied Pecans recipe or Candied Almonds!

What is the fuzzy stuff on pecans? ›

Kernel fuzz is not a disease and the brown material that is adhering to the kernel surface is not dangerous to eat. It only tastes dry and bitter. The fuzzy material on the kernel is actually part of the nut's inside shell packing material.

Can diabetics eat candied pecans? ›

Since nuts are low on the glycemic index, pecans can slow the body's absorption of carbohydrates down, which ultimately leads to lower blood glucose (sugar) levels; just ensure you're using unsalted, dry-roasted pecans and not candied pecans that can be high in sugar and added fat.

Can diabetics eat pecans? ›

Diabetes management

Pecans have a very low glycemic index, which means that eating them does not cause a spike in blood sugar, even in people with diabetes. Eating pecans can even offset the effects of higher glycemic index foods when eaten as part of the same meal.

How many pecans should a diabetic eat? ›

A one-ounce serving of pecans (about 19 pecan halves) contains about 3g of fiber, which can help slow sugar absorption into your bloodstream. This can help prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes, which are common in people with diabetes.

How to keep candied nuts from sticking together? ›

Toss nuts- Every 10-15 minutes during baking to prevent them from clumping together and to allow them to become crispy and crunchy. Use egg whites- Or else your nuts might get soft after a few days. To bring them back to a crispy texture, just spread them on a cookie tray and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.

What causes stick tights on pecans? ›

Such "stick? tights" are caused by drought and heat stress in September and October. Pecans require water right up until the time of shuck split to reduce this problem. Nuts sprouting in the shuck before harvest (vivipary) are also reduced by late season water and/or stress reduction.

What is the best way to store candied nuts? ›

Storage Instructions: Candied nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for several weeks. Freezing Instructions: They freeze well in an air-tight container for up to two months.

Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›

Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.

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