Easy Candied Pecans
These easy candied pecans are the perfect combo of sweet and crunchy goodness. With only four ingredients, you can make candied nuts that are great on top of your favorite salads, ice cream, yogurt, and more!
Table of Contents
These candied pecans are so versatile, that you’ll find yourself using them for everything. The nutty flavor comes through the sugary sweetness and goes well with salads perfectly.
For other candied nut recipes, try making these candied almonds. They’re another favorite I always find myself reaching for! You’ll also love this homemade trail mix.
This recipe was created and tweaked by my sister who regularly contributes recipes. I had these atop a salad at her house and I knew I had to try to make them. Turns out they are super easy to make – and pack a big flavor punch when added to the top of ice cream or salad.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is a time-saver. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious candied pecans ready in no time. The entire process takes about 15 minutes, and the results are totally worth it.
- Classic Flavors: The combination of sweet, crunchy pecans with a hint of vanilla is a time-tested flavor that never disappoints. It’s a classic for a reason!
- Perfect for Gifting: These candied pecans make for a thoughtful and impressive homemade gift. Just package them up in a cute jar or bag and you’ve got a present that anyone would love to receive.
- Versatile: These candied pecans are great for snacking on their own, but they also make a wonderful addition to salads, desserts, and more. They’re a versatile pantry staple that you’ll love having on hand.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Key Ingredients
- Pecans: These will be the star of our recipe, adding a deliciously nutty and crunchy element. You can either chop them up for a salad or leave them whole for a beautiful, gift-worthy treat.
- White Sugar: This is the sweet element in our recipe, giving the pecans a lovely, caramelized coating. Just simple granulated sugar from your pantry will work perfectly.
- Butter: I love the combination of salty and sweet, and the salt in the butter will really bring out the flavors in the pecans. Use salt butter if your pecans are unsalted.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: This will add a wonderful, aromatic flavor to our candied pecans. Make sure to use pure vanilla extract, not imitation, for the best results.
Equipment
- Heavy Bottom Saucepan – You’ll need this to melt the sugar and mix in the butter and vanilla extract. Make sure it’s heavy-bottom to avoid scorching the sugar.
- Two Baking Sheets – One for toasting the pecans and the other one lined with parchment paper to cool the candied pecans.
How to Make Easy Candied Pecans
Preparation
To start, preheat your oven to 325˚ F. This will make sure that it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to toast your pecans.
Step 1 – Toast the Pecans
Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 9 minutes. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven.
Step 2 – Melt the Sugar
Take a piece of parchment paper and place it on a separate baking sheet. In a heavy-bottom saucepan, combine granulated sugar and heat it over medium-high heat. Let the sugar melt without stirring. When it turns light brown, add the butter and vanilla extract.
Step 3 – Toss the Pecans
Once the sugar is melted, quickly add your toasted pecans into the saucepan and stir until all the nuts are coated. Then, spread the coated pecans onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4 – Cool and Break Apart
Let the coated pecans cool on the baking sheet. Once they are cooled, they will have formed a hard, sugary coating. Break the pecans apart and they’re ready to serve. You can store them in an airtight container.
Expert Tip
This is not a recipe to start and walk away from. It comes together quickly which is great because you don’t have to wait long to enjoy these candied pecans! At the same time, the sugar can easily burn if you walk away so keep your eyes on it!
Recipe Variations
- Different Nuts: While this recipe calls for pecans, feel free to try this with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different flavor and texture.
- Spices: You can customize the flavor of your candied nuts by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the sugar mixture.
- Sweetness: If you prefer your candied pecans to be less sweet, like a butter pecan cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to suit your personal preference.
What to Serve With
- These candied pecans are a versatile treat. They can be served as a delicious snack on their own. Just pack them in small, airtight containers and take them with you on the go.
- You can also use them as a topping for your favorite desserts, such as ice cream or yogurt. The sweet, crunchy pecans add a wonderful texture and flavor to the creamy desserts.
- Another great way to serve these candied pecans is by including them in a cheese and charcuterie board. They pair well with a variety of cheeses and cured meats, adding a touch of sweetness to the savory spread.
- You can also chop them up and add them to your favorite salad for a sweet and nutty crunch. They go particularly well with a salad that has fruits like apples or pears in it.
Recipe FAQs
These pecans are considered “candied” because they are coated with a sweet and buttery mixture. The sugar is melted and caramelized, giving the pecans a crunchy and sweet exterior.
Yes, you can. While this recipe calls for pecans, you can also use other nuts like almonds or walnuts. Just make sure to adjust the toasting time as different nuts may require more or less time in the oven.
Toasting the pecans before coating them serves two purposes. First, it helps to bring out the natural oils and flavors of the pecans, making them more fragrant and delicious. Second, toasting also makes the pecans crispier, which provides a better contrast to the sweet and crunchy candy coating.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: After making these delicious candied pecans, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: If you want to make a large batch and save some for later, you can freeze these candied pecans. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container and they will keep well for up to three months.
More Delicious Add-Ons You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This easy candied pecan recipe yields about 1 1/2 cups of deliciously sweet and crunchy pecans that’s enough for 12 servings.
- How to Scale: If you want to make a larger batch of candied pecans, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger skillet to caramelize the sugar and coat the pecans evenly. Follow the rest of the instructions as directed.
Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pecans
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325˚ F.
- Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 325˚ F for 9 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Place a piece of parchment paper on a separate baking sheet and set it aside.
- In a heavy bottomed saucepan, pour ¼ cup granulated sugar and place on medium-high heat. Even out the sugar by shaking the pan. Let the sugar melt without stirring.
- When a small amount of sugar is remaining and the melted sugar turns light brown, stir the un-melted sugar into the melted sugar. Add the butter and vanilla extract.
- Quickly add your hot pecans into the melted sugar and stir until all the nuts are coated.
- Spread the coated pecans onto the parchment lined baking sheet. Let cool and break apart. Store in airtight container.
