Candied Pecans Recipe
Introduction
Candied pecans are a delightful treat combining the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with a sweet, crunchy glaze. Perfect for snacking, topping salads, or adding a special touch to desserts, this easy recipe yields irresistibly sweet and crispy pecans.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (247.5 g) pecans, halved
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (85 g) honey
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar, honey, salt, and melted butter. Mix well until all pecan halves are thoroughly coated.
- Step 3: Spread the coated pecans evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake for 20 minutes, stirring the pecans at the 10- and 15-minute marks to ensure even cooking. The pecans are done when they turn a deep brown color.
- Step 5: Remove the pecans from the oven, give them a final stir, and spread them out to cool completely. If they are not crunchy enough, return them to the oven for a few more minutes.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the mixture before baking.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Make smaller batches and store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Storage
Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To re-crisp, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use roasted pecans instead of raw?
It’s best to use raw pecans for this recipe to ensure even coating and baking. Roasted pecans may burn more easily during baking.
How do I know when the pecans are done?
They should be a deep golden brown and smell fragrant. Stirring during baking helps prevent burning and promotes even caramelization.
Print
Candied Pecans Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 ½ cups of candied pecans 1x
Description
Deliciously sweet and crunchy candied pecans made by coating pecan halves in a mixture of brown sugar, honey, and butter, then baked to perfection. Perfect as a snack, salad topping, or dessert garnish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (247.5 g) pecans, halved
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (85 g) honey
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pecan halves, light brown sugar, honey, kosher salt, and melted butter. Stir well to ensure all pecans are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated pecans evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded for uniform baking.
- Bake the Pecans: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, stirring the pecans at the 10 and 15-minute marks to promote even caramelization and prevent burning. The pecans are done when they are a deep brown color.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pecans from the oven, stir again, and spread them out on the baking sheet. Let them cool completely to allow the coating to harden and the pecans to become crunchy. If they aren’t crunchy enough, bake for a few more minutes as needed.
Notes
- Make sure to stir the pecans during baking to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
- If pecans aren’t crunchy after initial baking, you can return them to the oven for additional time in short intervals.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: candied pecans, sweet pecans, baked pecans, honey pecans, brown sugar pecans, crunchy pecans, dessert garnish, snack
