Candied Pecans

If you’re looking for a simple, sweet treat that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping your favorite desserts, these Candied Pecans are exactly what you need! With a delightful crunch and just the right amount of sweetness and spice, they’re an addictive snack that’ll have you reaching for more.

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Why You’ll Love These Candied Pecans

• Sweet & Spiced: The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and a hint of vanilla gives these pecans the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, these candied pecans come together effortlessly.
• Versatile: Use them as a snack, salad topping, or even a crunchy garnish for desserts like ice cream or pies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 egg white – Helps the sugar and spices stick to the pecans, giving them that irresistible coating.
• 2 tsp water – Just a splash to help whisk the egg white into a frothy base.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a warm, fragrant sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pecans and cinnamon.
• 1 lb pecan halves – Pecans are buttery and rich, the perfect canvas for this sweet coating.
• 1 cup sugar – For the sweet, crunchy coating.
• 1 tbsp cinnamon – Adds a warm, spiced flavor that complements the sweetness.
• 1/2 tsp salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low and slow baking method will allow the pecans to caramelize and get perfectly crispy without burning.

2. Mix the Sugar and Spices

In a large ziplock bag, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Seal the bag and give it a good shake to mix everything together. Set this aside for later.

3. Whip the Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 egg white, 2 teaspoons of water, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until the mixture becomes frothy. This will help the sugar and cinnamon mixture stick to the pecans, giving them that irresistible coating.

4. Coat the Pecans

Add the pecan halves to the egg white mixture, making sure all of the pecans are well coated. The egg mixture should lightly cover each pecan, which will act as the glue for the sugar mixture.

5. Toss the Pecans in Sugar Mixture

Now, transfer the egg-coated pecans into the ziplock bag with the sugar mixture. Seal the bag and shake it until all the pecans are evenly coated in the sweet and spiced sugar mix.

6. Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with non-stick spray like Pam. Spread the sugar-coated pecans in an even layer on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not overcrowded to allow for even baking.

7. Bake the Pecans

Place the pecans in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring them every 20 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick together. This slow baking process allows the sugar to caramelize, giving the pecans a crunchy, candied coating.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Once the pecans are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, the sugar coating will harden, creating that irresistible candied crunch.

How to Serve Candied Pecans

These Candied Pecans are as versatile as they are delicious! Here are a few ideas for how to use them:

• Snacking: Enjoy them straight from the jar as a sweet and crunchy snack.
• Salad Topping: Toss them into your favorite salads for an extra burst of sweetness and crunch. They’re especially delicious in salads with apples, cranberries, and goat cheese!
• Dessert Garnish: Sprinkle them over ice cream, pies, or even oatmeal for an extra-special treat.
• Gifting: Package them up in jars or bags with a festive ribbon for a homemade holiday gift!

Tips for the Best Candied Pecans

• Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stirring the pecans every 20 minutes while they bake is key to making sure they cook evenly and don’t clump together.
• Let Them Cool Completely: The pecans will continue to harden and get crunchy as they cool, so be patient and let them cool on the baking sheet before digging in!
• Storage: Once cooled, store the pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks if they last that long!

Why You Should Make These Candied Pecans

Not only are these Candied Pecans a breeze to make, but they also deliver on flavor in a big way. The combination of sweet, spiced, and crunchy is downright addictive, and they’re perfect for everything from holiday gifts to everyday snacking. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making these all the time!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: About 16 servings

Enjoy these Candied Pecans as the perfect sweet, crunchy treat and be sure to share, if you can resist eating them all yourself!