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Best Candied Pecans Ever
Candied pecans are one of those timeless treats that fit any season and any occasion. They offer the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, warmth, and aroma, all wrapped inside a simple recipe that requires very little effort. Whether you eat them straight from the pan, sprinkle them on salads, gift them during the holidays, or use them as a topping for desserts, candied pecans always impress.
This recipe is known for its simplicity. A handful of everyday ingredients transform raw pecans into glossy, golden, sweet snacks with an irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating. The process takes only a few minutes of prep, and as they bake, your kitchen fills with a warm, comforting smell that feels like home.
This version is easy, reliable, and delivers consistently delicious results every single time.
Ingredients
• 1 pound pecan halves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg white and water until frothy. It should look light and foamy, which helps the sugar mixture stick to the pecans.
- Add the pecan halves to the foamy egg white mixture and stir until they are fully coated.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the pecans and toss gently until every piece is covered.
- Spread the coated pecans onto the baking sheet in an even layer. Make sure they aren’t piled together so they cook evenly.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, stirring once halfway through. When they come out, they will feel a little soft, but they will crisp up as they cool.
- Allow the pecans to cool completely before storing. They become crunchy and develop that perfect candied shell as they rest.
Serving Ideas
Candied pecans can be enjoyed in countless ways. You can snack on them by the handful, add them to charcuterie boards, sprinkle them over oatmeal or yogurt, or use them as a finishing touch for cakes, cupcakes, or sweet potatoes. They’re also a beautiful topping for salads, adding sweetness and texture to greens.
Storage
These keep extremely well. Once cooled, store them in an airtight jar or container. At room temperature they stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them or freeze them. Frozen candied pecans can last up to three months and thaw quickly with no loss of flavor.
Tips for Best Results
To keep the coating smooth, make sure the egg white mixture is very frothy before adding the pecans. Stir the pecans halfway through the baking time to prevent uneven browning. Avoid raising the oven temperature, because candied nuts can burn very quickly at higher heat.
For a deeper flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of maple syrup to the coating mixture. For a spiced twist, sprinkle in a bit of cayenne pepper. These small adjustments change the character of the pecans while staying true to the simple nature of the recipe.
Candied pecans are the kind of treat that people always ask about. They’re easy to share, easy to package, and always beloved. Once you experience how effortless they are to prepare, you’ll find yourself making them for holidays, gatherings, gifting, or simply to enjoy with a warm drink after a long day.