Sweet & Crunchy Candied Pecans Recipe for Fall

Sweet, sugary candied pecans redefine ordinary nuts into an irresistible treat that dances between savory and saccharine sensations.

These delectable morsels offer a perfect blend of crunch and caramelized coating that elevates any gathering or personal snacking moment.

Warm spices mingle with golden-brown sugar, creating a luxurious glaze that clings tantalizingly to each pecan’s surface.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive confection with just a few pantry staples and minimal effort.

Rich, complex flavors emerge through careful caramelization, turning humble nuts into a gourmet delicacy that surprises and delights.

Each bite promises a harmonious balance of nutty depth and sugary sweetness that keeps you reaching for more.

The magic happens when heat redefines basic ingredients into a crave-worthy snack that vanishes quickly at parties or quiet evenings.

What Makes Candied Pecans a Snack-Time Star

• Savor Sweet and Crunchy Perfection: These candied pecans deliver an irresistible combination of caramelized sweetness and satisfying crunch that transforms ordinary nuts into a gourmet treat.
• Create Effortless Culinary Magic: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, anyone can quickly whip up these delectable pecans, making them perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Snacking Sensation: These pecans work wonderfully as a standalone snack, salad topper, dessert garnish, or holiday gift, offering incredible flexibility for multiple culinary uses and entertaining needs.
• Customize with Endless Possibilities: Bakers can easily experiment with different spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper to personalize the flavor profile, making these pecans a creative and adaptable recipe that never gets boring.

What You’ll Need for These Glazed Pecans

• Pecans: Crunchy nuts with a rich, buttery flavor that become sweet and caramelized when candied.

• Brown Sugar, Honey: Natural sweeteners that create a deep, rich coating and help caramelize the pecans.

• Salt, Melted Butter: Salt enhances the overall flavor, while butter helps bind the sweet coating and create a glossy finish.

How to Make Candied Pecans in No Time

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete surface coverage. Set aside your baking tools and ingredients.

Step 2: Create Sweet Coating Mixture

• Pecans
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Salt
• Melted butter

Gently stir until each pecan is thoroughly and evenly coated with the sweet mixture.

Step 3: Spread Pecans for Roasting

Transfer the coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to distribute them in a single, even layer without overcrowding.

Step 4: Roast and Rotate Pecans

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, carefully stirring the pecans at 10 and 15-minute intervals. This ensures uniform golden-brown coloration and prevents burning.

Step 5: Check and Cool Pecans

Remove the pecans from the oven when they reach a deep, rich brown color. Stir the pecans on the baking sheet to prevent sticking. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature until they become crisp and crunchy.

Step 6: Store or Serve

Once cooled, transfer the candied pecans to an airtight container. Enjoy as a snack, salad topping, or sweet garnish for desserts.

Tips to Get That Glossy Crunch Just Right

• Stir Strategically: Mix pecans every 5-10 minutes during baking to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization of sugar coating.
• Watch Color Changes: Look for a deep, rich brown color as the key indicator that pecans are perfectly candied and not overdone.
• Cool Completely: Let pecans cool entirely on the baking sheet to develop their signature crunch and allow sugar to harden.
• Storage Secrets: Store cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain maximum crispness.
• Customize Flavors: Experiment with additional spices like cinnamon, cayenne, or vanilla extract to create unique flavor variations of this classic treat.

Storing Candied Pecans Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerator Storage: Place cooled candied pecans in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, keeping them fresh for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer Preservation: Transfer pecans to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing excess air, and store for 1-2 months without losing their crunchy texture.
• Reheating Method: Warm pecans briefly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness, watching carefully to prevent burning.

What to Serve Candied Pecans With

• Elevate Salad Crunch: Sprinkle these sweet and buttery candied pecans over mixed green salads for an incredible texture contrast and nutty flavor burst.
• Pair with Cheese Boards: Serve alongside creamy brie, sharp cheddar, or goat cheese to create a delightful sweet-savory combination that'll wow your guests.
• Match with Beverages: Complement these pecans with bourbon-based cocktails, oak-aged red wines, or rich dark coffee to enhance their caramelized sweetness and deep nutty undertones.
• Dessert Topping Magic: Crumble over vanilla ice cream, chocolate mousse, or apple pie to add a delicious crackly texture and warm, sugary notes.

Sweet & Savory Twists on Classic Candied Pecans

• Sweet Maple Crunch: Replace honey with pure maple syrup and add a dash of cinnamon for a warm, woodsy flavor that elevates the classic candied pecan recipe.
• Spicy Bourbon Pecans: Incorporate a splash of bourbon and sprinkle cayenne pepper for a bold, complex taste that brings unexpected heat and depth to the nuts.
• Chocolate-Drizzled Treat: After cooling, melt dark chocolate and lightly drizzle over the pecans, creating a decadent dessert-like snack with rich, indulgent notes.
• Savory Herb Blend: Mix in dried rosemary and thyme with a pinch of sea salt, transforming the sweet pecans into a sophisticated, herbaceous appetizer perfect for cheese boards.

Candied Pecans Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Candied pecans deliver a sweet and spicy Southern classic that dances between crunchy and caramelized. Warm kitchen aromas and simple ingredients combine to create a perfect snack or garnish that elevates salads, desserts, and holiday gatherings with nostalgic charm.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (247.5 g) pecans, halved
• 0.25 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 0.25 cup (85 g) honey

Seasoning:

• 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt

Fat:

• 2 tablespoons (28.4 g) unsalted butter, melted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and warming the oven to a toasty 350°F.
2. Combine pecans with a luxurious mixture of brown sugar, honey, salt, and melted butter in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring each nutty morsel is generously glazed.
3. Carefully distribute the coated pecans across the prepared baking sheet, creating an even single layer that allows for consistent caramelization.
4. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, setting a timer to rotate the pecans at 10 and 15 minutes to promote uniform browning and prevent burning.
5. Watch for a deep golden-brown transformation, indicating the pecans have reached their perfect candied state after approximately 20 minutes of baking.
6. Extract the baking sheet from the oven and gently separate the pecans, allowing them to rest and crisp up during the cooling process.
7. If the pecans lack the desired crunch, return them to the oven for a few additional minutes, monitoring closely to prevent over-browning.
8. Once completely cooled, the candied pecans will develop a satisfying crisp texture and are ready to be enjoyed as a sweet, crunchy treat.

Notes

• Prep these sweet treats in advance for quick snacking or as a delightful homemade gift that impresses everyone.
• Stirring during baking prevents burning and ensures each pecan gets evenly caramelized with that perfect golden-brown coating.
• Watch closely in the final baking minutes because pecans can quickly go from perfectly caramelized to burnt.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain maximum crunchiness and flavor.
• Customize the recipe by adding warm spices like cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for an unexpected flavor twist.
• Cool pecans completely on the baking sheet to help them develop a satisfying crisp texture that makes them utterly addictive.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 204
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 27 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 8 mg