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
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
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and warming the oven to a toasty 350°F.
- 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.
- Carefully distribute the coated pecans across the prepared baking sheet, creating an even single layer that allows for consistent caramelization.
- 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.
- Watch for a deep golden-brown transformation, indicating the pecans have reached their perfect candied state after approximately 20 minutes of baking.
- Extract the baking sheet from the oven and gently separate the pecans, allowing them to rest and crisp up during the cooling process.
- If the pecans lack the desired crunch, return them to the oven for a few additional minutes, monitoring closely to prevent over-browning.
- 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