Quick & Sweet: Homemade Sugar Coated Pecans Recipe

Sweet, crunchy sugar-coated pecans reinvent ordinary snacking into a delightful culinary adventure.

Nuts bathed in caramelized sugar create an irresistible treat that tantalizes taste buds with complex layers of flavor.

Each golden-brown morsel carries rich, buttery undertones enhanced by delicate crystalline sweetness.

Crafting these delectable morsels requires minimal ingredients and simple kitchen techniques that anyone can master.

Home cooks love how quickly these pecans come together, offering maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

The aromatic reinventation happening during preparation fills your kitchen with warm, inviting scents that promise indulgence.

Crisp, glossy, and wonderfully addictive, these sugar-coated pecans make perfect gifts or personal indulgences that elevate any gathering.

The Allure of Sugar Coated Pecans

• Craft Irresistible Sweet Crunch: These homemade sugar-coated pecans deliver an incredible crispy texture with a delightful caramelized sweetness that transforms ordinary nuts into a gourmet treat.
• Master Simple Gourmet Technique: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create professional-quality candied pecans without complex culinary skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Versatile Snacking Sensation: Perfect for holiday gifts, party appetizers, salad toppings, or standalone snacking, these pecans offer a delectable blend of cinnamon warmth and sugary indulgence that suits multiple occasions and tastes.
• Effortless Slow-Bake Magic: The low-temperature, long-bake method ensures pecans are evenly coated, wonderfully crisp, and develop a rich, deep flavor without burning, making them foolproof and consistently delicious.

Ingredients for Sugar-Coated Pecans

• Sugar: Classic sweetener with a fine texture for a crisp, caramelized coating.
• Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that adds depth and traditional flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall sweetness and balances the flavor profile.

• Egg White: Natural binding agent that helps sugar mixture adhere to pecans.
• Water: Helps create a smooth, light mixture for coating nuts.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle sweet flavor and aromatic complexity.

• Pecans: Rich, buttery nuts with natural sweet undertones, perfect for sweet coating.

Coating and Roasting Instructions

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Warm your oven to 250°F (120°C). Lightly coat a baking sheet with melted butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Egg White Mixture

• Egg white
• Water
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes light and frothy.

Step 3: Coat Pecans

Add pecans to the egg white mixture. Gently fold using a rubber spatula until each pecan is completely covered.

Step 4: Make Sugar Coating

• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Mix ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Apply Sugar Coating

Sprinkle half the sugar mixture over pecans. Toss carefully. Add remaining sugar mixture and continue tossing until pecans are evenly coated.

Step 6: Arrange Pecans

Spread pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not clumped together.

Step 7: Bake And Stir

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 1 hour, stirring pecans every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Step 8: Cool And Store

Remove pecans from oven. Let them cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container for crispy, sweet storage.

Tips for Crisp, Sweet Pecans

• Whisk Wisely: Ensure egg whites are beaten until perfectly frothy to help sugar adhere evenly to pecans.
• Coating Technique: Use a rubber spatula to gently fold pecans, guaranteeing complete and uniform sugar coverage.
• Stirring Strategy: Rotate pecans every 15 minutes during baking to prevent burning and achieve consistent golden-brown color.
• Temperature Control: Keep oven temperature low and steady at 250°F to slowly caramelize sugar without scorching nuts.
• Storage Secret: Let pecans cool completely before transferring to an airtight container to maintain their crispy, sweet crunch.

Storage Hacks for Coated Pecans

• Refrigeration: Store cooled sugar-coated pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, keeping them crisp and fresh.
• Freezing: Seal pecans in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, preserving their crunch for 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm pecans briefly in a 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore their original crispy texture and reinvigorate the sweet cinnamon coating.

Pairing Ideas for Sweet Pecans

• Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Complement the sugary, cinnamon-coated pecans with a luscious dessert wine like Port or Moscato, enhancing the nutty sweetness and creating a delightful after-dinner treat.
• Match with Creamy Cheese Plate: Serve alongside a selection of soft, creamy cheeses such as brie or camembert, allowing the crunchy pecans to provide a delightful textural contrast and spice accent.
• Combine with Rich Coffee: Enjoy these candied pecans with a robust espresso or cappuccino, where the sweet, warm cinnamon notes beautifully intertwine with the coffee's deep, roasted flavors.
• Create a Salad Topper: Sprinkle these sugared pecans over a fresh green salad with goat cheese, adding a delightful crunch and sweet-spicy dimension to your leafy greens.

Flavor Mix-Ups for Sugar-Coated Pecans

• Maple Pecan Crunch: Swap white sugar with maple sugar and add a splash of pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor profile that enhances the natural nuttiness of pecans.
• Spicy Southwestern Pecans: Incorporate chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne to create a bold, zesty coating that brings a southwestern kick to the classic recipe.
• Chocolate Drizzled Pecans: After cooling, lightly drizzle melted dark chocolate over the sugar-coated pecans for an indulgent, decadent touch that transforms the snack into an elegant treat.
• Bourbon-Infused Pecans: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the egg white mixture for a subtle, sophisticated adult version that introduces warm, complex undertones to the sweet pecans.

Homemade Sugar Coated Pecans Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet cinnamon-kissed pecans offer a delightful crunch from Southern kitchens. Warm spices and caramelized sugar create an irresistible treat you cannot resist sampling.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (8 ounces or 225 grams) pecan halves
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 small egg white

Spices and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons water
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Whisk egg white, water, and vanilla in a mixing bowl until a light, airy foam develops.
2. Gently fold pecans into the egg white mixture, ensuring each nut is thoroughly and evenly moistened.
3. Combine sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate mixing vessel, creating a fragrant dry coating.
4. Gradually sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans, using a spatula to tumble and coat the nuts completely.
5. Transfer the sugar-dusted pecans onto a lightly greased baking sheet, arranging them in a uniform, single layer to promote even roasting.
6. Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven set at a low temperature, allowing the pecans to slowly transform and caramelize.
7. Intermittently stir the pecans every quarter-hour to guarantee uniform toasting and prevent any potential burning.
8. After one hour, remove the pecans when they emit a rich, toasted aroma and display a crisp, crystallized exterior.
9. Allow the pecans to cool completely at room temperature, during which their sugar coating will harden and create a delightful crunch.
10. Once cooled, transfer the candied pecans to an airtight container to maintain their freshness and preserve their delectable texture.

Notes

• Prep pecans thoroughly to ensure complete sugar coating, preventing clumping and creating an even, crispy texture.
• Use room temperature egg white for better adhesion and smoother mixing with sugar and spices.
• Consistent stirring during baking prevents burning and guarantees uniform caramelization of sugar on nuts.
• Allow pecans to cool completely before storing to maintain their delightful crunch and prevent moisture buildup.
• Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, making them perfect for snacking or gifting.
• Experiment with spice variations like adding a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg for a personalized flavor twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 1 mg