If you have a sweet tooth and love a little crunch in your snacks, this Candied Pecans Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine perfectly roasted pecan halves enveloped in a shiny, caramelized sugar coating that’s sweet, slightly crunchy, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re adding them to salads, baking treats, or munching straight from the jar, these candied pecans bring delight in every bite. The recipe is straightforward, quick, and requires just a handful of pantry staples, making it a must-try for anyone who enjoys a tasty, handmade treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but fundamental to creating that perfect candy-coated crunch. Each element plays a special role, from the rich, buttery pecans to the sweet, glossy coating formed by sugar and water.
- 2 cups pecan halves: The star of the show, providing the signature nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens and caramelizes to create the signature candy shell.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar and forms a silky syrup that coats the pecans evenly.
How to Make Candied Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Skillet
Start by placing a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. This step ensures your skillet is evenly warmed up and ready to gently melt the sugar without burning it, setting the stage for a perfect candy coating.
Step 2: Make the Syrup
Combine granulated sugar and water in the warm skillet. Stir consistently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to gently simmer. This syrup is the magical base that will cling beautifully to each pecan.
Step 3: Coat the Pecans
Now add the pecan halves straight into the simmering syrup. Quickly but carefully stir them so that every pecan is coated in the glossy liquid. This step is key for that uniform, shiny sweetness on each nut.
Step 4: Cook and Crystallize
Stir continuously for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice the syrup gradually thicken and start crystallizing. Keep the heat at medium and your movements steady to avoid burning and to create that irresistible caramelized shell around each pecan.
Step 5: Cool the Pecans
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately transfer the candied pecans onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them out quickly to prevent clumping because patience here means perfectly separated, cluster-free results! Allow them to cool completely before indulging.
How to Serve Candied Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
Candied pecans make a fantastic garnish for desserts like ice cream or cheesecake, where their crunch adds texture and their sweetness complements creamy richness. They also look beautiful sprinkled atop salads, adding a pop of caramelized elegance.
Side Dishes
Add a handful of these candied pecans to side dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potato mash to introduce a lovely nutty-sweet contrast. They effortlessly elevate simple sides into memorable accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Try incorporating your candied pecans into homemade granola bars or using them as a crunchy topping for yogurt bowls or oatmeal. They can even star as a sweet nibble on your cheese board—offering a satisfying crunch and balancing savory flavors wonderfully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making them perfect for prepping in advance for snacks or recipes.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the candied pecans in a tightly sealed container. They can last up to three months in the freezer without losing their delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
To refresh the sparkle and crunch, gently warm candied pecans in a dry skillet over low heat for a few minutes. This brings back their crisp caramel shell without melting the sugar coating, making them taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! This method works beautifully with walnuts, almonds, or pecans’ close relative, cashews. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on the nut size and oil content.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning?
Keep the heat at medium and stir continuously during the cooking process. If the sugar starts to smoke or darken too quickly, lower the heat immediately to avoid bitterness.
What can I do if my pecans stick together after cooling?
Spread them out on parchment paper as soon as you remove them from heat to minimize clumps. If they do stick, gently separate once cooled, or give them a quick toss in a dry skillet to loosen.
Is there a way to add spices or flavors?
Definitely! Cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added either during the syrup simmering or tossed with pecans right after cooking for an extra flavor kick.
Can I make smaller or larger batches?
You can scale this Candied Pecans Recipe up or down easily. Just keep the same ratio of sugar, water, and nuts and monitor cooking times closely for consistent results.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Candied Pecans Recipe a whirl because once you taste the sweet, buttery crunch, you’ll understand why it’s one of my favorite treats to make and share. Whether as a snack, a dessert garnish, or a tasty addition to meals, these pecans bring joy and flavor to any moment. Happy cooking and even happier snacking!
Print
Candied Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously sweet and crunchy candied pecans made by coating pecan halves in a caramelized sugar syrup cooked on the stovetop, perfect for snacking or adding to salads and desserts.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the Skillet: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat to warm up in preparation for cooking the syrup and pecans.
- Make the Syrup: Combine the granulated sugar and water in the skillet. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer gently.
- Coat the Pecans: Add the pecan halves to the syrup in the skillet, stirring continuously to ensure each pecan is evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
- Cook: Continue stirring the pecans in the skillet for 8 to 10 minutes as the syrup thickens and crystallizes, forming a shiny caramel coating on the pecans.
- Cool the Pecans: Remove the skillet from heat and promptly transfer the candied pecans onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them out quickly to prevent clumping and allow them to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and burning of the syrup.
- Stir continuously during cooking to avoid burning the sugar and ensure even coating.
- Cool pecans fully on parchment paper to maintain crispness and prevent clumping.
- Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
