These cinnamon sugar candied pecans are the perfect addition to crispy salads, holiday charcuterie boards, snack mixes, and make a great edible gift. They stay crunchy and fresh for weeks.
In This Article
- Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Key Recipe Ingredients
- Variations and Substitutions
- Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- How to Store Candied Pecans
- WAYS TO USE CANDIED PECANS
- Commonly Asked Questions
- Did you make this?
- Candied Pecans Recipe Recipe
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Way Better Than Store-bought – this candied pecans recipe tastes better than anything from the store, and has just
- Super Easy – these candied pecans require only 7 ingredients and are simple to make.
- Crispy Crunchy Texture – these are the crispiest candied nuts around!
- Goes with Everything – add them to any snack recipe, sprinkle them on your favorite salads, or chop them up and sprinkle them onto easy dessert recipes.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Pecans: a good-sized batch requires about 4 cups of freshly purchased pecans. You can use whole or halves.
- Egg White: one egg white creates a light, airy, crispy texture without weighing down.
- Vanilla Extract: two teaspoons will provide abundant aroma and flavor.
- Sugars: a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar lends perfect sweetness.
- Spices: cinnamon is essential for the warm spice, and salt offsets the sweetness.
Variations and Substitutions
Nuts: Though we’re partial to pecans, you can also use walnuts or almonds with good results.
Extract: If you love to play with flavors, try 1 tsp almond extract combined with 1 tsp vanilla extract. This combination would work particularly well when using roasted almonds.
Spices: For more fall spices, try adding 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, cloves, or allspice. You can also substitute the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice.
Heat: If you like a bit of kick and want to try spicy candied pecans, add 2-3 teaspoons of Sriracha to the egg white mixture – it is delicious! You can also use your favorite hot sauce.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and vanilla until very frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the nuts with frothy egg mixture. Stir to coat evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add sugar mixture to the nut mixture. Stir until fully coated.
- Spread coated nuts on parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 300F for 30 minutes, quickly stirring 1-2 times in between. Let cool completely.
How to Store Candied Pecans
These delicious cinnamon sugar pecans stay fresh and crunchy for weeks when kept in an airtight container at mild to moderate room temperature. They can even be frozen in airtight Ziploc bags for several months.
WAYS TO USE CANDIED PECANS
Snacks
- Candied Nuts Snack Mix for a medley of candied nuts and crispy deliciousness.
- Samoa Snack Mix for a girl scout inspired snack mix.
- Add to Easy Caramel Popcorn or Zebra Popcorn for an amazing flavor combination.
- Combine with yogurt covered pretzels or regular pretzels.
- Sprinkle over yogurt for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Salads
- Farro Salad – this hearty salad is fabulous with the crunch of pecans.
- Pomegranate Salad with Pear and Blue Cheese – this is the ultimate flavor pairing with candied pecans!
- 21 Salad Recipes – our favorite salad combinations are perfect for sprinkling nuts over.
Desserts
- Blueberry Coffee Cake – a sprinkling of chopped candied pecans would be scrumptious here
- Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – the crunch of cinnamon sugar pecans pairs perfectly.
- The Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe would be even better with a sprinkling of chopped candied pecans on top!
- Flourless Chocolate Cake is so velvety smooth, the crunchiness of candied pecans will offer fabulous texture.
Charcuterie
- Serve alongside jams, crackers, and cheese for an amazing charcuterie board
- Perfect Cheese Platter is ideal for including candied pecans.
Food Gifts
- Place candied pecans in mason jars and stick a cute label on them.
- Wrap pecans in pretty cellophane and ribbon.
- Include pecans in a food gift basket, along with other nuts, jams, dried fruits, and crackers.
Commonly Asked Questions
What are candied pecans or cinnamon sugar pecans?
Candied pecans are pecans (or other nuts) that have been coated in a sweet mixture, typically made from sugar, spices, and egg whites. They are then baked or roasted until sugar caramelizes, creating a sweet, crunchy coating around the pecans.
Can I make candied pecans without the egg white?
You can make candied pecans without using egg white, though we highly recommend using egg white. Egg white helps the sugar mixture adhere to the pecans and provides an extra-crunchy texture.
How long do cinnamon sugar pecans stay fresh?
Candied pecans can stay fresh for several weeks if stored properly. To maximize their freshness, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place like your pantry. Keeping them wrapped airtight in the freezer can also extend their shelf life.
Are candied pecans gluten-free?
Yes, candied pecans are gluten-free, as no wheat products are used in the recipe. Double check your ingredients to confirm they’re gluten-free.
What are some uses for candied pecans?
Candied pecans make a delicious snack on their own, but they can also be used in various ways, such as topping salads, desserts like ice cream, topping breakfasts like oatmeal or yogurt, or as a tasty addition to baked goods like muffins and brownies. They’re also perfect for adding to your charcuterie board.
Can I use other types of nuts for candied pecans?
Yes, you can use various types of nuts for making candied nuts. Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and peanuts are popular choices. The instructions are the same.
Can I gift candied pecans?
Yes, candied pecans make a wonderful homemade gift. You can package them in decorative containers or bags for a hostess gift or for friends and family during the holidays. Include a cute tag listing ways your recipient can use her gift!
Looking for more tasty homemade nuts? Try these curry roasted cashews for a savory option and chocolate almonds for a sweet!
Did you make this?
Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!
Candied Pecans Recipe
5 from 11 ratings
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These Cinnamon Sugar Nuts are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy. They are super easy to make and keep incredibly well. Perfect for parties or gifts.
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 35 minutes mins
Servings: 20 servings (makes about 4 cups)
Author: Amy Dong
Ingredients
- 4 cups nuts, pecans, walnuts, or almonds from the baking aisle all work well
- 1 large egg white, room temp
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅔ cups light brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 300F, with rack on upper middle position. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and vanilla until very frothy.
In a large bowl, combine the nuts with frothy egg mixture. Stir to coat evenly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add sugar mixture to the nut mixture. Stir until fully coated.
Spread coated nuts on parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 30 minutes, quickly stirring 1-2 times in between. Let cool completely and keep in airtight container.
Notes
- If you’d like a bit of kick to these candied pecans, add 2-3 tsp Sriracha to the egg white mixture – it tastes amazing!
- Candied pecans will keep its freshness for several weeks when kept in an airtight container at mild room temperature.
- Try adding these candied pecans to this crunchy Snack Mix or on top of thisStrawberry Avocado Salad.
- Candied pecans can be chopped up and sprinkled on top of desserts like Easy Vanilla Ice Cream orApple Cake with Caramel.
- If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating – it helps keep your favorite recipes alive on our site. And, we ❤️ hearing from you!
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Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 135mg | Potassium: 186mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegetarian
Method: baking, dutch oven, Mixing
