Candied pecans recipe - A Dish of Daily Life (2024)

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This quick and easyCandied Pecans Recipeis perfect for snacking, topping salads, or gifting during the holiday season. The combination of caramelized sugar, warm cinnamon, and toasty pecans is one of my favorite holiday recipes that I eat all year long.

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This candied pecans recipe is one of my favorite treats. It has just the right amount of sweetness but the great nutritional benefits of raw nuts.

And I use them all the time.

I add coated pecans to my favorite salads. They are especially good on thisGreen Salad with blueberries.

Serve them on your favorite ice cream or as a brownie topping.

Or my most favorite way is to just eat a small bowl of these for my afternoon snack. A bowl of candy pecans and an orange is the perfect snack!

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What are Candied Pecans?

Candied pecans are pecan halves coated in a blend of caramelized sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. The result is a treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

This recipe lets you make them with basic ingredients and no candy thermometer needed. And you still get great results every time.

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What ingredients are in Candied Pecans Recipe?

  • Sugar: Forms the sweet and crispy coating on the pecans.
  • Ground Cinnamon: adds a classic warm and spicy flavor.
  • Cream of Tartar: keeps the crystals in the sugar coating small so you don’t get big clumps of raw sugar
  • Boiling Water: Combines with sugar to make the base for the candied coating.
  • Pecan Halves: The star of the show, these raw pecans have a rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.

Pro Tip:Be sure to use pecan halves and not pieces. While pieces will work, they aren’t as beautiful in this sugared pecans recipe, and they are harder to make an even layer.

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How to Make Candied Pecans Recipe:

  1. Combinesugar and candy ingredients andbringto a boil over medium heat.
  2. Simmeruntil sticky and well combined.
  3. Removefrom heat,stirpecans into cinnamon sugar mixture, thenlet coolfor a few minutes.
  4. Addvanilla,mixingso you have an even coating on each nut.
  5. Spreadcandies pecans on a prepared baking sheet in a single layer, separating the clumps.
  6. Coolthenserveorstore.

Pro Tips:Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line your baking sheet for easy removal and cleanup.

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Are Candied Pecans Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, this candied peacans recipe is gluten-free! It is a great recipe to serve to your friends with dietary restrictions. It also makes great gifts!

How Long Do Candied Pecans Recipe Last?

Candied pecans will last in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. But I never have them last that long. They are such a sweet snack that a large bowl of these is gone in a day or two.

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Are Candied Pecans Recipe Healthy?

While candied pecans are not necessarily healthy (they have been candied), they are a great option since candied pecans are full of healthy fats and good protein. If eaten in moderation, they are a perfect sweet treat to satisfy any craving.

Can You Freeze Candied Pecans Recipe?

Yes you can freeze candied pecans! If you have a huge batch you really cannot eat, feel free to put these in a freezer safe container. When you pull them out of the freezer, spread them on parchment paper so they thaw crunchy and do not get soggy in the bag.

Pro Tip:If you really have more of this candied pecan recipe than you can eat, put them in a mason jar with a bow and give them to your neighbors. A bag of caramelized pecans makes perfect last-minute gifts for happy holidays or any time you want to say hello to your neighbors.

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Can you use different nuts in this Candied Pecans Recipe?

Yes you can use different nuts in this candied pecans recipe! But if you do, do not call them “pecans.”

Call them whatever kind of nut you choose to use. I really like using walnuts and cashews.

Can you use brown sugar to make Candied Pecans Recipe?

Yes you can use brown sugar to make candied pecans! I prefer using white sugar because it lets the flavors of the nuts, cinnamon, and vanilla really shine through.

However, these are also delicious when made with brown sugar. Brown sugar is just white sugar mixed with molasses, so it will give you a deeper flavor and a darker molasses taste to your nuts.

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What to Serve with Candied Pecans Recipe:

You can serve so many things with candied pecans. I like to sprinkle them on salads, ice cream, or enjoy as a standalone snack for my sweet tooth. Pair them with cheese and fruit for a delightful appetizer or part of your charcuterie board.

Are Candied Pecans Recipe Good for You?

At my house, candied pecans are good for you. I always encourage delicious recipes with protein to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The protein helps you feel fuller longer so you feel the need to indulge less. Besides, pecans provide healthy fats and essential nutrients, so candied flavored pecans are a great snack.

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Additional Pecan Recipes You’ll Love…

Whether you are looking for an easy recipe with simple ingredients or you need some homemade holiday gifts, this candied pecans recipe has the perfect amount of sweetness and is an easy way to make something delicious in your kitchen.

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Candied Pecans

Yield: 6 Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Indulge in the sweet crunch of our Candied Pecans Recipe! Perfect for snacking or elevating your favorite dishes like salads and sweet potatoes!

Instructions

  1. Stir together the sugar, cinnamon, cream of tartar, and boiling water in a small saucepan.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.
  3. Continue to cook at a slow boil over medium heat for about 8 minutes or so, stirring constantly.
  4. Remove saucepan from heat, and stir in pecans.
  5. Add vanilla, and continue to stir until pecans are evenly coated.
  6. Pour pecans onto a sheet of parchment paper.
  7. Separate nuts that have clumped together with a fork.
  8. Let cool.
  9. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 621Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 32gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 74gFiber: 5gSugar: 69gProtein: 5g

Originally Posted on Life Currents, posted with permission.

Originally Posted: December 11, 2015

Photos & Text Updated: December 23, 2023

Candied pecans recipe - A Dish of Daily Life (2024)

FAQs

How much sugar is in candied pecans? ›

Candied Pecans Nutritional Facts and Calories
Amount Per Serving% DV
Sugars5g10%
Fiber1g4%
Proteins1g1%
Cholesterol0mg0%
7 more rows

Why are my candied pecans soft? ›

Why are my candied pecans soft and sticky? If your pecans are soft, it's most likely because they weren't baked long enough and are still retaining moisture. The sugar needs to bake long enough to caramelize and form a brittle coating on the nuts.

How many carbs are in glazed pecans? ›

Kettle Glazed Pecans
Amount Per Serving
Total Carbohydrate: 13g5%
Dietary Fiber: 2g7%
Sugars: 11g
Added Sugars: 10g20%
14 more rows

Are pecans good or bad for diabetics? ›

Pecans have a very low glycemic index, which means that eating them does not cause a spike in blood sugar, even in people with diabetes. Eating pecans can even offset the effects of higher glycemic index foods when eaten as part of the same meal.

Can diabetics eat candied pecans? ›

Since nuts are low on the glycemic index, pecans can slow the body's absorption of carbohydrates down, which ultimately leads to lower blood glucose (sugar) levels; just ensure you're using unsalted, dry-roasted pecans and not candied pecans that can be high in sugar and added fat.

How long do candied pecans stay good? ›

How long will candied pecans keep? They will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, at least three weeks in the refrigerator, or up to two months in the freezer. No matter where you store them, keep in a tightly sealed, airtight container.

Do candied nuts go bad? ›

Ba-dum-dum. Okay, all bad dad jokes aside, these candied walnuts will last quite a while. All nuts do go rancid eventually, but as long as you cool them completely and then store them in an air-tight container, they should be good for about a month. You might also like our Candied Pecans recipe or Candied Almonds!

Can a dog eat a pecan? ›

These nuts are toxic for dogs. Eating them can result in pets becoming sick and needing immediate veterinary care. “The reason pecans are considered toxic is that they contain a compound called juglone, also found in walnuts, that is harmful to dogs,” advises Dr. Klein.

Are glazed pecans healthy for you? ›

This crunchy snack of glazed pecans is great for topping ice cream, garnishing a salad, or nibbling all on their own. They'd even make a great gift or game day appetizer. Nuts are high on the list of healthy snacks with great levels of fiber, protein and unsaturated fats.

How many pecans a day on keto? ›

With carb restriction of about 20-50g per day, adding pecans to your keto diet is a good idea, since you'll get 1g of net carbs if you eat about 19 halves of pecan nuts. The nuts also have about 70% fats, which is an excellent addition in achieving ketosis.

Is pecan good for keto? ›

The Best low-carb nut

So, while other nuts are high in fatandcarbs, pecans are a smart choice when you're on the keto diet because of their generous healthy fat and protein content.

What is a serving size of candied pecans? ›

Nice!
Nutrition Facts
For a Serving Size of 0.25 cup (30g)
How many calories are in Candied Pecans? Amount of calories in Candied Pecans: Calories 190Calories from Fat 153 (80.5%)
% Daily Value *
How much fat is in Candied Pecans? Amount of fat in Candied Pecans: Total Fat 17g-
17 more rows

Do pecans have carbs or sugar? ›

Pecans (1 cup) contains 13.7g total carbs, 4.2g net carbs, 71.3g fat, 9.1g protein, and 684 calories.

Are pecans low in sugar? ›

They're surprisingly low in sugar.

Not only do they contain very little sugar, but pecans may also help improve blood sugar levels overall by slowing down the rate of absorption from the bloodstream into peripheral tissues.

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