Sweet Crunchy Candied Pecans

$- 1 cup raw pecan halves - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup water - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt These simple ingredients make a tasty treat. You only need raw pecans and a few pantry staples. The sugar and water create a sweet syrup that binds to the nuts. The vanilla adds depth, while cinnamon gives warmth. The salt brings out all the flavors. If you want to switch things up, you can use other nuts. Almonds or walnuts work well too. You can replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer taste. If you need a sugar-free option, use a sweetener like erythritol. You can also leave out the vanilla if you don’t have it. To make your candied pecans even better, try adding some fun extras. A dash of cayenne pepper can add heat. You can also mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor. Dried fruits like cranberries or cherries can add a nice touch. Experiment and find what you love! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You need: - 1 cup raw pecan halves - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup water - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt. Stir this over medium heat. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves fully. This step is key for a smooth syrup. Once the sugar dissolves, add the pecan halves. Make sure they get coated well with the syrup. Stir them often. You want to watch the mixture closely. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. The liquid will thicken and candy. It will change color and smell sweet. When it looks right, take it off the heat. Quickly stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a nice touch of flavor. Now, you need to cool the pecans. Spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are in a single layer. This helps them cool and harden. Let them sit until they are completely cool. If they stick together, just break them apart. You can serve these nuts in a decorative bowl. They also make great gifts in small jars with ribbons. Enjoy your tasty nutty delight! To make the best candied pecans, follow these steps. Use a medium saucepan for even heat. Combine sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt. Stir the mix over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. This is key for smooth candy. Once the sugar melts, add the pecans. Stir to coat them well. Cook while stirring often. This keeps the nuts from burning. It usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes for the mixture to thicken. When it looks syrupy, you know it’s ready. Quickly add vanilla extract right before removing it from the heat. This gives a nice flavor boost. Always spread the pecans on parchment paper. This helps them cool and harden without sticking. Store the candied pecans in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. Make sure they are completely cool before storing. Warm pecans can create moisture, which makes them soft. You can keep them at room temperature for a week. For longer storage, place them in the fridge. They can last up to a month when stored properly. Just be sure to let them warm up a bit before serving. Candied pecans are great for many occasions. Serve them in a nice bowl at parties. They make a sweet snack for movie night too. You can also use them to top salads. They add a sweet crunch that everyone loves. For gifts, pack them in small jars. Tie a ribbon around them for a personal touch. People will appreciate this tasty treat! Pro Tips Use Fresh Pecans: Always choose fresh raw pecan halves for the best flavor and crunch in your candied pecans. Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on the heat while cooking, as the sugar can burn quickly if it gets too hot. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on the flavor. Storage Matters: Store cooled candied pecans in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness for longer. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of candied pecans. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. This heat works great with the sweet syrup. If you love chocolate, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the cooled pecans. This adds a rich layer of flavor. You can also mix in a bit of espresso powder for a coffee twist. There are endless ways to make them uniquely yours! If you follow a vegan diet, you can still enjoy these nuts. Simply replace granulated sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar. Both options give a nice sweetness. For gluten-free diets, this recipe is already safe. Just ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free. You can enjoy these treats without worry! While this recipe uses pecans, you can swap in other nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or cashews work well too. Each nut brings its own taste and texture. Almonds will add a nice crunch, while cashews give a creamy flavor. Experiment with what you have on hand. The process remains the same, so get creative! To keep your candied pecans fresh, store them in an airtight container. A glass jar or a plastic container works well. Make sure the pecans are completely cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture from making them soft. When stored properly, candied pecans last about two weeks. If you notice any signs of moisture or a change in smell, it's best to toss them. For the best taste, eat them within the first week. You can freeze candied pecans if you want to keep them longer. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They will stay good for about three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, just thaw them at room temperature. Enjoy them as a crunchy snack or on top of your favorite dish! Yes, you can use many types of nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or cashews work well. Each nut brings a unique flavor. Just remember, different nuts may need slight adjustments in cooking time. Make sure to watch them closely. You can use maple syrup or honey instead. These natural sweeteners add a lovely flavor. Combine them with a bit of water to create a syrup. Follow the same steps as the original recipe. Cook until it thickens and coats the nuts. Candied pecans are super versatile. You can add them to salads for crunch. They also make a tasty snack on their own. Use them as toppings for desserts like ice cream or yogurt. Plus, they make great gifts when packaged nicely. In this article, we explored how to make perfect candied pecans. We discussed the essential ingredients and shared helpful substitutions and add-ins. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions alongside tips to perfect the candying process. You learned various flavor options and how to accommodate different diets. Lastly, we covered storage methods and answered common questions. Candied pecans are versatile, tasty treats. Try making them today to enjoy or share!$

Sweet Crunchy Candied Pecans

Deliciously sweet and crunchy candied pecans, perfect for snacking or gifting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup raw pecan halves
0.5 cup granulated sugar
0.25 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch salt

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely.
Add the pecan halves into the saucepan and stir well to coat them evenly with the syrup.
Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the liquid thickens and starts to candy, about 8-10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract quickly.
Spread the candied pecans onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer to cool and harden.
Allow them to cool completely before breaking them apart if they stick together.

Notes

Serve the candied pecans in a decorative bowl, or package them in small jars tied with ribbons for a delightful gift.

Keyword candied pecans, dessert, snack