Description
Deliciously sweet and crunchy candied pecans coated in a spiced brown sugar glaze, perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a touch of sweetness to salads and desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Pecans
- 3 cups pecan halves
Sugar Coating
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to cool the candied pecans later.
- Toast Pecans: Add 3 cups pecan halves to a large nonstick skillet and toast over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and slightly browned. Transfer toasted pecans to a bowl and set aside.
- Create Sugar Mixture: In the same now empty skillet, combine 4 tablespoons water and 1½ cups packed light brown sugar, stirring just until combined. Avoid stirring again until pecans are added.
- Cook Sugar Mixture: Cook over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to boil in the center.
- Add Pecans and Spices: Once boiling, add the toasted pecans, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg to the skillet.
- Coat Pecans: Stir continuously for about one minute to evenly coat the pecans with the sugar mixture.
- Finish Cooking: Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for 3 to 5 minutes until the coating thickens and begins to crystallize around the pecans.
- Cool in Pan: Remove from heat and let the nuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cool Completely: Spread the pecans out on the prepared parchment paper, breaking up any large clumps. Let them cool completely before packaging or serving.
Notes
- Make about 12 (¼ cup) servings.
- Store candied pecans in an airtight container for up to 6 months in the freezer or 3 months at room temperature on a shelf.
- Use parchment or wax paper when cooling to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- These candied pecans make a great gift or a crunchy topping for salads and desserts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
