Oh my goodness, let me tell you about candied pecans! These little gems are the ultimate versatile treat—perfect for snacking on their own or adding a delightful crunch to salads. I can’t resist their perfect balance of sweetness and that satisfying crunch! Trust me, once you try making them at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them from the store. They’re so easy to whip up, and the smell that fills your kitchen while they bake? Absolutely heavenly! I’ve made these for everything from holiday gatherings to a simple afternoon snack, and they always disappear in a flash. Let’s dive into how to make your own batch of these delicious morsels!

Ingredients for Candied Pecans

• 1 cup pecan halves – make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – this is what gives them that irresistible sweetness
• 1/4 cup water – helps dissolve the sugar and creates that sticky coating
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a lovely depth of flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – just a pinch to enhance all those sweet notes

How to Prepare Candied Pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those pecans to toast perfectly as they bake!
2. Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine the sugar, water, and salt. Turn the heat to medium and stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. This usually takes just a few minutes.
3. Now, it’s time to add the star of the show! Toss in those pecan halves along with the vanilla extract. Stir well to make sure every pecan is coated in that sweet, sticky mixture—you’ll love the aroma that starts wafting up!
4. Spread the pecan mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re in a single layer so they bake evenly. Trust me, you don’t want them clumping together!
5. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and stir every 5 minutes to ensure they don’t burn. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown and smell amazing!
6. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They’ll get nice and crunchy as they cool down. Resist the urge to munch on them right away—though I totally understand if you do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
• Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
• Perfectly sweet and crunchy, making them a delightful snack.
• Versatile for topping salads, desserts, or enjoying as a standalone treat.
• Great for gifting or bringing to parties—everyone loves them!

Tips for Success

To make sure your candied pecans turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, keep an eye on them while they’re baking—oven temperatures can vary, and you don’t want them to burn. If you find they’re browning too fast, just lower the oven temperature a bit. Also, let them cool completely on the baking sheet; this is when they’ll become nice and crunchy. And if you want to jazz them up, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick—it’s a game changer! Enjoy your pecan perfection!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once your candied pecans have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This keeps them crunchy and fresh! If you ever need to reheat them, just pop them back in a warm oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes—this will refresh their crunchiness. But honestly, I doubt they’ll last that long!

FAQ about Candied Pecans

Can I use other nuts? Absolutely! While pecans are my favorite for this recipe, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even cashews for a delicious twist. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as different nuts might cook at different rates.

How do I make them less sweet? If you prefer a less sugary snack, try reducing the sugar to 1/3 cup. You can also add more salt to balance the sweetness. It’ll still be delightful!

Can I add spices? Yes, definitely! A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor, or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick. Get creative!

What’s the best way to serve them? I love using candied pecans as a topping for salads or desserts, like ice cream and yogurt. They’re also perfect for munching on their own!

Can I make these ahead of time? For sure! They store well, so feel free to make a big batch in advance. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain their crunch!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving size of 1 ounce of these delicious candied pecans. You’re looking at about 180 calories, with 15g of fat (including 1.5g saturated fat), 2g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. They also have 15g of sugar and 80mg of sodium. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy these tasty treats as part of a balanced diet!

Candied Pecans: 5 Irresistible Steps to Crunchy Bliss

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 cups 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sweet and crunchy candied pecans perfect for snacking or topping salads.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add pecans and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Stir to coat the pecans.
4. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
• Adjust sugar for desired sweetness.
• Perfect for salads, desserts, or as a snack.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ounce
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: candied pecans, snack, dessert topping, salad topping