The Tastiest Candied Pecans Recipe for Sweet Crunchy Bliss
Crisp autumn winds carry the sweet, nutty aroma of homemade candied pecans recipe that dance between sugary indulgence and irresistible crunch.
These golden-brown morsels sparkle with a delicate caramelized coating that makes every bite pure magic.
A Southern classic with roots deep in comfort food tradition, this recipe turns simple pecans into a decadent treat that sings of warmth and nostalgia.
Each perfectly glazed nut promises a balance of sweet and spicy notes that tantalize taste buds.
The magic happens with just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, creating a snack so addictive you’ll want to make batch after batch.
Sprinkle these candied pecans over salads, desserts, or enjoy them straight from the pan for an instant mood lift.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 215 kcal
Servings: 9
Ingredients for Candied Pecans
For Base Ingredients:
Pecans: Rich, buttery nuts that provide a delightful crunch and nutty foundation for the sweet treat, select fresh, whole pecan halves with a glossy, intact surface.
Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a rich glaze, choose dark brown sugar for more intense flavor complexity.
Honey: Creates a smooth, glossy coating and enhances natural sweetness, opt for raw, unprocessed honey for maximum flavor depth.
For Seasoning Ingredients:
Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweet flavors, use fine sea salt for even distribution and optimal taste enhancement.
For Binding Ingredients:
Butter: Helps create a smooth, sticky coating and adds rich, creamy undertones, select unsalted butter for better flavor control.
Tools You’ll Need for Candied Pecans
Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for even roasting and spreading pecans.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for coating pecans with sugary mixture.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and coating pecans evenly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient amounts.
Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking sheet.
How to Cook Candied Pecans
Sweet Nutty Delights
Kitchen Preparation Gather all your cooking tools and clear a clean workspace on your countertop.
Pecan Coating Mix brown sugar, honey, salt, and melted butter in a generous bowl until everything blends smoothly and creates a glossy mixture.
Pecan Transformation Toss pecans into the sweet coating, ensuring each piece gets fully embraced by the delicious mixture.
Baking Magic Spread the coated pecans onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating an even layer that allows each nut to roast perfectly.
Oven Transformation Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven and let the magic happen, gently stirring pecans halfway through to guarantee an even golden-brown color.
Cooling Moment Remove the pecans from the oven and let them rest, allowing the sugary coating to harden and create a delightful crunch that will make taste buds dance.
Flavor Variations for Candied Pecans
Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the sugar mixture for a flavor kick that transforms the classic recipe.
Keep candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, maintaining their crispy texture and sweet crunch.
Package these pecans in decorative mason jars or small cellophane bags for a homemade holiday or hostess gift that looks and tastes impressive.
Sprinkle these candied pecans over salads, yogurt, ice cream, or use as a topping for sweet potato casserole to elevate any dish with a delightful sweet and nutty element.
Watch pecans closely during the last 5 minutes of baking, as they can quickly go from perfectly caramelized to burnt due to their high sugar content.
Serving Candied Pecans with Style
Sweet Salad Topper: Sprinkle these crunchy candied pecans over fresh green salads for an unexpected burst of sweetness and texture that transforms ordinary greens into a gourmet experience.
Holiday Gift Packaging: Package these delightful pecans in small mason jars or clear cellophane bags with festive ribbons for a homemade, heartwarming edible gift that friends and family will adore.
Charcuterie Board Star: Arrange these golden-brown pecans alongside soft cheeses, dried fruits, and crackers to create a stunning charcuterie board that will impress guests with its elegant and delicious presentation.
Breakfast Boost: Scatter these caramelized pecans over morning yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes to elevate your breakfast with a delectable crunch and rich, sweet flavor that makes every bite memorable.
Storage Tips for Candied Pecans
Sweet Storage Solutions: Keep candied pecans in an airtight glass container at room temperature for maximum freshness and crunchiness.
Shelf Life Magic: These delightful nutty treats maintain top quality for 2-3 weeks when stored properly in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Cooling Technique: Spread pecans on a wire rack after baking to help them cool faster and develop a perfect crispy texture, preventing any unwanted moisture buildup.
Freezer Friendly Option: Pack cooled candied pecans in freezer-safe zip-lock bags, removing excess air. They can remain delicious for up to 3 months when frozen, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or gift.
Homemade candied pecans offer a sweet and crunchy snack with rich caramelized flavors. Generous layers of brown sugar and cinnamon coat crisp nuts, creating an irresistible treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
2.5 cups (247.5 g) pecans, halved
0.25 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
0.25 cup (85 g) honey
2 tbsps (28.4 g) unsalted butter, melted
0.25 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for caramelizing pecans.
Coating: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend pecans with brown sugar, honey, salt, and melted butter, ensuring each pecan is evenly and generously glazed.
Arrangement: Spread the coated pecans in a single, uniform layer across the prepared baking sheet, maximizing caramelization potential.
Baking: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, rotating the pecans at 10 and 15 minutes to promote consistent golden-brown coloration and prevent burning.
Transformation: Bake for approximately 20 minutes, watching for a deep amber hue that signals the pecans have reached their perfect candied state.
Cooling: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, gently separate the pecans, and allow them to cool and crisp naturally; if additional crunch is desired, return to the oven briefly while monitoring closely.
Finishing: Once completely cooled, the candied pecans will develop a satisfying crisp texture, ready to be savored as a delectable sweet treat.
Notes
Prevent Burning Carefully: Rotate pecans during baking to ensure even caramelization and avoid scorching edges.
Check Crispness Wisely: Let pecans cool completely to gauge their final texture; if not crisp enough, briefly return to oven under close watch.
Use Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, whole pecans and pure brown sugar for the most robust and rich flavor profile.
Store Strategically: Keep candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunchiness for up to two weeks.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.