Description
Homemade sugar coated pecans shine as a delightful Southern-style treat that celebrates nutty sweetness. Crisp, caramelized pecans deliver perfect holiday snacking pleasure for hungry guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (8 oz or 225 g) pecan halves
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 small egg white
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp water
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Foam Creation: Whip egg white, water, and vanilla in a mixing bowl until a light, frothy consistency emerges, creating a delicate binding agent for the pecans.
- Nut Preparation: Gently tumble pecans through the egg white mixture, ensuring each nut is uniformly moistened and ready for coating.
- Spice Blend: Thoroughly mix sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl, creating a fragrant and sweet dry coating that will transform the pecans.
- Coating Process: Delicately sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans, using a spatula to tumble and enrobe each nut completely with the aromatic blend.
- Roasting Setup: Spread the sugar-kissed pecans on a lightly greased baking sheet in a single, even layer to promote consistent caramelization and prevent uneven toasting.
- Oven Transformation: Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven at a low temperature, allowing the pecans to slowly caramelize and develop a rich, toasted essence.
- Monitoring and Stirring: Rotate the pecans every 15 minutes, ensuring uniform toasting and preventing any potential scorching, while developing a deep, golden exterior.
- Cooling and Crisping: Remove the pecans after one hour when they release a rich, nutty aroma and showcase a crisp, crystallized coating, then allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Storage: Transfer the candied pecans to an airtight container, preserving their delectable crunch and intense flavor for future enjoyment.
Notes
- Foam Formation Tip: Whisk egg white mixture vigorously to create a light, airy consistency that helps sugar adhere perfectly to pecans.
- Coating Technique: Ensure each pecan is evenly moistened and completely covered with sugar mixture for consistent caramelization and flavor.
- Roasting Precision: Maintain low oven temperature and stir pecans every 15 minutes to prevent burning and achieve uniform golden-brown color.
- Storage Secret: Cool pecans completely before storing in airtight container to preserve crispness and prevent moisture from softening the sugar coating.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 1hr
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 91 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg