Candied pecans bring together the sweetness of sugar and the satisfying crunch of fresh nuts, with their unmistakable nutty flavor as the perfect accompaniment. This versatile ingredient can be used in a variety of ways, such as topping yogurt or ice cream, adding a sweet surprise to roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, incorporating them into summer salads, or serving them alongside breakfast oatmeal or charcuterie boards.Rather than purchasing candied pecans at the store, why not take the simple approach and make your own using just a few fresh pecans? This straightforward recipe yields perfect results with minimal effort. And once you’ve got these sweet and crunchy treats on hand, the possibilities are endless!Imagine adding them to pumpkin pie popsicles for an autumnal twist, topping no-churn pumpkin spice latte ice cream for an extra-special treat, or incorporating them into decadent double chocolate cherry brownies for a rich and indulgent dessert. Even simple reindeer-themed cupcakes can be elevated with these tasty additions.
Why You’ll Love Them
Creating candied pecans is a breeze, requiring only a handful of ingredients and a straightforward process. Simply combine the coating mixture, add the nuts, and let them cool for a delightful treat. The result? A sweet and crunchy snack that’s impossible to resist, with each bite offering a satisfying crunch that’ll keep you coming back for more. Plus, the best part is that these praline pecans are highly customizable – try using different nut varieties, extracts, or spices to give them your personal touch.
How to Make Candied Nuts
To produce the cinnamon sugar and candy mixture, follow these steps. Combine white sugar, cinnamon, and salt to create the cinnamon sugar. Next, whisk together egg whites, vanilla extract, and water. Then, stir in pecan halves and the cinnamon sugar mixture. The final step is to cook the candied pecans. Spread the pecan mixture onto a greased baking sheet prepared for use. Bake the mixture in the oven for approximately one hour, stirring periodically to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, allow the candied pecans to cool completely before serving or storing.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, or mixed nuts. Peanuts can also be used in their candied form. For those who prefer the richer flavor of brown sugar, consider swapping out some or all of the white sugar for brown sugar or coconut sugar. This will add a deeper sweetness to your mixture.
To give your treats an extra boost of flavor, try substituting vanilla extract with coconut extract, orange extract, or other spices like cinnamon, allspice, ginger, or nutmeg. If you want to add a surprise kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture for an added depth of heat.
How to Serve Candied Nuts
Candied pecans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Not only do they make a fantastic topping for salads, sundaes, and desserts, but they’re also delicious when paired with creamy yogurt, rich ice cream, or even sweet potatoes. Plus, their sweet and nutty flavor makes them the perfect snack on its own. When it comes to gift-giving, consider packaging these tasty treats in small tins or decorative bags for a thoughtful holiday present. They also complement festive dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes beautifully.
How to Store Candy Coated Pecans
To maintain their freshness, store these items in an airtight container at room temperature for up to seven days. For longer-term storage, consider freezing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe Ziploc bag. Frozen, they can be safely stored for up to two months and thawed overnight on the countertop.
Candied Pecans FAQs
To coat the candied pecans in cinnamon sugar without making a mess, simply place the mixture in a Ziploc bag and add the pecans. Shake the bag well to ensure even coating, then pour the coated pecans onto your prepared baking sheet.
The key to keeping these super-crunchy is to allow them to cool completely before storing. If you don’t let them cool, they will lose some of their crunchiness as the coating sets. Rushing this step can result in a soggy rather than crisp texture, so be patient and let them cool fully before enjoying.
Candied Pecans Recipe
Candied Pecans
Candied pecans bring together the perfect blend of sweetness, crunch, and nutty flavor. This simple recipe yields a delicious result with endless uses. In just over an hour, you can create a batch that’s sure to please, with 12 servings waiting to be enjoyed.
Instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to a moderate 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, prepare a large baking sheet by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well-mixed. In a larger bowl, whisk together egg whites, water, and vanilla extract until the ingredients are fully incorporated, taking approximately 45 seconds to complete. Once combined, gently fold in the pecans to ensure they’re evenly coated with the egg mixture. Add the sugar mixture to the pecan mixture and stir until all the pecans are coated with the sweet and spicy blend. Spread the pecans into an even layer on your prepared baking sheet – if you prefer, you can use two smaller sheets instead of one large one. Place the pecans in the oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes during the baking time. Once the pecans are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely before storing or serving.
Notes
When it comes time to store pecans after the candying process, it’s crucial to let them cool down completely first. This allows the coating to fully set and bond with the nuts, making cleanup a breeze. To make the process even more efficient, consider lining your cookie sheets with parchment paper before baking. With this recipe, you’ll end up with a generous batch of candied pecans perfect for a crowd – simply halve it if you need fewer. The sugar-cinnamon mixture can be prepped ahead of time and stored in a large Ziploc bag. To coat the pecans, follow the instructions and use an egg white mixture to create a smooth base. Then, add the coated nuts to the sugar-cinnamon mixture in the same bag, seal it tightly, and give everything a good toss to ensure even coverage. Once you’ve got your pecans evenly coated, pour the entire contents of the bag onto your prepared baking sheet. This recipe is versatile enough to be used for candying almonds or walnuts as well. To add an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cloves – perfect for warming up any holiday gathering.