I’ve made homemade Candied Pecans more times than I can count, and they’re always a crowd favorite. With their crunchy texture and sweet caramelized coating, candied pecans are perfect as a snack, a salad topper, or a thoughtful holiday gift.
“Sweet, crunchy, and completely irresistible. These candied pecans never last long.”
-Becky
This candied pecans recipe is ideal for making a large batch since they vanish quickly. With just a few pantry ingredients you can transform raw pecans into a crunchy, sweet treat that’s hard to resist.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients You Will Need
- Variations
- How to Make Candied Pecans
- Expert Tips
- Candied Pecans FAQs
- More Easy Desserts
- Candied Pecans Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
- pecan halves: raw, unsalted.
- granulated sugar: helps form a smooth candy shell.
- brown sugar: adds caramel-like depth.
- ground cinnamon: optional warm spice.
- pinch of salt: balances the sweetness.
- vanilla extract: adds aromatic depth.
- egg white + water: helps the sugar adhere evenly to the nuts.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Variations
- Spiced Candied Pecans: Add a pinch of cayenne or pumpkin pie spice with the cinnamon for a bolder flavor.
- Use as a Topping: Sprinkle candied pecans on cupcakes, brownies, pancakes, salads, or a charcuterie board for extra crunch.
- Swap the Nut: The same glaze works well on almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, or walnuts if you want to change things up.
- Gift Idea: Store in a pretty jar or bag with a ribbon for an easy homemade gift.
How to Make Candied Pecans
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Whisk the egg white, vanilla, and water in a medium bowl until frothy.
- Add the pecans and toss until they are fully coated with the egg white mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until they’re evenly coated.
- Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent clumping and ensure even browning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. Use a spatula or two forks to separate any pieces before they harden completely.
Expert Tips
- Storage: Store cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Gift Idea: Fill jars or cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for a simple homemade present.
Candied Pecans FAQs
Yes. Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they keep about two weeks—great for gifting or prepping ahead of events.
Absolutely. Cinnamon is optional; omit it for a straightforward sweet pecan or try other spices to change the flavor.
Yes. Freeze in an airtight bag for up to two months and thaw to room temperature before serving.
More Easy Desserts
Summer Recipes
Summer Dessert Recipes
Cakes
Cherry Dump Cake
Cookies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Drinks
Kamikaze Shot
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Candied Pecans
Equipment
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Baking Sheet
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Medium Bowl
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Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves, raw
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt, just a pinch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg white, plus 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a medium bowl whisk the egg white, vanilla, and water together until frothy.
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Add pecans and toss in the egg white mixture until fully coated.
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In a separate bowl combine sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Pour over the pecans and toss until evenly coated.
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Spread pecans in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Bake 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through to avoid clumping and ensure even baking.
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When done, separate any stuck pieces while still warm, then cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Servings: Each serving is about 1/4 cup, yielding roughly 8 servings.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Gift idea: Package in jars or bags for an easy homemade present.
- Tip: Avoid excessive stirring once the sugar begins to melt to prevent a grainy coating.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.