Candied Pecans

This easy recipe for Candied Pecans is perfect for the holiday season! Sweet, salty, and crunchy. They’re made with just a few pantry staples and only minutes of active prep time.

These quick candied pecans are egg-free and so simple to make. Just heat up the sugar, fold in the pecans, and let cool.

Why I love them

• Easy Ingredients – You likely have everything you need on hand!
• Make Ahead – Candied pecans keep very well so you can make a batch in advance to snack on all holiday season.
• Super Quick – It takes only minutes to mix these up on the stovetop and they even cool quickly.
• Versatile – Candied pecans are great on their own to snack on, as a salty sweet addition to a cheese board, or tossed in a salad.

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How to Make Candied Pecans on the Stovetop

It is so easy to make these brown sugar candied pecans

1. Toast Pecans – You can buy pre-roasted or toasted pecans to cut down on prep. But it is very easy to roast them yourself and only takes 10 minutes
2. Heat Sugar – Heat the sugar mixture until bubbly. This only takes a few minutes
3. Fold in Pecans – Fold in the pecans until coated
4. Cool Pecans – Quickly spread on a lined sheet pan and let cool for about 15 minutes until dried and crunchy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Pecan Halves – You can buy them pre-roasted or the recipe includes how to easily roast them yourself
• Brown Sugar – I used light brown sugar, but you can use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor
• Vanilla Extract
• Kosher Salt
• Ground Cinnamon
• Flaky Salt – Optional, for sprinkling on top

Great Make Ahead Holiday Recipe

Candied pecans keep very well! They can be stored at room temperature for week or in the fridge for a couple of months. Make a batch or two at the beginning of the holiday season to have on hand.

Variations:

• Other Nuts – Try making this recipe with other nuts like walnuts, cashews, or macadamia nuts.
• Spices – This recipe uses cinnamon, but you could also add other warm spices like nutmeg or ginger. For a spicier variation, try adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

• Salads – Nuts are a common choice in salad and using candied nuts gives an extra sweet bite. Try adding them to this Pomegranate Brussels Sprout Salad or this Apple Pecan Harvest Salad.
• Cheese Board – Sweet glazed pecans are a great addition to your holiday cheese and charcuterie board!
• Gift – Due to their shelf life, these candied pecans are a great option to give as a gift! Add some of the pecans to a mason jar and tie with a festive ribbon for an easy hostess gift.

Other Holiday Recipes

• Puff Pastry Brie Bites – An easy appetizer that use only 4 ingredients. They’re perfect for your next holiday party and there are lots of variation ideas.
• Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus – An easy appetizer or side dish that uses just a few ingredients. This simple yet impressive recipe can even be made in advance to make your life easier.
• Sea Salt Chocolate Almond Clusters – Only 4 ingredients and the perfect combo of salty and sweet. They keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks so they are perfect to have on hand for last minute holiday visitors.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Work Quickly – Once you’re done cooking the candied pecans on the stove, you’ll want to quickly transfer them to the sheet pan. They cool very quickly.
• Line Sheet Pan – Don’t forget to line your pan with parchment paper or a silicone liner. This prevents the candied pecans from sticking to the pan when they cool.

Leftovers and Storage

Leftovers and Storage: Candied Pecans can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Or for longer storage, store them in the fridge for up to a month.

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