Description
A delicious and easy recipe for candied pecans featuring a sweet cinnamon and nutmeg coating, perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a crunchy topping to salads and desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Pecans
- 3 cups pecan halves
Syrup Mixture
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to cool the pecans once candied.
- Toast Pecans: In a large nonstick skillet, toast 3 cups of pecan halves over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes while stirring frequently. Toasting enhances the nutty flavor. Transfer toasted pecans to a bowl and set aside.
- Make Sugar Mixture: Using the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons water and 1½ cups light brown sugar. Stir just to combine the sugar with water, then avoid stirring further until pecans are added.
- Boil Syrup: Cook over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes until sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil in the center.
- Add Pecans and Spices: Once boiling, add toasted pecans, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg to the skillet.
- Coat Pecans: Stir continuously for about 1 minute to evenly coat the pecans with the sugar mixture.
- Cook on Low: Reduce heat to low and continue stirring continuously for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the coating to thicken and adhere properly.
- Cool Nuts in Pan: Let the nuts cool in the skillet for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cool Completely: Spread the candied pecans onto the prepared parchment paper, breaking up any large clumps. Allow to fully cool before storing or serving.
Notes
- Makes approximately 12 servings of ¼ cup each.
- Store candied pecans in an airtight container for up to 6 months in the freezer or for 3 months at room temperature.
- Use parchment or wax paper when cooling to prevent sticking.
- Stirring frequently during cooking is essential to avoid burning the sugar.
- These pecans are great as a snack, salad topping, or gift.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
