Description
Deliciously sweet and crunchy candied pecans coated with a flavorful blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Perfect as a snack, salad topper, or gift treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to cool the candied pecans after cooking.
- Toast pecans: Add 3 cups pecan halves to a large nonstick skillet and toast over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. Transfer toasted pecans to a bowl and set aside.
- Combine water and sugar: In the now empty skillet, add 4 tablespoons water and 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar. Stir just until combined with the sugar, then do not stir again until the pecans are added.
- Boil sugar mixture: Cook the sugar-water mixture over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to boil in the center.
- Add pecans and spices: Once boiling, add the toasted pecans, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg to the skillet.
- Coat pecans: Stir continuously for about 1 minute, making sure the pecans are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
- Cook on low heat: Reduce heat to low and stir continuously for 3 to 5 minutes to thicken the sugar coating and allow it to adhere well to the pecans.
- Cool in pan: Let the nuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cool completely: Spread the candied pecans out on the prepared parchment or wax paper, breaking up any large clumps. Allow them to fully cool before packaging or serving.
Notes
- Make about 12 servings of 1/4 cup each.
- Store candied pecans in an airtight container for up to 6 months in the freezer or up to 3 months at room temperature.
- Use parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking during cooling.
- Continuous stirring during coating and low heat cooking ensures an even, crunchy coating without burning.
- Perfect for gifting, snacking, or topping salads and desserts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 200 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
