The Best Sweet Crunchy Candied Pecans
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Sweet, Crunchy, and Totally Addictive!
Ever find yourself craving something sweet and crunchy? Maybe you are watching The Great British Baking Show ? Me too.
I've got just the thing, and honestly, it's super easy. We're making The Best Candied Pecans you've ever tasted! Seriously, these are next level Sweet and Crunchy Snacks .
A Little Bit About Candied Pecans
These little nuggets of joy have Southern roots. They are often a holiday treat. But honestly, you don't need a special occasion.
Easy Candied Pecans are great anytime. Plus, this Candied Pecans Recipe takes less than 20 minutes! You'll get about 2 cups, which is plenty to share.
.. or not.
Why You'll Love This Pecan Recipes
One of the best things about this recipe? Pecans are packed with antioxidants. They are good for the heart, you know? These Homemade Candied Pecans are perfect for a Snack Mix , adding to salads, or giving as Christmas Goodies .
What makes them special is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and cinnamon-y goodness. Let's dive into making these Holiday Baking Recipes !
Candied Pecans Recipe : The Ingredients
So, what do you need? One egg white. A tablespoon of water. A teaspoon of vanilla and cinnamon. Half a teaspoon of salt.
Half a cup of sugar. And three cups of pecans. Easy peasy.
Ingredients & Equipment for The Best Candied Pecans
So, you wanna make some Candied Pecans ? Awesome! These Sweet and Crunchy Snacks are seriously addictive. They're amazing as Christmas Goodies , or really any time of year.
This Candied Pecans Recipe is easier than you think. Let's get started with what you'll need.
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Real
Okay, here's the lowdown on the ingredients. We're making Homemade Candied Pecans , and trust me, it's worth it. I remember the first time I tried to make these.
I was so nervous I'd burn the sugar! But don't worry, I've got you covered.
- 1 large egg white (about 30g). Use a fresh, room temperature egg. It whips up better.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) water. Tap water is fine.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract. Use the real stuff, it makes a difference.
- 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon. Freshly ground cinnamon is the bomb.
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt. Just regular table salt works.
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar. Plain white sugar is perfect.
- 3 cups (300g) pecan halves. The fresher the better! They should smell nutty and not be shriveled.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Cinnamon is our star here. But feel free to experiment. I once added a pinch of cayenne pepper. Wow! Spicy Candied Nuts! Also, a tiny splash of maple syrup works wonders.
Not feeling cinnamon? Nutmeg or even pumpkin pie spice can sub in. For Pecan Recipes , this is a winner.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy stuff. A good skillet is key.
- Large skillet (non-stick is best). Cast iron works too, but watch the heat!
- Whisk. For whipping that egg white.
- Mixing bowl. For mixing everything together.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat. For cooling the pecans.
- Spatula or wooden spoon. For stirring and separating.
Don't have parchment paper? No biggie. A lightly oiled baking sheet will do in a pinch. Just make sure to grease it well!
Making Easy Candied Pecans is about to be your new favourite thing. These are totally delicious. You might think this is too easy to be true.
But with a few simple steps, you'll have perfect Candied Pecans every time, perfect for your next Snack Mix !
Nailing The Best Candied Pecans
Honestly, who can resist a good Candied Pecans snack? I certainly can't. I remember my first attempt at making these.
Total disaster! Burnt sugar everywhere. But don't worry, I've learned from my mistakes, and now I'm sharing my fool proof method.
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First, get organized. It's all about the mise en place . Measure out 3 cups (300g) of pecan halves. I prefer fresh ones, they just taste better.
Have 1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar ready to go, along with your spices. For this Candied Pecans Recipe , you'll need 1 teaspoon (2g) of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon (3g) of salt.
And don't forget the wet ingredients: 1 large (30g) egg white, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of water, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of vanilla extract.
Candied Pecans: step-by-step Awesomeness
Okay, let's do this.
- Whisk together the egg white, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add sugar and whisk until well combined.
- Toss in the pecans until they are completely coated.
- Spread in a single layer in a large skillet. A non-stick one is ideal.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly . This is crucial! Watch for that lovely golden brown color. The whole process should take about 10- 12 minutes .
- Transfer them onto parchment paper immediately. Separate them so they don't stick.
- Let them cool. Seriously, resist the urge to munch on them while they're hot.
Pro Tips for Unforgettable Candied Nuts
Want to elevate your Homemade Candied Pecans game? First, stir, stir, stir! Second, don't overcrowd the pan. Finally, cool them completely for maximum crunch. One of the best Snack Mix hacks ever.
Common mistake? Burning the sugar. Low and slow, my friend.
Why not try adding a pinch of cayenne for spiced Christmas Goodies ?
Holiday Baking Recipes here we go! These are awesome! Enjoy your Sweet and Crunchy Snacks ! These Easy Candied Pecans are so addictive that are one of my favourite Pecan Recipes !
Recipe Notes for Absolutely The Best Candied Pecans
Okay, so you're ready to tackle The Best Candied Pecans ever? Awesome! Before you dive in, here are a few extra tidbits to make your Candied Pecans Recipe a total success.
These Candied Nuts are seriously addictive. They will be your new favourite Christmas Goodies !
Serving Suggestions: Fancy Pants or Casual?
Honestly, how you serve these Easy Candied Pecans is totally up to you. For a fancy vibe, think scattering them over a winter salad with crumbled goat cheese.
Or, you know, just pile them high in a bowl next to the telly during Strictly Come Dancing . A glass of chilled prosecco wouldn't go amiss either way!
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!
Right, these are best stored in an airtight container. They'll happily sit at room temperature for about a week. You know, if they last that long! I've never tried freezing them, but I reckon they'd get a bit sticky.
For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave probably works, but honestly, just eat them as they are. They are meant to be Sweet and Crunchy Snacks !
Variations: Get Creative with Your Pecan Recipes !
Fancy a bit of a twist? Go for it!
- Dietary adaptations? Using coconut sugar instead of white sugar works really well. Adds a caramel-y flavour.
- Seasonal swaps? In the summer, I sometimes toss in a bit of dried orange peel. So yummy.
- If you like a spicy Snack Mix , add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warming kick. A little goes a long way, trust me!
Nutrition Basics: A Treat, Not a Meal!
Let's be real, these are a treat. They are rich in healthy fats from the pecans, but also sugar. Enjoy them in moderation, yeah? A handful is enough to satisfy that sweet craving and gives you a little energy boost.
But remember, too much, and your dentist will be cross! They are really great Holiday Baking Recipes though!
So, there you have it all the extra bits and bobs to make Homemade Candied Pecans that everyone will rave about.
Now go forth and bake those nuts! Have fun with this recipe and don't stress about making it perfect. Just enjoy the process, and you'll end up with something delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren't my candied pecans crunchy?
A common culprit for soft candied pecans is not letting them cool completely. The sugar needs time to fully harden and crystalize. Also, make sure you're cooking them long enough; the sugar should melt completely and then re-crystalize into a golden brown coating.
Patience is a virtue, like waiting for your tea to steep!
Can I make The Best Candied Pecans ahead of time? How should I store them?
Absolutely! Candied pecans are great for making in advance, especially during the hectic holiday season. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just like biscuits in a tin, they'll stay nice and crunchy.
Help! My candied pecans are burning. What am I doing wrong?
Burning usually happens when the heat is too high or you're not stirring frequently enough. Reduce the heat to medium low and make sure you're stirring almost constantly, especially towards the end of the cooking process. Think of it like minding a temperamental gravy; constant attention prevents disaster!
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in this recipe for The Best Candied Pecans?
Certainly! While this recipe is specifically for pecans, you can definitely adapt it to other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the nut you use, so keep a close eye on them.
It's like choosing your favorite contestant on Strictly Come Dancing; personal preference reigns!
Is there a way to make The Best Candied Pecans with less sugar?
You can try reducing the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar is crucial for the crystallization and coating process. You could also experiment with using a sugar substitute like coconut sugar, but the texture and flavor might be a little different.
Think of it like swapping out ingredients in a Victoria Sponge; it might not be quite the same, but can still be delicious!
Can I add spices other than cinnamon to The Best Candied Pecans?
Definitely! Get creative with your spices! A pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a dash of cayenne pepper can add a lovely warmth and complexity. You could also try adding a bit of orange zest for a citrusy twist. Just like adding your own flair to a classic trifle, it's all about personalizing the recipe!
The Best Sweet Crunchy Candied Pecans
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |