Easy Candied Pecans Recipe
These easy candied pecans are sweet, crunchy, and coated in a delicious cinnamon brown sugar mixture! They're made with just five simple ingredients and take only 30 minutes to bake. I love using these candied pecans as a topping for desserts, but they're just as delicious eaten by the handful. They're perfect for snacking, gifting during the holidays, or adding a little crunch to your favorite recipes!
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Why You'll Love These Easy Candied Pecans
- Only five ingredients: All you need are pecans, egg white, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Easy to make: Just mix, coat, and bake! There's no need for a candy thermometer.
- Perfect for gifting: Package them in little jars or treat bags for a homemade holiday gift.
- Versatile: Enjoy them on their own or use them to top cakes, cheesecakes, ice cream, and more!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pecans: I use whole pecans for this recipe, but chopped pecans will also work. Just keep an eye on them while baking. Swap out the pecans for any nuts, just make sure to use the same amount of nuts. I love pecans and cashews.
- Egg White: Helps the cinnamon sugar mixture stick to the pecans and creates a crunchy coating.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a delicious caramel-like flavor. You can use light or dark brown sugar.
- Cinnamon: Gives the pecans more flavor
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Let's Make Candied Pecans:
Beat the Egg White.
Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Coat the Pecans.
Bake the Pecans.
Cool and Enjoy!
Tips for Making Easy Candied Pecans
Make sure the pecans are evenly coated in the cinnamon sugar mixture before baking. Spread them into an even layer on the baking sheet so they bake evenly, and don't forget to toss them halfway through!
The coating may still feel a little soft when the pecans first come out of the oven, but it will become crunchier as they cool.
Ways to Enjoy Candied Pecans
There's so much you can do with these candied pecans besides just snacking on them! They're perfect for adding a little sweet crunch to desserts, holiday treats, and more. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them!
- Holiday Gifts: Package these candied pecans in cute mason jars, clear treat bags, or festive tins. Tie them with a ribbon and gift them to family, friends, neighbors, or teachers!
- Christmas Cookie Boxes: Add a little bag of candied pecans to your homemade Christmas cookie boxes! They're a great way to add something crunchy alongside all those soft and chewy cookies.
- Charcuterie Boards: Add a small bowl of candied pecans to your holiday charcuterie board! They pair perfectly with cheeses, crackers, fresh fruit, and cured meats.
- Dessert Toppings: Sprinkle them over cheesecakes, cakes, ice cream, or even pumpkin desserts for a sweet cinnamon crunch. Just like my pumpkin mousse cake!
- Holiday Snacking: Set out a bowl of candied pecans during Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings for everyone to snack on!
I especially love adding these to holiday treat boxes and charcuterie boards because they're easy to make ahead, add a little something sweet and crunchy, and are always a crowd favorite!
How to Store Candied Pecans
Allow the candied pecans to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Easy Candied Pecans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups pecan halves
- 1 large egg white
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg white until frothy.
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to the frothy egg white. Mix until well combined.
- Add the pecans and toss until they're evenly coated in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Spread the coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and toss the pecans to ensure even baking.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Break apart any clusters and enjoy!
