Candied Pecans
Crunchy, sweet, and perfectly spiced pecans with a crisp candy coating. An irresistible snack or a fantastic topping for salads, desserts, and cheese boards. Ready in under an hour!
For 8 servings
7 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C)
- a.Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and water together until light and foamy, about 1 minute. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
- 3
Step 3
- a.In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to break up any clumps.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add the raw pecan halves to the foamy egg white mixture and stir gently until every pecan is evenly coated.
- 5
Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the coated pecans
- a.Toss everything together until the pecans are thoroughly and evenly covered.
- 6
Spread the coated pecans in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet
- a.Bake for 45 minutes, removing the sheet from the oven to stir the pecans every 15 minutes. This is crucial for even cooking and preventing large clumps.
- 7
Remove the baking sheet from the oven
- a.The coating will appear slightly wet but will crisp up as it cools. Let the pecans cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes. Once cool, break apart any remaining clusters.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor and texture.
- 2Ensure the egg white is foamy but not beaten to stiff peaks. This helps the coating adhere without becoming meringue-like.
- 3Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. If necessary, use two sheets to ensure the pecans are in a single layer, which helps them crisp up properly.
- 4Stirring every 15 minutes is non-negotiable! It prevents the pecans from sticking together and ensures they toast evenly.
- 5Let the pecans cool completely on the baking sheet before storing. Storing them while warm will trap steam and make them soft.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy flavor.
Different SpicesDifferent Spices
Replace the cinnamon with 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, or add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or cardamom for a different warm spice profile.
Other NutsOther Nuts
This recipe works wonderfully with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Adjust baking time as needed for smaller or larger nuts.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
For a vegan alternative, replace the egg white with 2 tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas). Whisk it until foamy just like the egg white.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Healthy Fats
Pecans are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Rich in Antioxidants
Pecans contain vitamin E and other antioxidants that help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Provides Essential Minerals
These nuts are an excellent source of manganese, which is crucial for bone health and metabolism, and copper, which supports nerve function and immunity.
Quick Energy Boost
The combination of healthy fats and protein from pecans with the carbohydrates from sugar provides a quick and satisfying source of energy.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Candied Pecans (approximately 1/4 cup or 55g) contains about 290 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients used.