Candied Pecans

These quick and easy candied pecans are the perfect sweet snack for munching, adding to a salad, or topping your favorite dessert. 4 ingredients are all you need!

Candied Pecans are the best snack for when you are trying to make healthy choices but still have a sweet tooth. I love a handful of these to curb my cravings!

Easy Candied Pecans Recipe

You are going to love this recipe! It transforms already delicious pecans into a crispy, sugary, tasty snack. Enjoy it plain or add it to a variety of other recipes.

I love them in salads and toss them in my trail mixes. Best part is that it uses simple ingredients and no corn syrup!

Sometimes called caramelized pecans, this delicious recipe makes a great gift during the holiday season. Pour a batch into a mason jar and add a pretty ribbon and tag.

If you like these, check out my gingersnap pecans, candied almonds, and this tutorial on how to toast pecans perfectly!

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Ingredients Needed

Raw pecans – I like to use the pecan halves, but you can use pieces too.

Egg white – Be sure to whip it to a froth.

Sugar – Use granulated white sugar.

Vanilla extract – Regular extract works great but you can also use the paste.

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How to Make Candied Pecans

First: Preheat the oven to 350F. Prepare a cookie sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Second: In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy and foamy. Add in the sugar and vanilla and stir to mix.

Third: Gently stir in the pecan halves to coat them. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

Fourth: Bake for 20 minutes, stirring half way through so they don’t burn. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Uses for Candied Pecans

• mind-blowing banana pudding
• charcuterie board
• sweet cheese balls
• sprinkle on spinach salads
• butter boards
• top your sweet potato casserole
• eating by the handful
• ice cream toppings

How long do they last?

Sugared pecans last a week at room temperature, 4 weeks in the refrigerator, and 4 months in the freezer. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container.

Why are my candied pecans chewy?

The sugar needs to reach a certain temperature before it turns into a crispy brittle coating.

You may need to bake them longer. Be sure to stir them too so the coating mixture doesn’t pool in certain places on the pan.

Are Pecans healthy?

Pecans have high levels of two minerals that help boost metabolic health along with other properties.

Plus they are full of healthy fats and are totally delicious!

Are they gluten free?

Yes they are! You can also add additional spices like cinnamon. I love cinnamon sugar pecans for my yogurt or ice cream.

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• Try this recipe with light brown sugar and a cinnamon sugar mixture.
• If you use pecan pieces you will need to lower the oven temperature 25 degrees or cook for a shorter time.
• Dry completely before storing so the sugar coating fully dried.
• Make a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for more flavor. Perfect for fall!
• Try them with a little pumpkin pie spice in it too.
• Use a large baking sheet so they are in a single layer.
• Too sweet? try a pinch of sea salt to balance out the flavors.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

This easy recipe for delicious candied pecans only takes 30 minutes and is perfect for any occasion. Make a double batch and give them as a gift in a pretty jar!

Easy Snacks

• Homemade Buffalo Sauce
• Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
• Candy Corn Fudge

{Recipe originally published 08/02/2014 – photo and notes updated to improve user experience 01/19/2023}

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