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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!

bowl of easy candied pecan recipe


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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labeled picture of ingredients for full recipe of crunchy pecans

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.

close up of coated pecans

Uses for Candied Pecans

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.

hand holding a great snack with the right amount of sweetness.

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!

overhead pic of bowl of nuts

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!

bowl of nuts with red banner and text

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!

bowl of candied pecans

Crispy Sugared Pecans

These crispy sugared pecans are a great addition to yogurt, puddings, french toast, and many other things. Make this one big batch and you will have them on hand when you are ready!
4.68 from 34 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Snacks to Share
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Calories: 232kcal
Author: Jennifer

Ingredients

  • 4 cups pecans
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 egg whites beaten until frothy
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F and cover a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray.
  • Mix the sugar, pecans, egg whites, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl.
  • Toss the pecans in the sugar mixture to coat the pecans.
  • Bake at 350F for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  • Cool and store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ounces | Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Sodium: 10mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 14g

Easy Snacks

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

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Recipe Rating




Joanne

Sunday 26th of July 2020

I was looking for a recipe that did not include cinnamon since my son-in-law does not like it. Great alternative and crunchy.

Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe - West Via Midwest

Sunday 22nd of March 2020

[…] Candied Nuts (for a salad topping) […]

Michele

Saturday 15th of June 2019

I made these as a last minute gift for our neighbors and doubled the batch so I could have a little too. Needless to say, I had to make a second double batch as they were completely and deliciously addicting! So so good! thanks

Angela

Monday 29th of April 2019

Oh wow! Is it really that simple? Why have I never made these! So great on their own or tossed into a salad! Thanks for sharing! Making these this week.

Angela

Monday 29th of April 2019

Oh wow! Is it really that simple? Why have I never made these! So great on their own or tossed into a salad! Thanks for sharing! Making these this week.