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You are here: Home / Course / Snacks / Candied Pecans

Candied Pecans

By: Melissa Erdelac · On: February 6, 2019 · Updated: November 24, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links.
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candied pecans pinterest pin

Easy Candied Pecans come together in only 5 minutes on your stove top! Learn how to make candied pecans quickly to throw on salads, yogurt, desserts, snacking, and so much more!

an overhead shot of candied pecans in an antique silver bowl

Once you see for yourself how easy it is to throw together Candied Pecans, you will never purchase them again!

This recipe takes a mere five minutes to throw together and uses four simple ingredients – pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Plus this easy recipe is gluten free, vegan (contains no egg), and dairy-free so snack away!

Spiced nuts are the ultimate addictive snacking because it’s hard to ignore a tempting bowl of glazed pecans. I often give them away as a holiday food gift or store them to sprinkle on salads, yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream.

How To Make Candied Pecans

first step of how to make candied pecans - bring to a boil

First line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the hot candy pecans can be transferred quickly.

Tip: A silicone baking mat may also be used, but avoid using wax paper because the nuts will stick.

Stir together brown sugar, maple syrup, water, and salt. Heat over medium high heat until bubbly and sugar visibly dissolves.

second step of how to make candied pecans - stir in pecans

Once the sugar dissolves add the pecans. Other nuts, such as pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or mixed nuts may also be used.

third step of how to make candied pecans - cook liquid down

Reduce to medium heat. Continue to cook and stir constantly until syrup thickens and reduces, about 2 minutes. Do not remove from stove top until almost all the liquid has reduced.

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fourth step of how to make candied pecans - pour onto prepared baking sheet

Immediately pour onto prepared baking sheet and spread out with spoon. Candied nuts will harden as they cool.

Substituting other Nuts

Yes! Stir in any preferred nut into the sugar mixture. Walnuts, shelled pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts taste equally delicious!

sTorage Tips

First, make sure the nuts are completely cooled. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three weeks.

Alternatively, store nuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up six weeks or freeze up to three months.

Tips For Making Candied Pecans Stove Top

  • Be sure to have your pan prepared ahead of time to put the hot nuts on before they cool.
  • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Wax paper has a tendency to stick to the nuts.
  • Don’t get distracted! The pecans only take a few minutes to cook. If you walk away or don’t stir constantly they could burn.
  • The nuts will be sticky at first before they cool. If the glazed pecans remain sticky after cooling, transfer the baking sheet to a 325ºF oven for 5-15 minutes, or until they harden.

Spicy Candied Pecans

A touch of spice pairs perfectly with maple syrup and salty nuts. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture before adding the pecan halves.

Cinnamon Glazed Pecans

Cinnamon spice elevates the sweet coating on the nuts. To make cinnamon candied pecans add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the brown sugar, maple syrup, water, and salt in the skillet.

candied pecans in a bowl of yogurt with honey

Why are My Candied Nuts Sticky?

They most likely didn’t cook long enough on the stovetop. Sugar has to reach a certain temperature to achieve that brittle, candy coating state. Here is a very informative article about the stages of sugar and temperature.

Good news, though! If your candied pecans are still sticky after completely cooling, they may still be saved!

How to Fix Sticky Candied Nuts

Transfer parchment-lined baking sheet to 325ºF oven (do not put wax paper in the oven) and bake for 5-15 minutes, or until they are less sticky.

Remember, while the sugar is still warm there will still be stickiness to them, but as the nuts cool they will harden.

Click here to see the
step-by-step web story instructions for this recipe!

How To Use Candy Pecans

  • salad topping, such as Harvest Salad
  • food gifts (especially around Christmas!)
  • sprinkle on frosted cakes, such as on Pumpkin Pie Cake
  • oatmeal
  • add to a snack mix, such as Homemade Chex Mix
  • yogurt
  • topping for Chocolate Bark
  • baked sweet potatoes or yams
  • Charcuterie Boards
  • topping for Cranberry Baked Brie  
candied pecans in a gift box ready to give someone

SAVE THESE CANDIED PECANS TO YOUR PINTEREST BOARD!

Let’s be friends on Pinterest! I’m always sharing great recipes!

an overhead shot of candied pecans in an antique silver bowl

Candied Pecans

Easy Candied Pecans come together in only 5 minutes on your stove top! Learn how to candy pecans quickly with only brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt.
4.37 from 41 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Melissa Erdelac

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • pinch salt
  • 1 cup pecans, or any other preferred nut
US Customary – Metric
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Instructions

  • Prepare a baking sheet layered with parchment paper (DO NOT USE WAX PAPER – nuts will stick to paper). Set aside.
  • In a medium skillet add brown sugar, maple syrup, water, and salt. Heat over medium heat until bubbly and sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Add nuts and continue to cook and stir until syrup thickens and reduces, about 2 minutes.
  • Immediately transfer nuts to the baking sheet and spread out with spoon. Candied nuts will harden as they cool.

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    Recipe Notes

    Tips For Making Candied Pecans

    • Be sure to have your pan prepared ahead of time to put the hot nuts on before they cool.
    • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Wax paper has a tendency to stick to the nuts.
    • Don’t get distracted! The pecans only take a few minutes to cook. If you walk away or don’t stir constantly they could burn.
    • The nuts will be sticky at first before they cool. If the glazed pecans remain sticky after cooling, transfer the baking sheet to a 325ºF oven for 5-15 minutes, or until they harden.
     

    Spicy Candied Pecans

    A touch of spice pairs perfectly with maple syrup and salty nuts. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture before adding the pecan halves.
     

    Cinnamon Glazed Pecans

    Cinnamon spice elevates the sweet coating on the nuts. To make cinnamon candied pecans add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the brown sugar, maple syrup, water, and salt in the skillet.
     

    How to Store Candied Pecans

    First, make sure the nuts are completely cooled. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three weeks.
    Alternatively, store nuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up six weeks. 
    Freeze candied nuts in an airtight container for up to three months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 0.7mg
    Course: Appetizer, Snack
    Categories: 30 Minutes Appetizers Christmas Desserts Fall Gluten Free Grain Free Holidays Quick and Easy Recipes Salads Snacks Spring Summer Thanksgiving Winter

    This post contains affiliate links. My opinions are always my own. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I make a small commission – at no cost to you. Read full Privacy Policy here.


    This recipe first appeared on Easy Good Ideas where I’m a contributor.

    Previous Post: « Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Cheese
    Next Post: Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Trish says

      December 10, 2022 at 11:48 PM

      I rated this 5 star- but the it popped up 4 star. I’d rate it 10 star- sooooo good!
      I was making these for a quick gift- but I ate over half of the batch! Good thing these are fast and easy- cause I need to make another batch!!

      Reply
      • Melissa Erdelac says

        December 11, 2022 at 11:32 AM

        Thank you, Trish! That bourbon maple syrup addition sounds absolutely amazing!
        Best,
        Melissa

        Reply
    2. Trish says

      December 10, 2022 at 11:39 PM

      Wow! Fast, easy and delicious! I used Signature Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup and the flavor was incredible!!!

      Reply
    3. Jenimar says

      August 17, 2022 at 4:37 PM

      I have made the recipe a few times and it came out perfect, but the last few times they have been really sticky. Any thoughts on how to correct that?

      Reply
      • Melissa Erdelac says

        August 18, 2022 at 10:50 AM

        Hi,
        I would say to cook it a little longer. If they are still sticky after they have cooked you can try putting them on parchment and putting them in a low oven (300ºF) for 5 minutes. Alternatively, just refrigerate them. That will dry out any stickiness as well.
        Best,
        Melissa

        Reply
    4. Joanna says

      August 5, 2022 at 8:13 AM

      Can I use foil if I don’t have parchment paper?

      Reply
      • Melissa Erdelac says

        August 6, 2022 at 2:37 PM

        Hi Joanna,
        I haven’t experimented with using foil, but if you did I would spray the surface with a nonstick cooking spray first.
        Best,
        Melissa

        Reply
    5. Joan says

      December 20, 2021 at 5:04 PM

      How much is a serving?

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        December 21, 2021 at 8:36 AM

        Hi Joan,
        A serving is 1/4 cup.
        Best,
        Melissa

        Reply
    6. Angela says

      June 8, 2021 at 6:42 PM

      Can you tell me why my almonds are soft? I think I did it right, I out them in a contained overnight and today when I tried some my almonds are chewy almost (the actual almond not the coating). Can’t find anything online.

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        June 10, 2021 at 2:27 PM

        Hi Angela,
        I’ve done some looking myself and can’t figure this out. I know my nuts are a little soft after sauteeing, but then after they cool completely they harden back up. Did you try refrigerating them?
        Best,
        Melissa

        Reply
    7. Katie says

      December 21, 2020 at 11:47 AM

      I have not made this exact recipe, but recently tried my grandmothers sugared orange pecans and got a gooey mess. i even tried cooking more, as you indicated, but they never got hard. II appreciate the extra advice and the referral to stages of sugar hardening (soft ball, etc.) Am wondering if there is an amount of time one has to stay at the noted temp. Anyway, I’m going to try again..

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        December 21, 2020 at 2:14 PM

        Hi Katie,
        Working with sugar temperatures can be tricky sometimes. Does your Gramma’s recipe have an exact temp? If so, as soon as it reaches that temp you take it off the heat. For this recipe I never measure the temp, just use the visual of when the liquid is almost gone. If you email me your Gramma’s recipe I can help you adapt it for the same flavor, but using these directions. My email is melissa@mamagourmand.com Merry Christmas!
        Best,
        Melissa

        Reply
    8. Fitoru Keto Support says

      September 24, 2020 at 9:07 AM

      My dietitian approved of pecans as part of my diet and this is perfect! Will certainly try this someday! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    9. Roy Gooden says

      May 20, 2020 at 9:47 AM

      great recipe I’ve been making candied nuts for years this is by far the easiest, quickest and tastes just as good if not better than some of the longer recipes I’ve been using.
      I did adjust for volume (i doubled the recipe) and i added 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar instead of all brown sugar to cut down the sweetness and added 2 tablespoons of butter to increase the creaminess of the candied sugar. I almost ended up with pralined pecans.. not quite but close.. just “Perfect”
      thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        May 21, 2020 at 9:28 AM

        Hi Roy,
        Thanks so much for taking the time to write. I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe and found it so much easier. I love the butter suggestion. I will try that next time!
        Best,
        Melissa

        Reply
      • Linda Guillot says

        December 17, 2021 at 11:18 PM

        Can you use regular syrup or Karo if you don’t have maple syrup ?????? Lin

        Reply
        • Melissa says

          December 18, 2021 at 8:44 AM

          Hi Lin,
          I haven’t tried it, but corn syrup might work. I would just use 1 tablespoon because two will be too sweet and it might turn out sticky.
          Best,
          Melissa

          Reply
    10. Millican Pecan says

      June 13, 2019 at 5:15 PM

      It is hard to go wrong with maple syrup, brown sugar, and pecans! I like the 5-minute stove top option compared to the 15-20 minute oven option.

      Reply

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