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

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 recipe is gluten free, vegan, and dairy-free so snack away!

How To Make Candied Pecans

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

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 heat until bubbly and sugar visibly dissolves.

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

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

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

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.

Can Candied Pecans Be Refrigerated?

Alternatively, store nuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up six weeks. 

Can Candied Pecans Be Frozen?

Yes, freeze candied nuts in an airtight container for up to three months.

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.
• Spicy Candied Pecans: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the ingredients in the skillet.
• Cinnamon Candied Pecans: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the ingredients in the skillet.

Why are My Candied Pecans 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.

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.

How To Use Candied Pecans

• salads
• food gifts
• use in Pumpkin Pie Cake
• oatmeal
• yogurt
• topping for Chocolate Bark
• baked sweet potatoes
• Charcuterie Boards
• topping for Cranberry Baked Brie  

SAVE THESE CANDIED PECANS TO YOUR PINTEREST BOARD!

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5 from 3 votes

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Candied Pecans

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

5 mins

Total Time

10 mins

 

Easy Candied Pecans come together in only 5 minutes on your stovetop! Learn how to make candied pecans quickly with only brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt.

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: candied, easy, nuts, pecans, stovetop

Servings: 4

Calories: 232 kcal

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

Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet layered with parchment paper (DO NOT USE WAX PAPER - nuts will stick to paper). Set aside.

2. 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.

3. 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.
• Spicy Candied Pecans: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the ingredients in the skillet.
• Cinnamon Candied Pecans: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the ingredients 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 Facts

Candied Pecans

Amount Per Serving

Calories 232 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 17g 26%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Sodium 3mg 0%

Potassium 135mg 4%

Total Carbohydrates 18g 6%

Dietary Fiber 2g 8%

Sugars 15g

Protein 2g 4%

Vitamin A 0.3%

Vitamin C 0.3%

Calcium 3.6%

Iron 3.8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Did you make this recipe? Tag @mamagourmand on Instagram and hashtag #mamagourmand. I love to see your creations!

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