When you need a recipe for simple candied pecans in a jiffy this stove top recipe is the way to go. It comes together in only 5 minutes, requires only pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and nuts, and is perfection sprinkled on salads, yogurt, desserts, for snacking, or so much more!

an overhead shot of candied pecans in an antique silver bowl
Whether you are looking for a sweet and salty snack, easy food gift idea, or the perfect addition to salads and desserts, you can’t go wrong with this simple, quick candied pecans recipe!

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Super Duper Simple Candied Pecans? Yes, Please!

Once you see for yourself how easy it is to throw together these stove top candied nuts, 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!

Candy coated pecans are the ultimate snacking because it’s hard to ignore a tempting bowl of that sweet and savory goodness. I often give them away as a holiday food gift or quickly make a batch to sprinkle on this family-favorite harvest apple pecan salad, breakfast dishes like yogurt, banana baked oatmeal, or ice cream sundaes.

I rated this 5 star- but I’d rate it 10 star if I could – 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!!

—Trish

Let’s Make This Together!

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

Prep and go time

Since this stove top recipe comes together so fast, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the hot nuts can be transferred to it quickly. Avoid using wax paper because the nuts will stick.

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

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

Add the nuts with a quick stir

Once the sugar dissolves add the pecans, or other nuts like pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or even mixed nuts.

Reduce the heat a touch and continue to cook and stir constantly. You are looking for the syrup to thicken and reduce, which takes about 2 minutes.

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

Cool slightly and dig in!

Immediately pour onto the lined baking sheet and spread out with spoon. They will be soft and sticky at first, but will harden as they cool. Try not to eat the whole batch at once! That’s the biggest challenge of this recipe…

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

Yummy Ideas and Tips

  • Be sure to have your pan prepared ahead of time to put the hot nuts on before they cool.
  • 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.
  • Like it spicy? Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture before adding the pecan halves.
  • Love cinnamon? Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the brown sugar, maple syrup, water, and salt in the skillet.

Sticky Nuts? Let’s Fix Them!

They most likely didn’t cook long enough on the stove top. Sugar has to reach a certain temperature to achieve that brittle, candy coating state. Good news, though! If they are still sticky after completely cooling, they may still be saved!

Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet and preheat oven to 325ºF. 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.

candied pecans in a gift box ready to give someone
I like to keep a batch on hand at all times for weeknight salads turned gourmet or to sprinkle on after dinner ice cream!

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Did you make this recipe? I love hearing from you! Leave a star rating and comment below the recipe card. It helps others when searching for recipes and I appreciate feedback from our community. You will always hear back from me! -Melissa

an overhead shot of candied pecans in an antique silver bowl
4.45 stars (47 ratings)

5 Minute Candied Pecans With Maple Syrup

Melissa Erdelac of MamaGourmand headshot in patterned dress.Melissa Erdelac
Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
When you need a recipe for simple candied pecans in a jiffy this stove top recipe is the way to go. It comes together in only 5 minutes, requires only pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and nuts, and is perfection sprinkled on salads, yogurt, desserts, for snacking, or so much more!
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Ingredients
 

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. Do not remove from stove top until almost all the liquid has reduced.
    3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon water, pinch salt, 1 cup pecans
  • Immediately transfer nuts to the baking sheet and spread out with spoon. Candied nuts will harden as they cool.

Notes

 
How To Store
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.
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
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review below. It helps others when searching for recipes and I LOVE feedback!