Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
white
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne
- 12 ounces raw pecans halves
about 3 to 3 1/2 cups
- 1 egg white
briefly whisked
Directions
- 1
Prep oven and baking sheet. Heat oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Mix the cinnamon sugar mixture. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt and cayenne to a small mixing bowl and whisk until evenly combined.
- 3
Toss the pecans. In a separate large mixing bowl, add the pecans and whisked egg white and gently toss until the pecans are evenly coated. Add in the sugar mixture and gently toss until the pecans are evenly coated.
- 4
Bake. Spread the pecans out in a single even layer on the baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, then remove the nuts and give them a brief stir. Bake for 20 minutes more or until the pecans are fragrant and the sugar coating is cooked. (Note that the sugar coating will continue to harden and dry once the pecans are out of the oven.)
- 5
Cool. Transfer the baking sheet to a wire cooling rack and let the pecans cool to room temperature. Serve and enjoy immediately, or transfer the pecans to a sealed container to store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Candied Pecans
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About this Recipe
Looking for that irresistible crunch and perfectly balanced sweet-savory flavor of homemade candied pecans? This classic recipe delivers on all fronts, offering an easy path to a truly delicious treat that's perfect for snacking, gifting, or elevating your favorite dishes.
What makes these candied pecans truly special is the thoughtful combination of just seven simple ingredients, creating a coating that's both deeply flavorful and wonderfully crisp. The blend of sweet granulated and packed light brown sugars, perfectly spiced with warm ground cinnamon and a whisper of ground cayenne, ensures a delightful taste experience without being overly complicated. It's a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
Prepare for an explosion of flavor and texture with every bite. You'll find a beautifully crisp, golden coating that shatters gently to reveal the rich, buttery pecan within. Each piece offers a delightful dance between the comforting warmth of cinnamon, the subtle kick of cayenne, and the deep, caramelized sweetness of the sugars. These candied pecans are designed to be utterly addictive, making it hard to stop at just one. Despite their gourmet appeal, the process is straightforward, yielding a generous six cups of this irresistible snack.
Feel free to customize these delightful candied pecans to your taste. You could swap the pecans for other raw nut halves like walnuts or almonds for a similar delightful snack. Adjust the ground cayenne pepper to your liking for more or less heat, or omit it entirely if you prefer. For an extra layer of aroma, consider adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract along with the other ingredients.
These classic candied pecans are ideal for a wide range of occasions—whether you're looking for an elegant addition to a holiday platter, a sophisticated snack for guests, or simply a treat to elevate your morning yogurt, oatmeal, or salad. They also make a thoughtful, homemade gift that's always appreciated.