Oh, candied pecans! Just the *name* makes me think of crackling fireplaces and holiday cheer. Seriously, is there anything better than that sweet, crunchy bite? For me, the holidays just aren’t complete without them. I remember when I was little, my grandma would always make a huge batch, and the whole house would smell amazing. We’d all gather around the kitchen table, sneaking handfuls while she wasn’t looking (oops!).
These candied pecans are seriously addictive, but the best part? They’re SO easy to make. Forget those fancy store-bought ones – you can whip up a batch of these in under an hour, and they’ll taste a million times better. Trust me, once you try this candied pecans recipe, you’ll never go back. Plus, they make the perfect little gift for friends and family. Get ready to become everyone’s favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Candied Pecans Recipe
Quick and Easy Candied Pecans
Seriously, you don’t need to be a master chef to make these! Minimal prep, super simple instructions – even I can’t mess it up (and that’s saying something!).
Irresistibly Delicious Candied Pecans
That sweet and crunchy combo? Forget about it! These are seriously addictive. My favorite part is that caramelized sugar with the nutty pecan flavor – yum!
Perfect for Gifting Candied Pecans
Need a last-minute gift? These candied pecans are your answer! Pop them in a cute little jar, and you’re good to go. Everyone loves a homemade treat!
Satisfyingly Crunchy Candied Pecans
Oh, that crunch! It’s not just about the sweetness; the texture is key. These pecans have the *perfect* satisfying snap. You’ll see!
Ingredients for Candied Pecans
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You’ll need:
- 3 cups pecan halves (make sure they’re raw and unsalted!)
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar (the packed part is important!)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
That’s it! Simple, right? Now, let’s get to the fun part!
How to Make Candied Pecans: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Candied Pecans
First, grab a skillet and toast those pecan halves for about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, okay? You want them lightly golden and fragrant, not burnt to a crisp! Burnt pecans are no fun. Trust me, you’ll smell when they’re ready. Then, just set ’em aside for now.
Making the Sugar Mixture for Candied Pecans
Now, in that same skillet, combine your water and brown sugar. This is important: DO NOT STIR! Just let it sit there over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. You’ll know it’s dissolved when you can’t see any more sugar granules at the bottom of the pan. It should look like a clear, bubbly syrup. Patience, my friend, patience!
Combining Pecans and Sugar for Candied Pecans
Alright, here comes the good part! Add those toasted pecans, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg to the sugar mixture. Stir, stir, stir until all the pecans are evenly coated in that delicious sugary goodness. Make sure every single pecan is covered! This is where the magic happens!
Finishing and Cooling the Candied Pecans
Turn the heat down to low and keep stirring for another 3-5 minutes. Careful, it can splatter a little! Then, let the nuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking together too much. After that, spread them out on your parchment paper, breaking up any big clumps. Let them cool completely – this is key for that perfect crunch!
Tips for the Best Candied Pecans
Toasting Pecans for Candied Pecans
Don’t skip this step! Toasting brings out the nutty flavor. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re lightly golden and you can smell that amazing pecan aroma. Mmm!
Sugar Consistency for Candied Pecans
Keep a close eye on that sugar! Burnt sugar is NOT what we’re going for. Make sure it’s completely dissolved before adding the pecans. A little patience goes a long way!
Cooling Candied Pecans Properly
This is crucial for that perfect crunch! Let those candied pecans cool completely on the parchment paper. Don’t rush it! Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Storing Your Delicious Candied Pecans
Okay, so you’ve made a batch (or two!) of these amazing candied pecans. Now, how do you keep them fresh? Easy! Just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay good on the shelf for up to 3 months, but trust me, they’ll be gone way before then! You can even freeze them for up to 6 months – just thaw them out before you want to munch!
Frequently Asked Questions About Candied Pecans
Can I use a different type of nut for Candied Pecans?
Sure, you *could*! But honestly, pecans are the BEST for this. Walnuts would probably be your next best bet, but they have a slightly more bitter taste. Almonds are okay, but they’re not quite as rich. Just remember, different nuts will change the flavor and texture a bit!
How long do Candied Pecans last?
If you store them in an airtight container, they’ll stay good at room temperature for up to 3 months. But let’s be real, they’ll probably disappear way faster than that! Freezing them extends their life to about 6 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you store them, or they might get a little sticky.
Can I make Candied Pecans ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I often do! They’re perfect for making a day or two before a party or holiday gathering. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. No need to refrigerate! Then, when you’re ready to serve, just grab a handful and enjoy!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Candied Pecans
Okay, I’m not a nutritionist, but here’s a *rough* idea of what you’re getting into! Expect these candied pecans to be high in calories, sugar, and fat (hey, they’re a treat!). I’m guessing you’ll also find some carbs and a little bit of protein in there too!
Rate This Candied Pecans Recipe!
Loved these candied pecans? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends on social media – sharing is caring!
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Irresistible Candied Pecans Recipe Only Takes 40 Minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and crunchy candied pecans.
Ingredients
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toast pecan halves in a skillet for 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
- Combine water and brown sugar in the skillet. Do not stir.
- Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves and boils.
- Add pecans, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- Stir to coat pecans evenly.
- Turn heat to low and stir for 3-5 minutes.
- Cool nuts in the pan for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spread pecans on parchment paper, breaking up clumps.
- Allow to fully cool.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Freezer storage: up to 6 months.
- Shelf storage: up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: Unknown
- Sugar: Unknown
- Sodium: Unknown
- Fat: Unknown
- Saturated Fat: Unknown
- Unsaturated Fat: Unknown
- Trans Fat: Unknown
- Carbohydrates: Unknown
- Fiber: Unknown
- Protein: Unknown
- Cholesterol: Unknown
