Candied Pecans

Candied pecans are a simple yet delicious treat that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a crunchy, sweet touch to salads and desserts. Coated with a sweet cinnamon glaze, these pecans are baked to crispy perfection. The combination of the warm cinnamon flavor with the rich, buttery pecans makes for an irresistible snack that’s hard to stop eating. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk the egg white and water together until frothy. Add the pecans to the bowl and stir to coat them evenly.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour this mixture over the pecans and toss them until they are evenly coated.
4. Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the pecans in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure they bake evenly.
6. Once the pecans are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Candied Pecans: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a spicy kick.
• Maple Flavored: Replace the sugar with maple syrup or maple sugar for a different, more earthy sweetness.
• Chocolate-Dipped: After baking, dip the cooled pecans in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
• Nut-Free Option: If you’re allergic to nuts, substitute with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunchy texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the pecans in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before eating.
• Reheating: If you want to restore their crunch, reheat them on a baking sheet in a 250°F oven for about 5-10 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
   Yes, you can use almonds, walnuts, or cashews in place of pecans. Just adjust the baking time as needed based on the size of the nuts.
2. Can I make these without an egg white?
   Yes, you can use a vegan alternative like aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) to help the sugar stick to the nuts.
3. Are candied pecans healthy?
   While pecans are nutrient-rich, the added sugar makes this a sweet treat rather than a health food. For a healthier option, reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener.
4. How do I prevent the pecans from burning?
   Stir the pecans every 15 minutes while baking to prevent them from burning. Keeping the oven at a low temperature (250°F) also helps.
5. Can I add other spices?
   Yes, you can add nutmeg, cloves, or even ginger for additional flavor depth.
6. What can I do with candied pecans?
   They are great as a snack, added to salads, or used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or pies.
7. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
   Yes, using brown sugar will give the pecans a more caramel-like flavor.
8. Can I make these in advance?
   Yes, candied pecans can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
9. Why do I need to stir the pecans while baking?
   Stirring ensures that the pecans cook evenly and that the sugary coating doesn’t burn or clump.
10. Can I add vanilla to the recipe?
    Yes, you can add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg white mixture for a subtle, sweet flavor.

Conclusion

Candied pecans are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that adds a sweet crunch to any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, gifting them to loved ones, or using them to enhance other dishes, they’re sure to be a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, these candied pecans are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and cinnamon-spiced flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.

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