Easy Candied Pecans Recipe
This Easy Candied Pecans recipe offers a rich and sweetly spiced treat perfect for snacks, salads, or holiday gifts. Whether made on the stovetop or in a Crock-Pot, these pecans are coated with a delicious cinnamon-sugar glaze that is crisp and flavorful, combining the warmth of cinnamon and the subtle aroma of vanilla.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes stovetop or 2 hours Crock-Pot
- Total Time: 25 minutes stovetop or 2 hours 10 minutes Crock-Pot
- Yield: About 4 cups stovetop version, 6 cups Crock-Pot version 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Stovetop Version
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces unsalted pecan halves (about 4 cups)
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon water
Crock-Pot Version
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 6 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg White Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white, vanilla extract, and water until frothy to create a sticky base for the sugar coating.
- Mix the Pecans with Egg Whites: Add the pecan halves to the egg white mixture and stir well to fully coat all the nuts.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt (or ground cloves for Crock-Pot version) to form the spiced sugar mixture.
- Coat the Pecans: Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans, stirring continuously to ensure each pecan is evenly coated with the cinnamon-sugar blend.
- Stovetop Method – Cook the Pecans: Transfer the coated pecans to a large nonstick skillet or pan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 10-15 minutes, until the sugar melts and coats the pecans, becoming crisp and glossy. Be careful to avoid burning.
- Crock-Pot Method – Cook the Pecans: Place the coated pecans in the Crock-Pot and cook on low for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes to prevent sticking and burning. The sugar will caramelize and coat the nuts evenly.
- Cool the Pecans: Once coated and crisp, spread the pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray to cool completely. This helps the sugar coating harden and prevents clumping.
- Store or Serve: After cooling, break apart any stuck pecans and store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Enjoy as a snack, salad topping, or add to desserts.
Notes
- Stir constantly during stovetop cooking to prevent burning the sugar coating.
- Adjust cinnamon and spices according to taste preferences; cloves add a nice warm undertone in the Crock-Pot version.
- For extra crunch, you may bake the pecans on a lined baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes after cooking.
- Use fresh egg whites or pasteurized egg whites for safety and best results.
- Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
Keywords: candied pecans, cinnamon pecans, sweet nuts, holiday snacks, spiced nuts, pecan recipe
Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/easy-candied-pecans-recipe/