How To Make Spiced Candied Pecans In The Oven

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Spiced candied pecans are a sweet symphony of crunchy nuts coated in a delightful blend of sugar and spices. These little gems are not just a snack; they are a flavor-packed experience that will have you reaching for more and more. 

There’s just something about eating candied pecans at Christmastime that makes your taste buds do a happy dance the moment you eat them. They are easy to make, and you only need 7 simple ingredients. 

Ingredients 

• Sweetener: Brown Sugar and monk fruit sweetener give the candied pecans an irresistible sugary coating. It caramelizes in the oven, creating a crispy, sweet shell around each pecan.
• Sea Salt: Salt is the secret weapon. It enhances the sweetness, balancing the flavors and adding a savory kick that makes everything pop.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon brings a delightful, aromatic spiciness that pairs perfectly with the sweet sugar, making your pecans taste like the holidays.
• Nutmeg: Nutmeg gives the pecans a warm and slightly nutty taste, complementing the cinnamon and adding depth to the overall flavor profile. 
• Egg White: Egg whites create a light, frothy coating that helps the sugar and spices cling to the pecans, giving them that lovely candied exterior.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant note that enhances the overall flavor of the pecans and ties everything together.
• Pecans: Pecans bring their rich, buttery flavor and crunchy texture to the party. 

How To Make Spiced Candied Pecans

Mix the brown sugar, monk fruit sweetener, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg, in a small bowl until combined. 

Next, whisk the egg whites and vanilla extract in a large bowl until frothy. 

Add the pecans to the egg whites. Toss to coat them in the egg whites. 

Sprinkle the brown sugar spice mixture on top of the pecans. Toss to coat the pecans in the mixture. 

Grease a baking sheet lightly with non-stick spray. Add the pecans to the prepared baking sheet and spread them into an even layer. 

Bake the pecans for 1 hour, turning them every 45 minutes until they are fragrant and the coating sticks to the pecans. 

Place the pecans on a wire rack and let them cool completely. Enjoy your spiced candied pecans! 

Variations 

Spiced candied pecans are so easy to make. You cannot mess up this candied pecans recipe, so feel free to experiment. 

1. Spices: Use your favorite spices. I used cinnamon and nutmeg, but you can use cardamom, ground ginger, allspice, apple pie spice, cayenne pepper, or pumpkin spice. 
2. Orange Zest: Orange zest adds a beautiful citrus flavor that helps cut through the sweetness of the pecans. 
3. Make It Keto: Use brown sugar substitute instead of brown sugar to create a low-carb keto-friendly candied pecans recipe. 
4. Make It Paleo: Use coconut sugar or date sugar instead of brown sugar to make the candied pecans paleo-friendly. 

Why Are My Candied Pecans Sticky 

You probably didn’t bake the pecans long enough. The sugar needs time to caramelize and create a crunchy sugar coating. If your nuts are sticky, place them back in the oven for 5-15 minutes until they dry out. Remember, the candied pecans will continue to dry out as they cool down, so don’t bake them too long. 

Can I Use Other Nuts Instead

Yes, you can use other nuts to make this recipe. I have used almonds and walnuts. You can also use cashews, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, or any nut you desire in this recipe. 

Are Praline Pecans The Same As Candied Pecans

Candied pecans are not the same thing as praline pecans. Candied pecans are tossed with cinnamon, egg whites, salt, vanilla extract, and spices. They are baked until the sugar caramelizes and hardens, creating a crunchy coating. Pralines are a caramel-based candy that has pecans mixed into it. They are dropped onto baking sheets and allowed to harden. 

How To Store Spiced Candied Pecans 

Store your spiced candied pecans in an air-tight container or ziplock bag at room temperature. They will last 1-2 weeks. 

You can store the pecans in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. You can also freeze them for 2-3 months. Just be sure to store them in a freezer-safe container.

How To Use Candied Pecans

These candied pecans are versatile. You can use them in sweet and savory recipes. You can add them to: 

• Salad: Add candied pecans to your holiday salad, kale salad, or any salad you desire. The candied pecans will add a sweet, crunchy bite to the salad.
• Charcuterie Board: Jazz up your cheese and charcuterie board with crunchy pecans. They will provide a sweet contrast to all the rich, savory foods. 
• Chocolate Bark: Add a nutty, crunchy topping to your chocolate bark by dropping it with chopped candied pecans. 
• Cookies: Chop the candied nuts up and add them to shortbread cookies, oatmeal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, or any cookies you desire. 
• Granola: Give your granola some holiday flavor with these candied pecans. Since they are already cooked, you only have to toss them with the granola once it cools down. 
• Scones Or Muffins: Add these candied pecans to your muffins or scones to give them some texture. 
• Ice Cream: Add candied pecans to homemade ice cream for a sweet, nutty crunch. 

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