Name: Amazing Candied Pecans: A 30-Minute Sweet Escape
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound pecan halves; 1 large egg white; 1 tablespoon water; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe

There’s just something magical about a homemade treat, isn’t there? It’s not just the taste. It’s the cozy feeling you get from making something special with your own hands. This is exactly what we aim for here at 911Recipes. I’m Clara Kohn, and I believe cooking should bring joy, not stress. My own kitchen, much like my grandmother’s, is a place for simple, delicious food. It’s where memories are made. We focus on recipes that are easy to follow, but still deliver incredible flavor. That’s why I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorites with you today: candied pecans. These sweet, crunchy bites are simply irresistible. They’re perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or topping desserts. They truly embody everything I love about fuss-free, rewarding cooking.

Why You’ll Love These Candied Pecans

Oh, let me tell you why I adore these candied pecans! First, they are just so simple to whip up. No fancy equipment is needed here. You can make them in under an hour, truly! Second, their versatility is amazing. I toss them into salads, sprinkle them over ice cream, or just grab a handful for a quick snack. They always hit the spot. And the taste? Absolutely irresistible. That perfect balance of sweet and crunchy keeps me coming back for more. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about making them yourself. The aroma filling your kitchen is just heavenly. It’s a quick win for your tastebuds and your soul!

Everything You Need for Delicious Candied Pecans

Creating these delightful candied pecans means starting with the right ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:

1 pound pecan halves: These are our star! They provide that wonderful nutty crunch.
1 large egg white: This acts as our magical binder. It helps the sugar stick to the pecans.
1 tablespoon water: Just a little bit helps whisk the egg white to a frothy consistency.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: This gives us that classic sweet coating.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A touch of warmth and spice makes all the difference.
1/4 teaspoon salt: This balances the sweetness and brings out the pecan flavor.

Each ingredient plays a part in making these pecans perfectly sweet and crunchy. It’s a simple list, but the results are truly amazing!

Ingredient Notes for Perfect Candied Pecans

For the best candied pecans, always start with fresh pecan halves. They have the best flavor and texture. If you want a deeper, more caramel-like taste, you can swap out the granulated sugar for brown sugar. Just know that brown sugar might make your candied pecans a bit chewier, and they might bake a little darker. I’ve tried both ways, and while brown sugar is good, I always go back to granulated for that classic crispness. My grandmother always said, “Keep it simple, sweetie!”

Essential Equipment for Making Candied Pecans

You don’t need a lot of fancy gadgets for these candied pecans. That’s part of what makes them so great! You will need a large bowl for mixing. A whisk helps get that egg white nice and frothy. And, of course, a large baking sheet is key. Don’t forget the parchment paper! It makes cleanup a breeze and stops the pecans from sticking. Simple tools for a simple, delicious treat!

How to Make Candied Pecans: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these candied pecans is super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious snack in no time! First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While the oven heats, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is a real time-saver for cleanup!

Next, grab a big bowl. Whisk the egg white and water together until it’s frothy. It should look a little bubbly. Add the pecan halves to this mixture. Toss them gently. Make sure every pecan gets a nice, even coating. This eggy layer helps our sweet coating stick.

In a separate, small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good mix. Now, sprinkle this sugary blend over your coated pecans. Toss them again until they are all well-coated. You want every pecan looking sparkly!

Spread the coated pecans on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer. Don’t crowd them! Bake for 30-40 minutes. Remember to stir them every 10-15 minutes. This helps them bake evenly and get perfectly golden brown. Once done, take them out. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They get crispier as they cool. Trust me, waiting is the hardest part!

Tips for Achieving the Best Candied Pecans

For truly perfect candied pecans, even coating is key. Make sure each pecan is covered in that eggy, sugary goodness. Also, spreading them in a single layer on the baking sheet is crucial. If they’re piled up, they steam instead of crisp. I once crammed too many on one sheet, and they came out chewy, not crunchy. Letting them cool completely is also important. This is when the candied coating really hardens. Patience pays off here, I promise!

Storing Your Homemade Candied Pecans

Once your candied pecans are perfectly cool, it’s time to store them. You want to keep all that delicious crunch! Place them in an airtight container. A cookie jar or a sealed plastic container works great. Store them at room temperature. They will stay fresh and yummy for up to two weeks. I sometimes hide them from my family so they last longer!

Common Questions About Candied Pecans

I get lots of questions about these candied pecans. Here are some common ones:

Can I make candied pecans without egg white?

Yes, you can! The egg white helps the sugar stick and makes them extra crunchy. But if you prefer, you can use a little corn syrup or maple syrup mixed with water. The texture might be a little different, but they will still be delicious. I’ve heard of folks using aquafaba, too. That’s the liquid from a can of chickpeas!

How long do candied pecans last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your homemade candied pecans can last up to two weeks. Mine never last that long, though! We usually gobble them up much faster. If you want them to last even longer, you can keep them in the fridge for up to a month.

Can I use different nuts for candied pecans?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with other nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or even cashews can be candied using the same method. Just keep an eye on them while baking. Some nuts might roast faster or slower than pecans. Experiment and find your favorite!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Candied Pecans

I know many of you like to keep an eye on what you eat. So, here’s some estimated nutritional information for these candied pecans. Please remember, these values are just estimates. They can change based on the exact ingredients you use. For example, different brands of pecans might have slight variations. This is just a helpful guide for your planning. It’s all about enjoying good food!