Easy Candied Pecans Recipe (10 minute Stovetop)
Dec 19, 2024, Updated Jan 13, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Learn how to make these easy candied pecans on the stovetop in only 10 minutes! These perfectly caramelized pecans with a touch of spice are great on salads and grain bowls, placed in bags as holiday gifts, and great for snacking.
You’ll also love my homemade pecan pie!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and Simple: Instead of using the oven method, we use one skillet and a few ingredients, and the candy pecans are ready in under 10 minutes!
- Perfectly Sweet and Crunchy: The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, giving the pecans a crispy texture with a candy-like shell. You’ll love the salty-sweet crunch.
- Perfect for Gifting: These make an excellent homemade holiday gift, especially during the holiday season. Package them up in a mason jar and have a delicious treat to share!
You’ll keep returning to this recipe because it’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile!
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
With only pantry staples, these candied nuts come together effortlessly without a long list of ingredients—no corn syrup in this recipe (standard in many store-bought varieties).
- Pecan halves: The star of the recipe! Pecans provide a buttery, rich flavor and a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the sweet caramelized coating.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that balances the natural nuttiness of the pecans. It also helps create the sticky, caramelized coating.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice, giving the pecans a cozy, comforting flavor. Cinnamon is a classic pairing with nuts and sugar.
- Nutmeg (optional): Freshly grated nutmeg offers a hint of additional spice with its warm, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. It complements the cinnamon and adds depth.
- Fine sea salt or kosher salt: A must to balance out the sweetness! The salt enhances the flavors, providing a lovely contrast to the sugar and spices.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a rich, aromatic undertone that rounds out the flavors and enhances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and form the syrupy coating that clings to the pecans.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): If you like a little kick, the cayenne brings a subtle heat that complements the sweetness, creating a sweet and spicy contrast.
This recipe doesn’t use egg whites, unlike many others. In the pecan recipe without egg whites, the sugar forms a more delicate, glossy caramel-like coating rather than a thicker crust, allowing the flavor of the pecans to shine through more.
See the recipe card for quantities and the full recipe.
How to Make Candied Pecans
Make this easy candied pecans recipe in a few steps on the stovetop! See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.
Prepare parchment paper on a large baking sheet. Add the ingredients (except the pecans to a pan).
On medium heat, let the sugars and spices melt together until combined.
Add the pecans to the sugar and spice mixture.
Coat the pecans well in the sugar and toss to coat as the cook for a few minutes.
Spread the pecans in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Enjoy these yummy pecans with a flavorful and crunchy coating.
How to Use Candied Pecans
Here are some great ways to use candied pecans:
- Snacks: Enjoy them straight from the jar as a sweet snack, or add them to the trail mix.
- Salads: Toss into fresh salads for a sweet crunch.
- Desserts: Top cakes, pies, ice cream, or mix into cookies and brownies.
- Breakfast: Sprinkle on oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, or waffles.
- Charcuterie Board: Pair with cheeses on a board for a tasty contrast.
- Garnish: Add to cocktails or roasted veggies for extra texture.
- Gifts: Perfect as a homemade holiday treat!
Candied pecans are versatile and add flavor to both sweet and savory dishes!
FAQ’s
Yes! You can substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, cashews, or even mixed nuts for a different flavor and texture.
If the sugar mixture isn’t cooked long enough, it may not fully caramelize, leaving the pecans sticky or soft. Make sure to let the sugar mixture bubble and thicken before adding the pecans.
Yes, you can freeze candied pecans! Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before eating.
Variations
- Spicy Candied Pecans: For a sweet and spicy kick, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder.
- Maple Candied Pecans: Swap out the brown sugar for pure maple syrup for a rich, natural sweetness and slightly different flavor profile.
- Pumpkin Spice Candied Pecans: Use a blend of pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) instead of just cinnamon for a warm, fall-inspired flavor.
- Orange-Spiced Candied Pecans: Add orange zest or a splash of orange extract along with cinnamon for a bright, citrusy twist.
How to Store
Airtight container: Once the pecans are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh for up to 1-2 weeks.
Refrigeration (optional): For longer storage, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container. This helps extend their freshness for up to 3-4 weeks.
Freezing: If you want to keep them even longer, freeze the candied pecans in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before eating.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- Don’t rush the caramel: Let the sugar and water mixture cook long enough to fully dissolve and turn syrupy before adding the pecans. This ensures a smooth, even coating.
- Stir continuously: Once the pecans are added, stir constantly to prevent the sugar from burning and to coat the pecans evenly.
- Spread out to cool: Immediately spread the pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet after cooking. This prevents them from sticking together and allows them to cool and harden individually.
- Don’t skip the salt: A little bit of sea salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors, making the pecans even more irresistible.
Holiday Recipes
💙 MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💙 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love connecting with you! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Pinterest.
Print
Easy Candied Pecans Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
A simple stovetop candied pecans recipe that will give you perfectly caramelized pecans with a touch of spice. Use on salads and grain bowls, place in bags as holiday gifts, and great for snacking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (70g) pecan halves
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark brown sugar)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh nutmeg, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon sea salt (measure to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tablespoons water
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
-
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a medium skillet over medium heat, stir together the brown sugar, water, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using) and salt. Cook until the sugar dissolves and bubbles, about 1 minute.
-
Add the pecans to the skillet. Stir to coat them evenly with the caramel mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the pecans are fully glazed.
-
Transfer the pecans to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer to cool. Let them cool completely before serving or storing.
-
Store these candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They make a great snack, salad topping, or dessert garnish! Enjoy these sweet and spiced pecans as a perfect treat or addition to your favorite dishes!
Notes
How to Store
- Airtight container: Once the pecans are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh for up to 1-2 weeks.
- Refrigeration (optional): For longer storage, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container. This helps extend their freshness for up to 3-4 weeks.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them even longer, freeze the candied pecans in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before eating.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sweet
- Method: American
- Cuisine: American
This recipe looks amazing and fairly easy. With the pecans do I use raw or toasted pecans? In the directions it says to add the toasted pecans back into the skillet but the ingredient list just states pecans and there is no mention of the pecans already being in the skillet.
They shouldn’t be toasted! Just the regular. Thank you and enjoy!
Perfectly crunch and sweet! You’ll love these for snacking, salads gifting, and more!