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Candied Pecans

Candied Pecans
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Quick and easy candied pecans with a perfect balance of crispy caramelized sugar and warm spices. Ideal for snacking, salad topping, or adding a sweet crunch to desserts. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile gluten-free recipe is customizable to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh, raw pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Melt the Butter and Mix Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, then stir in brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the sugar dissolves and ingredients combine into a smooth mixture.
  3. Coat the Pecans: Place the pecans in a mixing bowl, pour over the butter and sugar mixture, and toss well to coat every nut evenly with the sticky glaze.
  4. Spread and Bake: Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not too crowded. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
  5. Cool and Enjoy: Remove from oven and let the candied pecans cool completely on the baking sheet—they will harden as they cool. Once cool, break apart any clusters and enjoy or store.

Notes

  • Use fresh nuts to ensure the best flavor and crunch; avoid nuts that taste stale or bitter.
  • Stir pecans halfway through baking to prevent uneven caramelization and burning.
  • Watch closely in the last few minutes to avoid overcooking and bitterness.
  • Allow pecans to cool completely for a satisfying crunchy texture rather than sticky.
  • Store candied pecans in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.

Nutrition

Keywords: candied pecans, sweet nuts, snack, salad topper, easy dessert topping, gluten free, caramelized nuts

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/candied-pecans/