Crispy Candied Pecans are the ultimate sweet treat. Pecans are covered in a sweet cinnamon coating and baked to crispy perfection. They make a great topping for pancakes, ice cream, cheesecake and are a great holiday gift.
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This post was originally posted on 10/21/2020 and updated on 11/20/2024.
Why We Love Crispy Candied Pecans
- An incredibly easy recipe for sweet crispy pecans.
- So much better than store bought.
- A delicious sweet snack that will disappear fast!
- These sweet pecans can be put on just about anything. Salads, cupcakes, ice cream, pancakes, yogurt and the list can go on.
- This recipe is so versatile. You can switch up the spices and the nuts. Use your favorite flavors.
- Add them to cookie dough! They are so good in my Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies!
- These make great homemade gifts for the holidays. Put them in a cute jar with a bow and give them to your friends and family.
Crispy Candied Pecans Recipe Ingredients
- Pecans
- Egg White
- Water
- Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Substitution Suggestions
- Pecans: Walnuts, almonds and cashews are great substitutes. I like to use pecan halves, but you can also use pecan pieces.
- Egg White: Be sure to whip the egg white until it's really frothy but not creating peaks. The egg white is what gives the nuts their crunchy exterior.
- Sugar and Brown Sugar: I like to use both because I think it creates the perfect texture on the nuts. However, you can use all granulated sugar or all brown sugar if you prefer.
- Cinnamon: This recipe is so versatile. Use your favorite spices. Pumpkin pie spice, all spice, ginger or nutmeg are great fall flavors. You can even make them sweet and spicy with chili powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika or ground cumin. The flavor options are endless!
- Salt: The salt is necessary to balance the sweetness and flavors. Don't leave it out.
How to Make Candied Pecans in Oven
- First, preheat oven to 300°F. If you want, line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Stirring the nuts can be kind of a pain with the parchment paper, but I always use it.
- Next, in a large bowl, whisk the egg white and water until really frothy.
- Then whisk in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.
- Now stir the pecans into the egg and sugar mixture making sure they are all evenly coated.
- Spread the coated pecans into a single layer on baking sheet. Using a fork to separate them works great.
- Bake the pecans in preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes and spreading back into a single layer.
- Let the pecans cool completely on the sheet pan before using.
Ways to Use Crispy Candied Pecans
These candied pecans are delicious all on their own as a sweet snack. I also like using them as a garnish on baked goods or pancakes. They are delicious mixed into cookie dough and on top of salads too. Plus, they make a beautiful gift! Here is some inspiration:
- As-Is: Put them in a pretty bowl on the table as an easy sweet snack during parties or gatherings. They are also a fabulous addition to charcuterie boards.
- Garnish: Use the pecans as a pretty garnish on top of cupcakes or cheesecake like my Pumpkin Cupcakes or No Bake Cheesecake Bars. They are also delicious on top of Pancakes. Our favorites are: Pumpkin Pancakes, Sheet Pan Pancakes and Banana Pancakes. They are the best finish on top of an ice cream sundae or yummy salad! Or add them on top of Honey Glazed Carrots for some added texture.
- Mix-Ins: Add these sweet pecans to your favorite cookie dough. We like them in Chocolate Chip Cookies, Churro Cookies and Maple Cookies. Would also be delicious in Dark Chocolate Brownies or Apple Blondies as well as Easy Pumpkin Bread or Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread. These sweet nuts are so good stirred into yogurt and Homemade Granola. Or add them to Peanut Butter Apple Sandwiches for a sweet crunch!
- Gift: Add the candied pecans to a cute jar with a bow or cone shaped cellophane bags with curling ribbon. Then gift the nuts to your family and friends over the holidays or give them as a hostess gift.
If you happen to love pecans, than I have some more yummy recipes for you! Check out my Easy Pecan Pie Bars or the Classic Pecan Pie. They are so yummy! As is this Sweet Potato Casserole with a pecan streusel on top. Plus, lets not forget these fabulous Pecan Pie Brownies that have the perfect combination of brownie and pecan pie flavors!
Storing Candied Pecans
Storing: Store the cooled pecans in an airtight container or zip top bag at room temperature. They'll last 2-3 weeks.
Freezing: These candied pecans can be frozen! Place cooled pecans in a freezer safe airtight container or freezer bag. Label, date and freeze. They'll last up to 6 months in the freezer.
Thawing: Thaw the candied pecans at room temperature.
Heather's Favorite Tools for this Recipe
- I love these nestled mixing bowls for prepping ingredients.
- Long ago, I used to be a Pampered Chef consultant and I still prefer their baking tools and pans to any others. Their baking sheets are the only ones I use. Find yourself a consultant, host a party and treat yourself to a set.
- These aluminum sheet pans from Nordic Ware are a great option too.
- You can package these candied pecans up for family and friends over the holidays in these cone shaped cellophane bags. They make the cutest gift!
- Pre-cut parchment paper is a life saver and so easy. No cutting my fingers!
- Or this silicone baking mat is great for baking too!
Tips for Crispy Candied Pecans
- Use raw pecans, if you can't find raw, the next best is unsalted.
- I prefer to use pecan halves because they are great for gifts and easy snacking. However, I have used chopped pecans and they work well too but may not take as long to bake.
- Make sure the egg white is frothy, it creates the crispy texture.
- Make sure the pecans are in a single layer on the sheet pan so they cook evenly and don't clump all together. A fork works well to separate the nuts.
- Do NOT skip the stirring step. It is essential to stir the pecans every 15 minutes so the nuts cook evenly and don't burn. This helps create an even crisp texture.
More Giftable Recipes:
- Homemade Caramel Corn
- Birthday Cake Cookies
- Brownie Bites
- Oatmeal Cream Pies
- Scotcharoo Popcorn
- Sugar Cookie Cut Outs
- Pumpkin Pound Cake
- No Bake Scotcharoos
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Crispy Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- 4 cups pecans
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and water until very frothy.
- Whisk in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.
- Stir in pecans until they are all evenly coated.
- Let pecans cool completely on sheet pan.
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