How to Make Candied Pecans

Skip the expensive store-bought candied pecans and make your own at home from scratch. This easy homemade snack can be roasting in your oven in under ten minutes, and these keep well and make for a great giftable! 

Made much like my candied walnuts, these are perfectly sweetened and coated with cinnamon/sugar. The best part is this candied pecans recipe uses basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Recipe includes a brief step-by-step video!

I brought home a giant bag of pecans from the store the other day (a good unit price gets me every time) and after making several batches of homemade granola bars and baking them into my favorite brownie recipe, I had enough left over to make a few batches of candied pecans.

This candied pecan recipe has been living on my site for over two years now, but the photos were in need of an upgrade. A giant bag of cheap pecans was the perfect excuse to do a photo re-shoot (and I had enough pecans left to make a video, too!).

I’ve definitely been guilty in the past of spending way too much money buying paper cones stuffed with candied nuts from the Amish markets, but it’s so much cheaper to make your own candied nuts. Today I’ll show you how I make them at home (and the effort is so minimal, they can literally be prepped and in the oven in less than 10 minutes!).

How Do You Make Candied Pecans?

Candied pecans are simple to make.

1. Whisk together egg white (no yolk!), a teaspoon of water, and a splash of vanilla extract until the mixture is foamy.
2. Stir halved pecans into this mixture until all pecans are well coated.
3. Toss your pecans in a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, salt, and allspice (optional) until all of the nuts are well coated
4. Bake on a cookie sheet in a low temperature oven, stirring periodically, until the coating has dried.

The allspice in this recipe is optional, but it does add a great flavor. I first became obsessed with the candied pecans sold at the markets near my house, and theirs are spiced with allspice, so I like to use it here.

How Do You Store Candied Pecans?

Candied pecans can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. They will keep for up to two weeks this way.

Can You Freeze Candied Pecans?

Yes, candied pecans can be made in advance and frozen if you would like to keep them longer. To freeze, allow the pecans to cool completely after baking, and then transfer them to an airtight container (a ziplock bag works well). Frozen candied pecans will keep up to 2 months.

Can I use a Different Nut for this Recipe?

Yes! This recipe can be used with other nuts including walnuts, cashews, and almonds.

It takes just five minutes to prep this recipe, I don’t think I have another recipe on my site that takes so little prep time.

Candied pecans make for a great, easy stand-alone snack. They’re also perfect for salads (maybe even my broccoli salad) or wrapped up as a gift around Christmastime (or anytime).

How To Make Candied Pecans

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Candied Pecans

These easy homemade candied pecans can be roasting in your oven in under ten minutes!

Recipe includes a VIDEO!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword candied nuts, candied pecans, edible gift, how to make candied nuts

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Servings 2 cups/225g

Calories 265 kcal

Author Samantha Merritt

Ingredients

• 1 large egg white
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon water
• 2 cups pecan halves 225g
• 1/3 cup sugar 66g
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar tightly packed, 70g
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon allspice* optional, adjust according to your own taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 250F (120C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper

2. Combine egg white, water, and vanilla extract in a large bowl and whisk vigorously for 30 seconds (mixture should be foamy/frothy).

3. Add pecans and stir until all pecans are coated in egg white.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugars, cinnamon, salt, and allspice (if using).

5. Pour the sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until completely combined.
6. Spread nuts in an even layer onto prepared cookie sheet.

7. Bake on 250F (150C) for 45-50 minutes, removing cookie sheet from oven every 15 minutes and using a spatula to stir/flip the pecans (be sure to stir ALL of the sugar mixture as well, or it may burn to the pan).

8. After baking, allow to cool at least 15 minutes before enjoying.

9. Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

*Allspice is optional but the candied pecans that I usually buy from the Amish markets use it and it adds a nice extra touch.

Nutrition Facts

Candied Pecans

Amount Per Serving (30 g)

Calories 265

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This Candied Pecans recipe was originally shared 09/05/2016, updated 09/17/2018. Original photos below: