Perfectly Spiced Candied Pecans

Easy Spiced Candied Pecans Recipe Perfect Every Time

By Serena HollowayJune 30, 2025

Looking for the perfect candied pecans recipe This spiced version is easy quick and makes a delightful snack or gift Get the secret to crispy delicious pecans ... Smart Kitchen Basics

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a snack that’s sweet, salty, and utterly addictive? Me too. This candied pecans recipe is where it's at. Seriously, these are like the posh crisps of the nut world.

Brief Overview

The pecan, originally from North America, is now adored worldwide. This recipe? Super simple. We're talking an hour tops. It makes about 4 cups, perfect for sharing... or not.

Main Benefits

These aren't just tasty; pecans are a decent source of vitamin E. Serve these at your next bash. What makes this recipe special? The perfect balance of spices.

Why This Candied Pecans Recipe Rocks

Honestly, these easy candied pecans recipe are foolproof. No need for fancy equipment. You probably have everything in your cupboard already.

From Humble Pecans to Christmas Candied Pecans

These spiced pecans scream autumn. But they’re also perfect for Christmas. Imagine these alongside a cheeseboard. Absolute heaven, right?

What You’ll Need for This Spiced Candied Pecans Adventure

Here’s the shopping list:

1 pound (454g) pecan halves
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon (15ml) water
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon (6g) ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (3g) ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) ground cloves
1 teaspoon (6g) sea salt

Getting Ready to Bake Your Homemade Candied Pecans

Preheat your oven to 300° F ( 150° C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This stops the pecans from sticking and burning. Believe me, it happens.

Turning Pecans into Treasure

Whisk the egg white and water in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

These spiced candied pecans are the perfect candied pecans gift .

From Sweet Treat to Candied Pecans Topping

Add the pecans to the egg white mixture. Stir to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture over. Get every single pecan covered.

Baking Like a Pro

Spread the pecans on the baking sheet in one layer. Bake for 45 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes, this prevents burning.

And trust me, burnt pecans are sad pecans. Oven roasted candied pecans are the way to go.

Cooling is Crucial

Let them cool completely on the baking sheet. The coating will harden as they cool. Break apart any clumps before serving. These also work great as candied pecans for salad .

Last Nibbles and Thoughts

So, there you have it. My take on the candied pecans recipe . Whether you're making them for yourself, as a candied pecans topping , or as a delightful present, they're bound to be a winner.

And while these are not technically a pecan praline recipe , they are close enough to satisfy that craving! Enjoy!

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks with what you'll need for this utterly brilliant candied pecans recipe . Honestly, it's so straightforward; even a total beginner can nail it.

I've made these for years, and they're always a hit as a candied pecans gift , especially around Christmas. It wouldn't be Christmas without christmas candied pecans , now would it?

Perfectly Spiced Candied Pecans presentation

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, here's the kit list to get you started for this easy candied pecans recipe .

Main Ingredients

Here's what you need, and measurements in both US and metric, because, well, we're civilised.

1 pound (454g) pecan halves. Look for plump, fresh pecans. Avoid any that look dry or shriveled. These are the star of the show.
1 large egg white. About 30g.
1 tablespoon (15ml) water. Just plain tap water will do.
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar. Any regular granulated sugar works a treat.
1 teaspoon (6g) ground cinnamon. Freshly ground is best, but the pre-ground stuff is fine too.
1/2 teaspoon (3g) ground nutmeg. Again, fresh if you can, but no worries if you can't.
1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) ground cloves. A little goes a long way with cloves.
1 teaspoon (6g) sea salt. Sea salt gives a lovely, clean flavour.

Seasoning Notes

These spiced candied pecans are all about balance. Cinnamon is essential for warmth. Nutmeg adds a nutty depth. Cloves give a hint of festive spice.

For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper! I once added too much, and they were.

.. intense. You can always try brown sugar as a substitute to make your own pecan praline recipe .

Equipment Needed

Right, so you don't need fancy kit for this homemade candied pecans .

Large mixing bowl. For tossing the pecans.
Whisk. To froth up the egg white.
Baking sheet. A standard baking tray will do.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking. Foil will work in a pinch but can stick slightly.
Spatula. For stirring and spreading the pecans.

A good variation is oven roasted candied pecans , by the way. You know that the candied pecans topping will go well over a simple vanilla ice cream.

Or you could sprinkle these sweet and salty pecans over your salad for lunch - yum!

Right, let's get cracking on these perfectly spiced candied pecans ! Honestly, this candied pecans recipe is so simple, even I can't mess it up! They're perfect as a little treat or as a charming candied pecans gift .

A study shows that homemade gifts are 10 times more appreciated.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First, get everything ready. This is called "mise en place," a fancy term for "everything in its place". It's like prepping for a battle, but with sugar and spice!

Grab your 1 pound of pecans . You want pecan halves, not bits. Get 1 large egg white , 1 tablespoon of water , 1 cup of granulated sugar , 1 teaspoon of cinnamon , ½ teaspoon of nutmeg , ¼ teaspoon of cloves , and 1 teaspoon of sea salt .

Baking paper is your friend!

Safety first! Don't lick the spoon before the eggs are cooked! Just kidding...mostly.

Sweet & Salty Pecans: Step-by-Step to Deliciousness

Right then, let's get to it!

Preheat your oven to 300° F ( 150° C) . Pop a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in.
Whisk together the egg white and water until it looks a bit frothy. Not like a bubble bath, just lightly frothed!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt . Hello spiced candied pecans
Add the pecans to the egg white mixture and stir until evenly coated. Like giving them a little hug of egg white goodness.
Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture over the pecans. Stir! Make sure every pecan gets a bit of love.
Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet. No piling!
Bake for 45 minutes , stirring every 15 minutes. This is crucial to avoid burning. Aim for that golden-brown perfection.
Cool completely on the baking sheet. They'll harden up as they cool. Break apart any clumps. You're done.

Candied Pecan Recipe Pro Tips

Want to take your candied pecans to the next level? Listen up!

Don't be tempted to turn the heat up! The oven roasted candied pecans burn easily. Stirring keeps them from sticking.

Watch them like a hawk! Burnt nuts are no fun. These easy candied pecans recipe are a crowd favorite.

Want to make ahead? No problem! Store them in an airtight container for up to a week. Great for christmas candied pecans too. They will make a great candied pecans topping

This homemade candied pecans are delicious on its own but you can always sprinkle over a candied pecans for salad

These are a great alternative to pecan praline recipe .

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Candied Pecans

Right then, let's chat about the nitty-gritty! Making these candied pecans is pretty straightforward. There are a few tricks to guarantee success.

Trust me, I've had my fair share of slightly burnt batches.

Serving Ideas: Show 'Em Off!

So, you've made your homemade candied pecans . Now what?

Presentation counts, you know.

Pile them high in a cute bowl. They make a fab candied pecans topping for ice cream or yogurt. Fancy a salad? Sprinkle these sweet and salty pecans on top.

They're especially good with goat cheese. For drinks, think spiced cider or even a good old cup of tea! These oven roasted candied pecans elevate any cheese board spread.

You can even gift them; a candied pecans gift is always appreciated.

Storage: Keep 'Em Fresh

Honestly, if they last long enough to store, you’re doing something wrong! Store the easy candied pecans recipe snacks in an airtight container.

Keep them at room temp. They'll stay good for about a week. You can freeze them. This keeps them fresh for a couple months.

Reheat in a low oven. 300° F ( 150° C) for a few minutes to crisp them up.

Mix It Up: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a twist? Go for maple syrup instead of sugar. That is if you want a pecan praline recipe kind of flavor.

Add a pinch of cayenne for spiced candied pecans . I did this once and honestly it's my favorite version of christmas candied pecans ! Or use aquafaba instead of egg white to make it vegan.

Nutrition Lowdown

Let's keep it real. These aren't exactly health food. Roughly, a quarter-cup has around 220 calories. You also get some protein and healthy fats from the pecans.

The good news is you get a great energy boost! I always eat these before shopping at Tesco.

Seriously, give this candied pecans recipe a go. It’s easier than you think, and the results are totally worth it.

You’ll be munching on the best easy candied pecans recipe in no time! You got this!

Easy Candied Pecans Recipe A Delicious Homemade Gift

Frequently Asked Questions

My candied pecans recipe turned out sticky, not crunchy! What went wrong?

Ah, that's a common one! Sticky pecans usually mean they weren't baked long enough to fully dry out the sugar coating. Make sure you're stirring them every 15 minutes during baking to ensure even cooking, and they are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Also, allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet – that's when the magic happens and they crisp up properly.

Can I make these ahead of time, and how should I store my candied pecans?

Absolutely! Candied pecans are fantastic for making ahead. Once they're completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them a great option for holiday snacking or as a delightful homemade gift.

Is there a way to make a vegan version of this candied pecans recipe?

Yes, there is! The egg white can be substituted with aquafaba, which is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. Use the same amount of aquafaba as you would egg white in the recipe. It whips up similarly and helps the sugar and spices adhere to the pecans, giving you that classic candied texture – a brilliant swap if you're catering for vegan friends.

Can I use different nuts with this candied pecans recipe?

While this is a candied pecan recipe, you can absolutely adapt it for other nuts! Walnuts, almonds, or even cashews would work beautifully. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as different nuts may require slightly different cooking times to avoid burning. Remember to adjust your recipe title as it won't be a candied pecan recipe!

How can I add a little extra oomph to my candied pecans?

Fancy a flavour boost, do you? Why not try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture for a subtle kick? A dash of vanilla extract to the egg white mixture can also add a lovely warmth. Or, for a richer, more decadent flavour, try substituting some of the granulated sugar with maple sugar.