Prepare to fall in love with a snack, garnish, or gift that’s as simple to make as it is utterly addictive: these Candied Pecans! Imagine perfectly toasted pecan halves coated in a shimmering, sweet, and subtly spiced glaze infused with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. The optional touch of orange zest and a pinch of cayenne pepper elevates them to extraordinary. They’re quick to make, incredibly versatile, and disappear almost as fast as you can cook them!

Why I Love This Recipe

Candied pecans are one of those truly magical treats that taste incredibly decadent but are surprisingly easy to whip up. What I love most about this recipe is its perfect balance of sweet and savory. The brown sugar and cinnamon create that classic candied crunch, while the touch of sea salt cuts through the sweetness, making them truly irresistible. The optional orange zest adds a bright, unexpected lift, and a hint of cayenne pepper provides just enough warmth to make them truly captivating.

This recipe is incredibly fast, coming together in just minutes on the stovetop. It fills your kitchen with the most amazing nutty, sweet aroma, signaling that a delicious treat is on its way. They’re perfect for snacking, garnishing desserts and salads, or packaging up as charming homemade gifts. Once you make these, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again!

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups pecan halves
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons orange zest, optional
• Pinch cayenne pepper, optional

Swaps and Notes

• Pecans: Pecan halves are ideal for their size and surface area for coating. Walnuts or almonds can also be candied using this method, though cooking times might vary slightly.
• Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works well. Dark brown sugar will give a deeper molasses flavor.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is classic. A mix of cinnamon and nutmeg, or even a touch of pumpkin pie spice, could also be used.
• Salt: Fine sea salt or kosher salt is preferred to ensure it dissolves evenly into the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor.
• Orange Zest: This is an optional but highly recommended addition! It adds a beautiful, bright citrus note that beautifully complements the nuts and spices. Lemon zest can be substituted.
• Cayenne Pepper: A pinch of cayenne adds a very subtle warmth and kick, enhancing the savory side of the nuts without making them overtly spicy. Adjust to your preference or omit.

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Directions:

Making these irresistible candied pecans is a quick, stovetop affair.

1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is crucial for easy removal and to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Glaze Ingredients in Skillet: Add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, fine sea salt, vanilla extract, water, orange zest (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using) to a medium skillet (a non-stick skillet works great here).
3. Melt Sugar Mixture: Place the skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula, until the brown sugar melts into a bubbling, syrupy sauce. This should only take about 1 minute.
4. Stir in Pecans: Add the 2 cups of pecan halves to the bubbling sauce in the skillet. Stir continuously to ensure that the brown sugar sauce coats every single pecan.
5. Cook & Candy: Continue to cook, stirring the entire time, for 2 to 3 minutes. As the nuts heat up in the pan, the sauce will slowly reduce, coat them more evenly, and turn shiny, making them look beautifully candied. You’ll also notice a wonderful nutty aroma. Watch closely during this stage to prevent the nuts from burning, as sugar can burn quickly.
6. Cool: Transfer the hot candied pecans immediately to the prepared baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer using your spatula. Try to separate them as much as possible to prevent them from clumping together too much as they cool.
7. Break & Serve: Allow the pecans to cool down completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, the sugar coating will harden and become crisp. Once cool, break them apart into individual pieces if they’ve clumped together. Serve and enjoy!

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Pro Tip:

The key to perfectly candied pecans is to not stop stirring once the pecans are in the skillet with the bubbling sauce. Constant stirring ensures even coating and prevents the sugar from burning. As they cook, the sauce will go from liquid to a shiny, sticky coating, then start to crystalize slightly. Remove them from heat as soon as they smell nutty and look candied to avoid burning.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Candied Pecans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Snacking: They are utterly addictive on their own for a sweet and salty treat.
• Salad Topper: Sprinkle them over a fresh green salad with goat cheese or a vinaigrette for a gourmet touch.
• Dessert Garnish: Use them to garnish ice cream sundaes, cakes, pies, or puddings. They’d be fantastic on a slice of Ms. Johnny Ruth Pound Cake or Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler.
• Holiday Gift: Package them in small decorative bags or jars for a thoughtful homemade food gift during the holidays.
• Breakfast Topping: Sprinkle over oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, or even pancakes for an extra layer of sweetness and crunch.
• Fall Treats: These pair wonderfully with fall-themed desserts. You might also like my These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Candied pecans store quite well, allowing you to enjoy them over time.

• Storage: Once completely cooled and broken apart, store the candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. To maintain freshness longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
• Prevent Stickiness: Ensure they are completely cool before storing, and you can place a small piece of parchment paper between layers in a container if stacking them.
• Refresh (if needed): If they lose some crispness, you can spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 5-10 minutes to re-crisp.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the sweet, comforting, and easy-to-make nature of these candied pecans, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic baking and sweet treat recipes:

• For another rich and indulgent treat that combines a beloved cookie with other desserts, check out These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
• If you’re a fan of rich chocolate and peanut butter, my The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot) are a must-try.
• For a sweet and simple way to use up ripe fruit in a bake, don’t miss This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas.
• And for a truly classic and moist cake, you can’t go wrong with Ms. Johnny Ruth Pound Cake.

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Final Thoughts

This Candied Pecans Recipe is a little culinary gem that delivers big on flavor and versatility. It’s incredibly easy to make, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, and the results are a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty crunch. Whether you’re snacking on them, garnishing a dessert, or giving them as a thoughtful gift, these candied pecans are a guaranteed hit. Go ahead, whip up a batch, and experience their irresistible charm!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy pecans? Share your ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.