~ These deliciously easy candied pecans are so lightning-fast! You’ll be making them all the time … for snacks, on salads … even as last-minute gifts! ~
This Recipe Is: • Ready in 30 Minutes or Less • Make Ahead • Vegan (and Vegetarian) • Gluten Free •
We’re going nuts here today, friends! Wanna join us!?!?!
Nuts for salads, nut for snacks, nuts nuts nuts …
(Well … pecans, to be exact. But “we’re going pecans” just doesn’t sound the same.)
If you wanna take a quick peek before reading on, here’s a little video tutorial to give you an overview of how easy this Candied Pecan recipe is to make!
Video Tutorial
When it comes to creating healthy and delicious recipes (which is what we’re ALL about here at THK!), we adore nuts for lots of reasons, and we use them often in our recipe developing.
From a nutrition perspective, nuts are loaded with protein and healthy fats. But of course, they also have tons of great crunch and flavor, which means they’re a yummy addition to all sorts of recipes, too. Total win!
A handful of nuts is a stellar snack to help curb your hunger on a busy afternoon. And nuts are a fantastic salad topper, without the nutritional pitfalls of things like fakey-bacon bits, partially hydrogenated chow mein noodles, and white-carb (sneakily artificial) flavored croutons.
Nuts are just … better!
Want to pump up nuts’ yumminess quotient even more?
How about … candied nuts?!? (Well … candied pecans, to be exact!)
Unfortunately, store-bought versions of glazed, candied pecans often include additional, less-healthy ingredients. And homemade candied pecan recipes don’t always solve the problem – so many of those recipes involve loads of butter and added fats, and sometimes also loads of sugar or corn syrup. *SIGH*
Does it feel like you just can’t win?!?!?
Oh, but you can!
We’ve got an outstanding glazed, candied pecan recipe you’ll love!
You don’t even have to fire up your oven with this one … and we’re gonna get it done with just 4 ingredients (not including the water … ‘cuz who counts that?!?!)! Whoop! Whoop!
Too good to be true? Nope! But it is waaaaaaaaay too good! So, so good!
These pecans are quickly toasted to bring out a little extra flavor, and then tossed with just enough sweet-salty candy coating!
They’re deeee-lish as a salad topper, with just the right amount of sweetness to compliment other salad ingredients without being overpowering. We actually specifically developed this candied pecan recipe as a perfect, crunchy topping for our Salad with Goat Cheese, Pears, Candied Pecans and Maple-Balsamic Dressing.
They’re also are a fantastic snack, and perfect when you’re on the go! Our kiddos love ’em (when they can grab a handful before we eat them all ourselves)! And we love knowing that it’s a snack loaded with protein … and only a teensy bit of added sugar.
And pssssssst … if you’re ever in a jam, realizing you forgot to carefully select the most fan-tab-u-lastic hostess gift for a dinner party … know what you can do? Uh-huh … you guessed it! With just 5 minutes and a quick tango with a pretty jar and some ribbon, you’ll be granted most favored houseguest status! Yay, you (you savvy problem-solver)!
So while you’re at it … you just might wanna make two batches! These go fast!
Or, if you’re just in a nut-makin’ kinda mood, try our recipe for Pumpkin Pie Spiced Candied Pecans, too! They showcase a different cooking method, and are dressed up in favorite holiday flavors that make them perfect as party appetizers or easy hostess gifts! Mmmmmm … you’ve got options!
Easy Candied Pecans (Just 5 Minutes and 4 Ingredients!)
These deliciously EASY Candied Pecans are so quick and simple! Whip up a batch for a yummy snack, to top a salad ... even as a last-minute, homemade gift!
• Ready in 30 Minutes or Less • Make Ahead • Vegan (and Vegetarian) • Gluten Free •
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons water
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, water, vanilla, and kosher salt, stirring to combine (don't worry that the sugar and salt won't all be dissolved). Set this at-the-ready, next to your stove, as this recipe goes really quickly.
- In a medium-large saucepan over medium heat, toast pecans for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. When you begin to smell a lovely, nutty aroma, they're done.
- Quickly drizzle the sugar mixture into the pan, on top of the pecans, stirring the nuts as you drizzle. Stir constantly for about 15 seconds, until the pecans are thoroughly coated in the sugar mixture. Immediately remove from heat so they don't burn.
- Spread the pecans on a piece of parchment to cool. Once cooled, you can break the nuts apart, if needed.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container. The pecans will be slightly sticky at first, but the coating hardens further within a few hours.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 servings Serving Size: 1/4 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 196Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 65mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 2g
Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only, and may vary depending on your choice of ingredients or preparation. No guarantees are made regarding allergies or dietary needs. Always consult a physician or dietician for specific advice and questions.
I made these and they’re phenomenal! Using them in a strawberry , balsamic red wine vinaigrette and feta spinach salad! Yummo
I’m so happy to hear that you love these, Loreli! That salad sounds TOTALLY delicious — I may have to try something like that soon! Let me know how it turns out!
~Amy
Just in time! My son and his family arriving later today! Surprise!! I’m going to double the recipe then fix up a nice candy tin for them. Candied pecans and a batch of fudge from Grandma’s kitchen! Thanks so much! And this recipe is delicious.
Yay — what a fun surprise for you! I’m so glad you found this recipe, and I hope you and your family love it! Fudge sounds soooo delicious, too. My grandpa is a huge fan of fudge, and so it always makes me think of family when I eat it. 😀
~Amy
Thank you sooo much for a great salad topper and healthy snack that doesn’t taste so healthy. *wink*
Of course, Tammy! That’s what we’re here for. 😉 These candied pecans are one of my all-time favorite recipes — and they really do fit any situation! Snacking, salads, trail mix, dessert topper … the list goes on! ~Amy
These are my favorite treat and so easy to make. Thanks for sharing
Oh Kelly – you’re always so kind and so sweet! Can’t believe we’ve never actually met when I feel like I know you so well! Thanks for always being such a huge supporter of what we’re doing here at THK! Hugs! ~Shelley
Can I make a bigger batch, say, times 4? I want to make these for Christmas gifts for about 8 people.
Absolutely, Debbie! I can’t remember if I’ve ever quadrupled the batch, but certainly at least doubled it – and it should work just fine for you. There are two places you might want to be a little careful when making a super-huge batch. 1) Make sure your pan is perhaps a bit wider than you’d use for a single- or double-batch. That’s because, when you drizzle the sugar mixture into the pan and toss the nuts in it for those brief 15 second to coat, you want to be sure you can quickly get all the nuts coated, without some lonely ones being lost in the bottom of a very deep, narrow pan. 2) Be sure to have a large enough piece of parchment laid out for them to cool on, so they’re not piled on top of each other. Good luck – let me know what you think! And happy, happy holidays! ~Shelley
Mine are still sticky. Why? It’s been 2 hours.
I’m so sorry to hear that, Susan. Is there any chance you used a little too much water? With such small amounts of ingredients, even a tad more can make a difference. ~Shelley
I quadrupled them without any trouble at all. Everybody who has eaten them has asked for the recipe. They are huge hit!
Molly, thank you so much for popping by and sharing your experience with quadrupling the recipe – so helpful and really kind of you to take a moment to do that! And I’m just delighted these candied pecans were such a hit for you – it’s always fun to make a recipe that everyone likes so much they want the recipe! I’m happy this recipe was a standout for you! Happy holidays to you and your family! ~Shelley