Pumpkin Pie Spiced Candied Pecans

by Gretchen · May contain affiliate links

Published • Updated September 20, 2023

~ These Pumpkin Pie Spiced Candied Pecans come together in a snap and are delicious and healthy! Perfect for a quick snack, as an appetizer, and also a thoughtful gift! ~

This Recipe Is:     Ready in 30 Minutes or Less    Make Ahead    Vegan (and Vegetarian)    Gluten Free  

Candied pecans piled in white bowl on burlap with gift twine and extra nuts in foreground.

You know how there are certain foods that are so good you just want to keep eating them?

These candied nuts are that food. Completely irresistible.

Mmmmm … pecans that are sweetly spiced with just a hint of warm cinnamon and pumpkin pie spices.

Every time you walk past, you can’t help but grab a little (or a big!) nibble … you just can’t stop yourself! I speak from experience.

These Pumpkin Pie Spiced Candied Pecans will be your new best friend. You’ll start dreaming of them. Wishing you had some with you during that afternoon meeting. Needing some for that marathon of grocery shopping and errand running.

Oh yes. These really are that snack.

And as an added bonus … these candied pecans are healthy, too!

Plus, these babies literally have only 5 minutes of hands-on time. (And I think we all have 5 minutes to make a healthy snack.)

Overhead of raw pecans in measuring cup before being roasted and candied.

Because these are a such a total snap to make, I’ve made a whole lotta batches of them over the past several weeks. And there is not one pecan piece left. Not one. Not anywhere.

As soon as I make some, they start disappearing off the tray. And by the time I get them into a cute little dish on the counter … well, actually, I usually don’t even bother with the cute dish. I mean, really … what’s the point?? It’s just a formality.

Yep … these pecans are that snack.

In fact, Shelley called me after I dropped off some samples for her try … she needed the recipe because she just had to make more of them. They’re just so good. Sooooo good.

You’ll seriously be going nuts for nuts. (Did ya see what I did there?!?)

Take ’em along on Thanksgiving and set them out as a munchie before the big meal … you know we love appetizers!

Flatlay of pecans after they've been candied, spread on white paper to cool and harden.And … because Shelley and I love you all so very much, we’re swooping in to give you a holiday idea before the hustle and bustle even begins … because these candied pecans also make the best gift!

How cute are they in a little jar with ribbon and a “Happy Holidays” message?!? (Remember, though: the trick with these nuts and cute jars or bowls is that you have to actually get the nuts into the jars and bowls before you eat them all. It’s tough, but I know you can do it! Just make a double batch!)

Remember when I said these addictively nibble-able candied nuts only take 5 minutes? You’ve got 5 minutes to make a gift, right?

Teachers, hostesses, your hair stylist, your neighbors … totally perfect for pretty much everyone!

And you’ll be doing all of those people you really care about a serious favor! Pecans are among the most antioxidant-rich nuts, and they can also help reduce bad cholesterol! How’s that for a gift??

Candied nuts packaged as Christmas gift in in glass jar with tag "Season's Greetings!" and extra pecans nearby.This recipe has been in the works for a loooong time. We’re so excited that the holiday season is almost here, and we can finally share these with you!

Our first recipe for candied pecans is SO incredibly popular (and also perfect for gifts!), so we know you’ll love these, too!

While our original candied pecan recipe calls for simply air-drying the pecans, these require just a tad more drying time. No worries! A quick trip through the oven quickly creates the perfect candied coating! Personally, I’ve always loved the oven method myself, anyway, because it’s the way my mom always made candied nuts. And with this recipe, they’re ready to eat just a tad sooner! (Because, trust me, you won’t be able to wait). Mmmmm …..

Finished nuts in decorative little white pails tied with Christmas twine, with bowl of more candied pecans and more pails in background.

You’re welcome. In advance. 🙂

Wishing you the happiest of holidays!

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Candied Pecans Recipe {www.TwoHealthyKitchens.com}
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Candied Pecans Recipe {www.TwoHealthyKitchens.com}
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Candied Pecans Recipe {www.TwoHealthyKitchens.com}
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Candied Pecans Recipe {www.TwoHealthyKitchens.com}

~ by Gretchen

Finished nuts in decorative little white pails tied with Christmas twine, with bowl of more candied pecans and more pails in background.

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Candied Pecans

Yield: 1 cup
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

These easy Candied Pecans feature the delicious holiday flavor of pumpkin pie! Perfect for snacks, appetizer buffets, and as last-minute homemade gifts!

  Ready in 30 Minutes or Less    Make Ahead    Vegan (and Vegetarian)    Gluten Free  

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup pecan halves

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 275°F.
  2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, water, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt, stirring to combine (don’t worry that the sugar and salt won’t be completely dissolved). Set this at-the-ready, next to your stove, because this recipe goes really quickly.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Spread the pecans on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
  6. Place the pan in the oven for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
  8. Once cooled, you can break the nuts apart, if needed.
  9. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 servings Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 202Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 65mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 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.

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28 thoughts on “Pumpkin Pie Spiced Candied Pecans”

  1. I made a double batch of the regular candied pecans and then a double batch of the pumpkin spice ones. I noticed that the spiced ones uses a lot more water. Was it supposed to be 2 teaspoons instead of 2 tablespoons? They are all cooling right now, but my family walked by and said it smelled yummy!

    Reply
    • Hi, Ana! I’m so excited that you tried BOTH recipes side-by-side – you certainly had a fun cooking night lol! So, that’s a great question about the amount of water. The recipes are both correct, but since they use a different method for cooking (with the “regular” Candied Pecans being stovetop only), the amount of water is a bit different. I hope they both turned out to be as delicious as they smelled! 😀 ~Shelley

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