Candied Pecans
Craving something sweet and crunchy? These Candied Pecans are the ultimate snack! With their crispy texture and delightful caramel flavor, they’re perfect on their own or as a topping for salads and desserts. Whip up a batch today and enjoy their irresistible sweetness tonight!
Equipment
- Pre-Cut Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheets
- Nordic Ware Aluminum Half Sheet Pans
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch salt
- 1 egg white
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 pound pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature is essential for ensuring the pecans bake evenly and develop that lovely crunchy coating.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial to prevent the pecans from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze later.
- In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mixing these together ensures an even distribution of flavors.
- In another large bowl, whisk together 1 egg white and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until frothy. If you have an electric mixer, feel free to use it for a quicker result.
- Add in 1 pound of pecan halves to the egg mixture. Stir carefully to coat each pecan evenly with the mixture.
- Gradually sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the pecans, stirring continuously to make sure all the nuts are coated in that sugary goodness.
- Spread the coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly and prevents clumping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, stirring the nuts every 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they should become fragrant and the sugar coating will harden.
- Once done, allow the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet. This is an important step, as they will crisp up as they cool down.
- Enjoy your Candied Pecans right away, or store them in an airtight container for later. They make a fantastic snack!
Notes
- Storage: Keep your pecans in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze them! Just ensure they are in a sealed bag.
- Pairing: These pecans are perfect for salads, desserts, or simply enjoyed as a snack on their own!