Learn how to make candied pecans at home! This super easy recipe is done in less than 20 minutes on the stove (which means you can snack on them sooner!).
Why You’ll Love These Candied Pecans
I like to think of candied pecans as my secret ingredient for fall cooking! Not only do they complete the holiday charcuterie board I make every year, but their crunch and maple-cinnamon flavor make them perfect for sprinkling on fall salads, like my sweet potato salad or classic Waldorf salad. And don’t get me started on side dishes—they’re amazing crumbled over roasted Brussels sprouts or my sweet potato casserole. Though truth be told, I love to nibble on them as a sweet snack straight out of the bowl. Here are a few other special tidbits about my recipe:
- They’re perfectly sweet. I use just the right amount of maple syrup so the nutty, savory pecan flavor still shines through. This also gives them a shiny, candy-coated finish.
- They’re not excessively coated. Unlike other recipes that pile on granulated sugar and egg whites, this one keeps things simple and easy.
- They’re made in just 20 minutes. I’m using a boil-and-dry method for a quicker process and delicious results. No oven needed!
Candied Pecans Ingredients
- Raw pecan halves: Make sure they’re raw and not salted! We’ll be adding a pinch of salt for the perfect amount.
- Maple syrup: Sweet maple syrup goes hand in hand with pecans, especially in fall recipes.
- Cinnamon and salt: Cinnamon or nutmeg adds an extra layer of spiced goodness.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below
How To Make Candied Pecans
First, you’ll add everything to a pot over medium heat—the pecans, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continuously stir the pecans until the syrup has completely evaporated. This should take about 10 minutes.
Second, you’ll let the mixture cool on a parchment-lined baking tray. Scoop the pecan mixture out onto the baking tray and try to separate the nuts as much as possible so they don’t stick together. You’ve got to do this quickly! Let them cool and dry for at least 10 minutes. Then, break apart any pieces stuck together, and they’re ready to enjoy or store away.
Storage Tips
You’ll love how well these pecans store! You can keep them at room temperature in a bag or container for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for up to a month. Better yet, freeze them for up to 3 months! Just remember to let them cool completely before storing them away because any trapped heat can cause them to become sticky again.
Ways To Enjoy
- For snacking and entertaining: I love adding these to a holiday charcuterie board or giving out as edible gifts in small jars or bags. My friends and family always look forward to these!
- Top on fall salads or side dishes: These are a must for adding to fall salads like my sweet potato salad, kale salad, and especially this leftover turkey salad. As for side dishes, crumble the pecans on roasted Brussels sprouts or balsamic Brussels sprouts and thank me later!
- Give breakfast a crunchy maple twist: I always save a handful to mix into warm oatmeal or overnight oats for an extra delicious fall breakfast.
More Sweet Holiday Treats
- Candied Ginger: A sweet treat with a health boost!
- Candied Orange Peel: Even better dipped in chocolate.
- No Bake Cookies: The easiest cookie recipe you can make.
- Maple pecan pralines: Another great way to use up pecans!
- Peppermint Truffles: Rich, creamy, and melt in your mouth.
If you try this candied pecans recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration and exclusive content, join my free newsletter here.
Description
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw pecan halves
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Simmer and stir together. Add the pecans, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt to a pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and stir the pecans constantly until the syrup has completely evaporated, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Dry the pecans. Turn the pecan mixture out onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Try to separate the nuts as much as possible. Let them cool and dry, at least 10 minutes.
- Break apart the pecans. After the mixture has dried, break apart any pecans that are sticking together. Serve or store.
Lisa’s Tips
- Storage tips: Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for up to 1 month. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
- The candied pecans may look more or less shiny, depending on how long you cook them. For me, they’re shiny and look candy-coated at about 8 to 9 minutes. At 10 minutes, they’re no longer shiny after cooled, but have a softer shell and taste more like pralines (like the “behind the scenes” photo below). Moral of the story – you can’t go wrong either way!Â
Nutrition
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Behind The Scenes
I wish I could tell you that I placed all these candied pecans in a jar and gave them to my brother or mom as a holiday gift. But truth be told, I polished off this entire batch all by myself two days after filming. And this is why I can’t keep sweets in my house, lol!
This is an amazing easy delicious recipe. I keep these on hand weekly for snacks and to add to my dishes. Everyone loves them.
Glad you’re loving these candied pecans, Melinda!
These are so easy and so delicious. Everyone loves them.
Glad everyone loved this recipe, Melinda!
Thank you so much for this recipe. It’s so simple and the pecans were delicious. I made a number of batches and put them in decorative jars with Christmas ribbon – perfect gift for our neighbors. And I got a lot of texts from them saying they really enjoyed the candied pecans 😊
Oh wonderful! So happy your neighbors enjoyed them. And how sweet of you to turn them into Christmas gifts.
I added ginger and some smoky salt, which gave them a flavor punch. Definitely make them at least a day ahead because they take quite a long time to dry out enough to handle without being too sticky. I doubled the recipe and next time I will use less maple syrup because it never really evaporated completely even after cooking for 20 minutes. All in all very delicious!
Love those flavor variations, Judy. And if yours were still a bit sticky, it sounds like they just needed a few extra minutes on the stove. Give that a try next time!
Just made these candied pecans today and they are delicious! I am going to make several batches to give for Christmas gifts and then make another batch for myself! They’re so easy, I love them! Thank you for the recipe.
Wonderful! I’m so happy you love the recipe, Carolyn. And yes, they make great Christmas gifts!
I make Spicy Pecans so I’m thinking of making this with Walnuts but also wondering if adding a little bourbon would work. Thoughts on the boozy version & how much would you add?
Hi Connie – I think a little bourbon sounds like a nice touch. But as I haven’t tried that, I’m not quite sure how much to add. I’d probably start with just a tablespoon or two. If you give it a try, let us know how it turns out!
So fast and easy to make tasty treats! Bonus for being more healthy option too.
So glad you enjoyed them, Donna!
Fun recipe that works with other nuts. Great option for a holiday treat.
Absolutely! Enjoy, Gary :)
Hi Lisa!
My DIL wants to make these for her coworkers.. she’s thinking of adding almonds as well.
Will this recipe work with almonds ?
Thanks!
Hi Kerri – while I haven’t tried it with almonds, I think it should still work just fine. If you try it, let us know how it turns out!
Amazing! This recipe was easy & turned out delicious. I feel thankful to have found your web site & so many wonderful recipes. The turkey & pumpkin pie recipes I made were the best I’ve ever made. Thank you!
I’m so glad your candied pecans turned out great, among many other recipes, Michelle!
Just made these. No sooner have they cooled and BAM…hubs and I are addicted! I did 8 mins and they are like pralines. I’m not complaining! But I also simmered on lower heat than I should have. Also, while I taste a hint of cinnamon, I think I’m gonna go to 1/2 t on the next batch just cuz I can lol. Thank you for a quick, simple and so delicious recipe Lisa!!
Yay, I’m so happy you loved them, Amy! I’m also debating making a maple praline recipe next, because these are so easy and delicious. Stay tuned! ;)
WOW ! These are so delicious! Very addicting. Another family favorite. I love how easy and quick they were to make! Thank you Lisa for this sweet treat!
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed these candied pecans, Kerri.
Thank you for this suggestion Lisa.Your Candied Pecans might be just what I was looking for when the Christmas Carolers come to my house Dec. 17. I am expecing between 40 and 45, into the house.
They have been coming now for seveal years. The choir members and some spouses from St. Franccis of Assisi Catholic church. I am a choir member too, but since I am 93, they come to visit elderly parishioners, sick or handicpped. I was thinking about adding fudge this year, but your Candied Pecans sound great- interesting and different to go along with the cookies. I hope to make my mother’s nut rolls and my husband’s favorite butter-nut horns too. (he is deceased). My daughter, Stephanie, a PA in the cardiac dept. , lives in Virginia, she is coming this week to help me bake cookies. Then when she gets back home, she and her daughter will get an eraly start and bake their cookies to give to the Nurses for Christmas. We always enjoy this time together and since we will be so busy-we just might go out for dinner and be served. haha! Thank YOU Lisa for this recipe.
Have a wonderul Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.
Yours Truly, Roseann Strazinsky of Fairfield Glade, TN.
Hi Roseann – I can’t wait for you to make these candied pecans for Christmas! Sounds like you have a lovely holiday planned. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas as well.
You are an inspiration to me, just reading your comment. Thank you. Holiday blessings to you and yours. <3
Excited to try this one! Can I use pecans from frozen for the recipe?
Hi Virlana – yes, that should work fine. Enjoy!