Easy Candied Pecans (Egg-Free | Roasted + Stovetop Methods)

Easy candied pecans are a delicious sweet and savory snack, salad topper, addition to a cheeseboard, or holiday gift! Plus, all you need is 6 ingredients (with several easy swaps and add-ins!) and a stovetop or baked method for perfect caramelized pecans every time!

For years I relied on Christmas markets to stock up on candied nuts (and roasted chestnuts), only to discover the bad weather would make them sticky before I barely even began to enjoy them. So, imagine my delight when I discovered that making candied pecans at home (and, in fact, any nut) is not only incredibly simple, but it’s also more cost-efficient and is easy to adapt to different flavors and cooking methods!

What are candied pecans?

Candied pecans (also called caramelized pecans and glazed pecans) are a sweet confection where the nuts are cooked in a sticky spiced sugar concoction (sometimes with egg-white) and then dried until they have a crunchy, brittle sugary coating.

There are two main methods for candying nuts: in the oven or on the stovetop. The first is relatively hands-off but takes longer and may not be as evenly coated. The latter is ready in just minutes. However, once the sugar reaches the “candying” stage, you have just seconds (about 30) to separate and spread your sweet treat over a parchment-lined tray before you end up with one big hard clump of nuts. However, both methods make your kitchen smell like Christmas and are utterly delicious!

Within this post, I’m sharing my favorite vegan sweet and spicy pecans that combine unrefined cane sugar, orange, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (to balance the sweetness and add a bit of heat). The result is wonderfully moreish spicy candied pecans. However, keep reading for tons of other flavor combinations. I’ve even included notes on making keto candied pecans, too!

This spicy candied pecans recipe is fairly diet-friendly too. It’s egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and can be refined sugar-free if preferred! Thus, making it a great addition to holiday spreads and parties, and ready to gift during the holiday season.

The Spicy Candied Pecan Ingredients

These sweet and spicy cinnamon glazed pecans require just 6 ingredients, including:

• Pecans: use unsalted pecans. I recommend raw pecans for the roasted method, but you could use either roasted or raw for the stovetop method. You can also use walnuts, cashews, almonds, and likely other nuts too!
• Sugar: I used brown sugar. However, unrefined cane sugar would taste delicious too. Coconut sugar would also work. You could also use powdered versions of the sugar to better adhere to the pecans.
• Spices: I used a combination of cinnamon and cayenne pepper for these sweet and spicy pecans. You could use another type of chili powder, too (like chipotle/ancho for a smoky depth). Alternatively, omit the cayenne if preferred.
• Vanilla extract: pure vanilla extract is recommended (I use homemade).
• Orange: I used fresh orange for orange juice. However, water would also work.

Optional Add-ins and Variations

The simplicity of this caramelized pecans recipe makes it easy to experiment with other add-ins too:

• Salt: add a pinch of salt to help balance the sweetness of the caramelized pecans.
• Herbs: in place of the cayenne powder, you could use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. You need around 1 ½-2 tablespoon chopped herbs.
• Seasonings: you can also use several types of spice blends with these caramelized pecans. I particularly like pumpkin pie spice or chai spice.
• Other spices: you can also experiment with adding extra spices. For example, a pinch of nutmeg, smoked paprika, or cardamom.
• Zest: add some lemon or orange zest (just 1-2 teaspoons) to toss in with the sweet pecans.
• Honey/Maple glazed pecans: if you want to use a liquid sweetener in place of granulated sugar, then no problem. Use ¼ cup of the sweetener plus 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter (dairy or dairy-free) per cup of nuts. There’s no need to use the water/orange juice when making honey or maple glazed pecans.
• Keto candied pecans: though I haven’t tried this, I’d imagine that a granulated sugar alternative (or powdered would be even better) like erythritol would work in place of regular sugar.
• Vegan candied pecans: this recipe is vegan as long as you use a vegan sugar/sweetener.
• Alcohol: you can make a boozy treat by substituting around 1 tablespoon of the water/orange juice for alcohol instead. I recommend making bourbon candied pecans. Amaretto or whiskey may also work.

How to Make Candied Pecans?

Below I’m sharing two methods to make these sweet and spicy caramelized pecans. The first is for stovetop candied pecans, the second is for roasted candied pecans.

Step 1: Simmer the Candy Coating

Start by adding the spices and orange juice (or water) to a large skillet/frying pan (heavy-based is best for even heat distribution) and heat over medium heat. Stir to combine, then add the sugar.

Continue to stir often until the sugar is melting (it doesn’t need to be fully melted at this point) – be careful not to allow it to burn (it can help to use a white pan).

Step 2: Add the Pecans

Then, add the pecans (or nuts of your choice) to the pan and use a spatula/spoon to toss it well with the candy coating until all the nuts are well coated (usually a further 2-4 minutes, tossing/stirring constantly).

Step 3: Leave to Dry

Then, transfer the pecans to a parchment paper-lined baking tray and spread the candied pecans evenly across the tray, so they aren’t clumped up in a single ball.

Ensure you do this step quickly, so the caramelized pecans don’t all stick together. It doesn’t take long at all for the candied coating to start to dry and become solid.

Leave the spicy candied pecans to cool and dry. Once completely cooled, you can then enjoy them immediately or store them for later. You may need to break some of them up slightly if any are sticking.

Bonus: Oven Method

As well as a simple stovetop method, you can also make candied pecans in the oven. To do so:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F/175C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You may also use a silicone baking mat (Silpat), but I haven’t tried.
2. Then, combine the sugar, spices, and water/orange juice in a large bowl. Toss the pecans in with the mixture and then spread over the baking tray.
3. Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the candied nuts are browned and slightly crispy. The exact amount it takes will depend on your oven.
4. Then, remove them from the oven, allow them to cool (to harden) – and enjoy your sweet and spicy candied pecans!

How to Serve?

As delicious as these easy candied pecans are as a simple holiday snack/treat, there are several other ways to enjoy them, too, including:

• Decorate/garnish desserts like cake (like carrot cake), cheesecake, brownies, mousse, etc.
• Sprinkle over ice-cream.
• Add to sweet yogurt bowls (with fruit and granola). Use dairy or dairy-free yogurt – like coconut, soy, or almond yogurt.
• Eat with oatmeal or carrot cake/ apple pie overnight oats.
• Use the candied pecans for salads.
• Add to Thanksgiving side dishes – like to toss with roasted veggies or top a sweet potato casserole or to top purple potato mash!
• Add to a charcuterie board, cheese board, or grazing platter. The sweet pecans pair wonderfully with the salty cheese.
• Toss into a mason jar with a cute bow and label/tag to give as a holiday gift (and check here for more edible Christmas gift ideas).

Let me know in the comments how else you like to enjoy these glazed pecans.

How to Store Candied Nuts?

Store: allow the candied pecans to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and storing for 7-10 days on the counter (possibly up to 2 weeks).

I don’t recommend refrigeration, as it usually causes the caramelized pecans to become sticky again in my experience. However, if you have a fully airtight container, it may allow you to store them for between 2-3 weeks.

Can you freeze candied nuts? Yes, as long as you store them in an airtight container to avoid any moisture getting to the nuts. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe airtight container/bag and freezing for up to two months. Then, when you want some, you only need to allow them a few minutes to thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

FAQs

Recipe Tips and Notes

• Avoid wax paper: the hot candied pecans can cause the wax to melt and end up a big mess.
• Keep an eye on the pan: sugar can go from a caramel to burned mess in the blink of an eye. This is one of those recipes where you definitely don’t want to walk away.
• Add a pinch of salt: I kept this ingredient optional as I know not everyone will want the salty-sweet flavor. However, I find that adding a pinch of salt enhances the flavors, balances the sweetness, and – if possible – makes these glazed pecans even more moreish!
• Adjust the heat: cayenne pepper is fairly hot, so feel free to increase/decrease the amount. You can also sub it with another type of chili powder.

More Simple Nutty DIYs/Recipes

• 

• 

• 

• A guide to dairy-free milk (including nut/seed milks)
• How to make nut and seed butter
• Blanch almonds in 5 minutes
• How to make almond flour
• Hazelnut truffles (vegan Ferrero Rocher)
• Homemade pistachio baklava
• Muhammara (red pepper walnut dip)

If you try this easy candied pecans recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!