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caramelized pecans in a bowl with dried orange slices and pinecones around it.

Easy To Make Caramelized Pecans

Caramelized pecans are the perfect treat during the holiday season! This easy 6-ingredient recipe uses ground cinnamon, white sugar, egg whites, and delicious pecans. Quick to make, perfect for salads, snacking, food gifts, and more! These caramelized pecans turn out delicious every time and don’t require a candy thermometer!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: food & recipes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: candied pecans, caramelized pecans, christmas recipe, easy recipe, how to make caramelized pecans, pecan recipe, sugar and cinnamon pecans, toasted pecans
Servings: 10
Calories: 423kcal
Author: Deborah McDonald
Cost: 20

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

In the Oven

  • Begin by preheating the oven to 250 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the white sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt.
  • Whisk the egg white and water together in a separate bowl until frothy. 
  • Toss the fresh pecans in the egg-white mixture. 
  • Mix the cinnamon sugar mixture into the pecan mixture until the pecans are coated. 
  • Spread pecans evenly onto a baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes, until pecans are evenly browned, approximately 1 hour.
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool completely. Scrap the pecans off using a spatula.
  • Enjoy the most delicious caramelized pecans!

On the Stovetop

  • In a large-sized skillet on medium heat, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt and add the tablespoon of water to help the mixture dissolve.
  • Continue to stir the liquid mixture until it looks hot, bubbly and like a glaze.
  • Add the pecans to the glazed sugar mixture. Make sure the pecans are flattened into a single layer. 
  • Stir continuously for approximately 3 minutes as the liquid reduces and glazes the nuts.
  • Once the liquid no longer looks sticky, remove the pecans from the skillet onto a piece of parchment paper.
  • Spread them out using a spatula and allow them to fully cool.
  • Break apart the caramelized pecans and ENJOY!

Notes

  • Make sure you add a parchment paper liner before spreading your pecans on the baking sheet. This will save you a lot of time when cleaning the cookie sheet after.
  • If you want to make a big batch of caramelized pecans, double the recipe.
  • Don’t be afraid to try different spices or fats with this recipe. It is fun to experiment!
  • Make a large batch of pecans and then simply store them in the refrigerator or freezer to be used for baking, on salads, for a quick snack and more.
  • Candied pecans are delicious during the holiday season. Make a large batch, add them to a cute festive jar and gift them to friends or family for Christmas.

Nutrition

Serving: 100g | Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Sodium: 233mg | Potassium: 206mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 29IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg
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