Description
This recipe for Simple Homemade Candied Pecans features a delightful combination of freshly roasted pecans coated in a sweet cinnamon-infused sugar syrup. Perfect as a crunchy snack, topping for salads, or dessert garnish, these candied pecans are easy to prepare using basic pantry ingredients and a quick baking step to achieve that perfect crisp texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Pecans
- 2 cups Pecans (Fresh pecans provide a rich, buttery flavor.)
Syrup Mixture
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Creates the candy coating.)
- 1/4 cup Water (Dissolves the sugar before cooking.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (Enhances overall flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Optional for added flavor.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pecans and ensuring they crisp up perfectly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved to create a smooth syrup base.
- Boil Syrup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning while thickening the syrup.
- Add Pecans: Reduce heat to low and add the pecans to the syrup, stirring thoroughly to coat every nut with the sugar mixture.
- Cook with Syrup: Cook the pecans in the syrup for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid clumping and ensure an even coating of the candy mixture.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Transfer the coated pecans to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out into a single layer for even baking and crisping.
- Bake Pecans: Bake the pecans for 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C), watching closely to prevent burning; this step caramelizes the sugar and crisps the nuts.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking them apart to avoid sticky clusters.
- Store Properly: Once cooled, transfer the candied pecans to an airtight container to maintain their crunch and freshness.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or sea salt on the pecans before baking.
- Make sure to watch the pecans closely during baking to prevent burning as the sugar can caramelize quickly.
- Store candied pecans at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
