I’ve made homemade Candied Pecans countless times — they’re always a hit. With their crunchy texture and caramelized coating, candied pecans make a perfect snack, salad topper, or thoughtful holiday gift.
“Sweet, crunchy, and completely irresistible. These candied pecans never last long.”
-Becky
This easy candied pecans recipe is worth making in a large batch — they disappear quickly. With a handful of everyday ingredients you can transform raw pecans into a crunchy, sweet treat that’s hard to resist.
If you enjoy simple snacks, these pecans pair well with desserts and drinks or stand alone on a charcuterie board.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients You Will Need
- Variations
- How to Make Candied Pecans
- Expert Tips
- Candied Pecans FAQs
- More Easy Desserts
- Candied Pecans Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
- Pecan halves: raw, unsalted.
- Granulated sugar: forms a smooth candy shell.
- Brown sugar: adds caramel depth.
- Ground cinnamon: optional, for warmth.
- Pinch of salt: balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: provides flavor.
- Egg white + water: helps the sugar adhere and coat the nuts evenly.
A full ingredient list and quantities appear in the recipe card below.
Variations
- Spiced Candied Pecans: Add a pinch of cayenne or pumpkin pie spice with the cinnamon for a bolder flavor.
- Use as a Topping: Sprinkle on cupcakes, brownies, pancakes, or salads for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Try Other Nuts: The same coating works well on almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, or walnuts.
- Gift Idea: Pack the pecans in jars or festive bags for a simple homemade present.
How to Make Candied Pecans
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Whisk the egg white, vanilla, and water in a medium bowl until frothy.
- Add the pecans to the bowl and toss until they are fully coated with the egg white mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and toss until they are evenly coated.
- Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway to prevent clumping and ensure even browning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. Break apart any pieces that stick together before storing or serving.
Expert Tips
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Gift idea: Fill jars or cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for a quick, homemade gift.
Candied Pecans FAQs
Yes. Stored in an airtight container, they keep for about two weeks — great for gifting or prepping before a party.
Absolutely. Cinnamon is optional; omit it for a simple sweet pecan or substitute another spice to change the flavor.
Yes. Freeze in an airtight bag for up to two months and bring to room temperature before serving.
More Easy Desserts
Summer Recipes
Summer Dessert Recipes
Cakes
Cherry Dump Cake
Cookies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Drinks
Kamikaze Shot
If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating and share your feedback in the comments — it means a lot!
Candied Pecans
Equipment
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Baking Sheet
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Medium Bowl
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Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecans halves, raw
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt, just a pinch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg white, plus 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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Whisk the egg white, vanilla, and water in a medium bowl until frothy.
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Add pecans and toss until fully coated with the egg white mixture.
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Combine the sugars, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Pour over the pecans and toss to coat evenly.
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Spread pecans in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Bake 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway to prevent clumping and ensure even baking.
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When finished, separate any pieces with a spatula or forks while still warm, then cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Servings: Recipe yields about eight 1/4-cup servings.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Gift idea: Package in jars or bags for a quick homemade present.
- Avoid over-stirring: Once the sugar dissolves, allow it to bubble and bake without constant stirring to prevent a grainy texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.