Easy Candied Pecans Recipe

These candied pecans recipe bakes up crunchy and sweet with an easy, hands off method! Toss them on salads and over ice cream, or snack on them plain.

They’re crunchy, irresistibly sweet and salty, and totally classic: try this homemade candied pecans recipe! This classic American recipe is popular for good reason: these little sweet morsels are just so good.

Here is my master recipe that makes perfectly crunchy, sweet candied pecans with little effort: no food thermometer needed. It’s got just the right amount of cinnamon and sweetness, and it takes a load of will power to stop eating them once you make up a batch. Throw them on salads, over ice cream, or just snack on them plain!

5 Star Reader Reviews

“I’ve made this several times, and they are always a big hit!” -Ali

“I made these as part of a salad recipe; the aroma filled the whole house and the kids and husband were drawn to the delicious smell. Everyone loves them and I promised to make more for our family gathering at Christmas. Thank you for the great and super easy recipe!” -Monica

Ingredients You’ll Need

Candied pecans are pecans that are coated in a crunchy sugar coating. They’re typically coated in egg whites, sugar, and spices, then baked until crispy. Glazed pecans are similar, but they have a smoother, glossy exterior. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

Walnut halves: The raw, halved nuts are what you want here.
Granulated and light brown sugar: Granulated sugar gives you the crackly texture and brown sugar adds a developed flavor with molasses notes.
Egg white: Egg white helps the sugar and spices adhere to the nuts and it adds a glossy, firm exterior
Cinnamon and ginger: These bring bold cozy flavor to the nuts.
Vanilla and salt: These add a nuance that makes the flavor pop; don’t omit!

You can also use the same method with my Candied Walnuts recipe.

How To Make Candied Pecans

This candied pecans recipe is my go-to method. After much research, I landed on the baked method as the easiest option. You can use a skillet method for candied pecans, but you’ll need a candy thermometer to measure the sugar temperature. I found a 325°F oven is the most reliable and easiest way to make candied pecans.

Even though it’s not as quick as glazed pecans, the baked method is more reliable because there’s no risk of sticky nuts like with the skillet method. So it’s worth the 30 minute bake time for a perfect result! Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe below):

Mix: Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then toss them with the pecans.
Spread onto a baking sheet: Spread the nuts in a single layer on a parchment lined sheet.
Bake 30 minutes at 325°F, stirring once. When you stir the first time, the nuts will look very foamy: that’s ok! Give them a thorough stir and then continue to cook until they are light brown and hardened.

Pro Tip: They’re Supposed To Look Weird At 15 Minutes

One thing I tell everyone making these for the first time: halfway through baking, the egg white makes a foam that makes the nuts look a little off.

It might seem like the batch is ruined, but don’t worry: the foam will collapse and dry into a crispy coating after the full bake time. Just stir it thoroughly and wait for the remaining time!

How To Store Them

These candied pecans store well and are crunchy over the entire storage time! Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

How long do homemade candied pecans last? Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks and frozen for up to 2 months. Store in a sealed plastic bag or jar.
Make sure to fully cool them before storing. They cool in about 10 minutes, after which you can eat them! Before you store them, allow them to cool for 45 minutes so they don’t have an residual moisture.
For holiday gifts, store in lidded jars. These candied pecans make great DIY holiday gifts. Make sure to indicate on the jar to store for up to 2 weeks.

Variation: Glazed Pecans

Want a really quick way to make candied pecans for a salad? You can make this Glazed Pecans recipe on the stovetop. They’re not as reliable stored (since they can turn out sticky), but they work if you’re trying to make a quick salad garnish.

Ways To Use Candied Pecans

Candied pecans are extremely versatile and work on anything from salads to desserts. Here are some of the top ways to use them:

Use for topping salads like a crunchy apple salad, strawberry salad, or spinach salad
Crumble over ice cream for a quick and easy dessert
Add to pancakes or waffles as a fun breakfast topping
Crumble over oatmeal for a decadent treat
Appetizer spread for Christmas or Thanksgiving
Snack on them plain

Dietary Notes

This candied pecans recipe is vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my candied pecans sticky instead of crunchy?

They weren’t baked long enough, or you didn’t let them cool long enough on the pan. Give them a full 45 minutes on the pan before storing them.

What is the difference between glazed and candied pecans?

Candied pecans are coated in egg white and sugar, then baked for a crackly shell. Glazed pecans are cooked on the stovetop and have a smoother, glossier texture. Candied pecans are easier to store for long periods of time.

Can I make candied pecans without egg white?

You can, but not with this recipe. The egg white is what holds on the sugar and spices and dries into a crisp shell. Try my glazed pecans for an egg free recipe.