There’s something truly magical about the sweet, nutty aroma of candied pecans wafting through your kitchen. These homemade candied pecans are not only a delight to your taste buds but also a wonderful treat to share with friends and family during the holidays or any time you’re in need of a crunchy, sweet pick-me-up.
With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create these addictive candied pecans that are perfect as a snack, a topping for salads, or a thoughtful homemade gift. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making these delightful candied pecans from scratch.
Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly toasted pecans, caramelized in a sweet sugar coating. Let’s dive in and make some homemade candied pecans that will leave everyone craving for more!
Ingredients:
2 cups pecan halves
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Pecans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Toast the Pecans:
Toast the pecans in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and set them aside.
Prepare the Candied Coating:
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
Cook the Sugar Syrup:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sugar syrup to a boil. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
Add the Pecans:
Once the sugar syrup is boiling, add the toasted pecans to the saucepan and stir to coat them evenly with the syrup.
Cook the Pecans:
Continue cooking the pecans in the sugar syrup for about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly. The syrup will gradually crystallize and coat the pecans.
Remove from Heat:
As soon as the pecans are evenly coated with the crystallized sugar syrup and the syrup has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Add Vanilla (Optional):
If desired, you can stir in vanilla extract at this stage for added flavor.
Cool and Separate:
Quickly transfer the candied pecans to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or a separate tray, spreading them out in a single layer to prevent clumping as they cool.
Cool Completely:
Allow the candied pecans to cool completely at room temperature. They will harden as they cool.
Break Apart:
Once the candied pecans have cooled and the sugar coating has hardened, break them apart into individual pieces.
Serve or Store:
Your homemade candied pecans are ready to enjoy! You can serve them as a snack, use them as a topping for salads or desserts, or even package them as gifts.
Store any leftover candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Be sure to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Enjoy your homemade candied pecans! They make a delicious and crunchy treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor.
