Buttery, sweet and a touch salty, these candied pecans are addictively delicious and they take only 20 minutes to make! Complete a charcuterie board, toss into a salad, or sprinkle over ice cream, homemade candied pecans should be in your pantry year round!
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I almost wish these candied pecans weren’t so good because I find myself reaching for them whenever the sweet tooth strikes (which is always). These sweet morsels are the best; they’re crunchy, brown buttery, and sweet yet not too sweet from a hint of salt.
Best yet, this candied pecan recipe is TOO easy to make, requiring only 3 ingredients and 20 minutes to make. I’m not sure if I should say “you’re welcome” or “I’m sorry” for introducing you to your new obsession.
Overwhelmed by all the possibilities for using these candied pecans? Start off by tossing them into an Apple Salad with some Candied Bacon!
Video: Watch Me Make Candied Pecans!
Ingredients
The ingredients for making candied pecans are simple. You only need 3! Here they are…
- Chopped pecans – while you can use whole pecans, chopped pecans are my favorite options for the best pecan-to-candy ratio. Get your pecans from the baking aisle (not roasted or salted!).
- Light brown sugar – light brown sugar caramelizes, creating the perfect candy coating.
- Salted butter – salted butter helps coat the pecans, and gives them a buttery, slightly salty finish.
How to Make Candied Pecans
Learn how to make the most delicious candied pecans in only 4 steps on the stovetop. Full instructions in the recipe card; this is just an outline!
Step 1 (Melt): Preheat a large, wide pan over medium heat. Then add the butter and let it melt. Add the brown sugar and stir until combined (butter may pool some).
Step 2 (Caramelize): Add the pecans. Cook over medium heat for 4-7 minutes, STIRRING CONSTANTLY. The mixture will bubble and turn into a sticky syrup that clings to the nuts (butter may look a bit separated from the sugar and that’s okay!).
Step 3 (Cool): Pour the nuts in a single layer onto a foil or parchment lined baking sheet to cool. After 10–15 minutes, break into pieces. Let cool completely before storing.
Ways to Use Candied Pecans
Candied pecans can be used in so many ways, adding a sweet crunch to snacks and meals. Here are my favorite ways to serve:
- As a snack: I mean…yes please!
- Salad Toppings: Sprinkle over salads. Try using these candied pecans instead of walnuts in this Apple Salad!
- Dessert Garnish: Use them as a topping for desserts such as ice cream with Homemade Hot Fudge, yogurt, or puddings.
- Baked Goods: Incorporate them into baked goods like cakes, Banana Bread Muffins, and breads for added texture and flavor.
- Trail Mix: Mix candied pecans with other nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate for a fun trail mix.
- Cheese Boards: Include candied pecans on cheese boards.
- Breakfast Dishes: Sprinkle them over oatmeal, Blueberry Pancakes or Mini Pancakes.
- Gift or Party Favors: Package candied pecans in decorative jars or bags as a homemade gift or party favor!
Storage and Freezing
How long do candied pecans last? Homemade candied pecans last 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.
Need to store them longer? Keep them in the fridge for a month. Freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
Want to dress up candied pecans with fun flavor variations? Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme, a splash of vanilla extract, a dash of orange or lemon zest, or a sprinkle of sea salt after the pecans cool.
The candied pecans will harden more when they’ve cooled completely. Pop them in the fridge to cool them faster.
Yes, this recipe works with other nuts like walnuts or peanuts!
Why are my candied pecans soggy? They can be soggy if they weren’t cooked or cooled long enough for the sugar coating to fully caramelize and harden!
Other Recipes With Nuts You’ll Love!
Desserts
Peanut Butter Pie
Desserts
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
Dressings, Sauces & Dips
Dad’s Peanut Sauce Recipe
Dressings, Sauces & Dips
Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Dip)
Appetizers
Pear Salad (With Bacon and Walnuts)
If you’ve tried this Candied Pecans Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
Best Easy Candied Pecans Recipe
Equipment
- Large pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped pecans, in baking aisle (not roasted or salted)
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
Instructions
- Preheat a large, wide pan over medium heat. Then add the butter and let it melt. Add the brown sugar and stir until combined (butter may pool some).
- Add the pecans. Cook over medium heat for 4-7 minutes, STIRRING CONSTANTLY.
- The mixture will bubble and turn into a sticky syrup that clings to the nuts (butter may look a bit separated from the sugar and that's okay!). If it begins to brown too quickly or smell toasted, lower the heat immediately. The mixture can burn very quickly at the end.
- Pour the nuts in a single layer onto a foil or parchment lined baking sheet to cool. After 10–15 minutes, break into pieces. Let cool completely before storing.
Video
Notes
- You can use whole pecans if preferred but use 2 heaping cups instead of 2 level cups.
- The candied pecans will harden completely when they’ve cooled completely. Pop them in the fridge to expedite cooling!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Loved this recipe so easy. I added a bit of Chinese five spice and cayenne pepper for a little kick. Going to make more today for a friendโs birthday!
Paula,
Love the Chinese five spice and cayenne additions!! Thanks for sharing ๐
Grace
THANK YOU!! These are the best! Iโm so glad it was simple to make, and funnily enough I only had 1/2 a cup of light brown sugar anyway. Made these for dessert for the next week. Keeping this recipe forever!!
Hi Kate,
That’s awesome! It was meant to be! Thanks for your lovely review ๐
Grace
So simple and love the variations you provide. Have you tried espresso powder before? I was curious!
Hi Jean,
Thank you! I actually haven’t but that sounds delish! I’d add it toward the end to infuse the nuts. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Grace
I will let you know… I’m going to try espresso with cocoa powder and a tsp of vanilla.
Please do!
Grace
PERFECTION!
Yay! Merry Christmas!
Grace
I cut back on the sugar by a third- perfect for me & to whoever I shared he nuts with. Addictive since itโs not too sweet- just perfect!
As for the comment that they burned- constant turning& lowered temp worked for me- patience, it does get tedious tending to the nuts but worth it!
Love this recipe!
Hi Anita,
Thanks so much for your comment! I’m so glad they turned out well ๐ Happy Holidays!
Grace
Yummy recipe
Hi Jacki,
So glad they turned out well!
Grace
LOVE THIS RECIPE!! Thank you, bless you!!
Gigi,
So awesome to hear! Thanks for letting me know ๐ Happy holiday season!
Grace
This recipe is so easy and so very flavorful. I’ll be using it alot.
Hi Roxie,
Fantastic! Thank you for letting me know!
Grace
Dearest Grace,
Thank you for your amazing ideas and fantastically supporting me in something I wanted to try but had no confidence or support to get going…. I’m amazed of what came out… You are the bomb!
Thank you for people like you that put yourself and your ideas for the critical comments that are not so productive…
Cheers,
Chuck
Hi Chuck,
Aw, I’m so thrilled to hear they came out well, and that I could help you every step of the way! I truly appreciate your comment. Have a wonderful weekend!
Grace
Should note this works for raw nuts. Roasted nuts will get unpleasantly burnt if these directions are followed. Could probably add them right at the end of the cooking cycle.
Hi Mike,
Yes, I buy just plain old pecans in the baking aisle of the grocery store! Diamond brand works great!
Grace