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.
Just made 3 batches. Plain, cinamon and cayene for Christmas gift bags! They are so easy and delicious too:)
Therese,
Cinnamon and cayenne sound AMAZING! Merry Christmas!
Grace
I followed the directions and they ended up burnt. The sauce didn’t thicken and and I ended up with a pool of butter. I think I will try it with less butter next time
Mine came out perfect, I added a bit cinnamon for extra flavor. I stirred constantly
Hi Jojo,
Love the cinnamon addition! So glad they turned out great ๐
Grace
Made these to leave in the break room at work, gone within a day. Definitely making again.
Hi Gail,
That’s what I love to hear! Thanks for letting me know!
Grace
I went directly by the directions, cooking them for 6 minutes on 5 for burner. They came out totally burnt. I may try again on a lower heat setting.
Hi Mr. Anselm!
I’m so sorry to hear they turned too well done. I actually have not heard this feedback, so I am definitely surprised by this. Every stovetop is different, so I hope you try the recipe again and let me know how it turns out!
Best,
Grace
Yes, mine also burned after about 5 minutes when following the directions, however with my second batch, I lowered the burner to low after about 3 minutes and they came out perfect. Absolutely delicious!
These are legit! …best candied pecans we’ve ever had. Many thanks for this easy recipe. I’m about to make a second batch (the one from two days ago is GONE).
Hi Nicolle,
AHHH, I can relate! They don’t last long ๐ Enjoy!
Grace
Amazing! Best candied pecans ever. Perfect, simple recipe. My husband puts them on his cereal every morning- thanks for this!
Hi Daryn,
Oooh, I love the cereal idea! Thanks for commenting!
Grace
Just wanted to let you know that I tried this recipe again on a lower heat setting and they turned out beautifully. They are delicious and of course i loved all the little separate candy pieces with no nuts attached…
Hi Mr. Anselm,
I’m so glad they turned out better this time! Thanks for your report back ๐
Grace
Nice recipe. If you only have unsalted butter, add 1/4 tsp. salt.
Hi Maxim,
I’m glad you love the recipe!!
Grace
So easy and really delicious!!
Thank you for sharing๐๐ป๐๐ป
Hi Susan,
Awesome! Thanks for your review!!
Grace
4/8/2025 made for the first time, oh my goodness they are so easy & so good. Will definitely make again. Thanks for posting the recipe & I am going to try other ones you have shared.
Hi Kathryn!
Amazing!! So happy you love the nuts as much as I do. Definitely let me know if you try any other recipes.
Grace
Hello Grace! I made these today. Everybody at home found them super delicious and addictive. I just couldnโt stop eating them and Iโm not much of a sweet tooth, so that says a lot! I will be making them again for sure and will also try out some other recipes of yours.
Hi Khurty,
I’m so glad you agree! They are totally addictive ๐ Please do let me know when you try other recipes!
Grace