5-Ingredient Paleo Candied Pecans
The nostalgia of the carnival, but a healthier version, these candied pecans are delicious. Easy to bake, they make a wonderful addition to any salad or gift.
Have you ever gone to the carnival and bought those candied almonds in that triangular bag?! So tasty! Lets be honest though, may not be the healthiest snack out there. BUT, there is a way to enjoy this treat at home and its WAY healthier then anything you will buy. Make these candied pecans for a tasty treat, to top off a salad, as an app or even as a cute gift!
Popular Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions:
- Pecans → Walnuts or Almonds: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a slightly different nutty flavor and texture.
- Maple Syrup → Honey: Replace the maple syrup with honey for a similar sweetness and sticky coating. Honey crystallizes slightly in the freezer but thaws beautifully.
- Coconut Sugar → Brown Sugar: Substitute the coconut sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Additions:
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Add a touch of vanilla extract to elevate the flavor profile. Vanilla extract infuses warmth into the candied nuts.
- Chia Seeds (1 tbsp): Stir in chia seeds for a subtle crunch and added fiber. They adhere well to the candied coating and remain intact after freezing.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1 tsp): Add a small amount of cocoa powder for a hint of chocolate flavor. Cocoa powder freezes perfectly and adds a unique twist to the recipe.
5-Ingredient Paleo Candied Pecans
The nostalgia of the carnival, but a healthier version, these candied pecans are delicious. Easy to bake, they make a wonderful addition to any salad or gift.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
Get Recipe IngredientsInstructions
Oven Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until pecans are evenly coated.
- Pour pecan mixture onto parchment covered backing sheet and spread evenly.
- Bake for 12 minutes, then flip pecans to crisp both sides evenly, bake an additional 8 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes then enjoy! Be sure to cool completely before storing so they keep their fresh crunch!
Freezer Directions
- Once cool, add candied pecans into a gallon freezer bag and store in freezer until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 143kcalCarbohydrates: 7.3gProtein: 1.9gFat: 13.7gFiber: 1.9g
Sign up for the My Family Dinner MembershipLearn More
Nuts are a great healthy fat and make a wonderful crunchy snack. Sweet or savory there are so many ways to enjoy! This recipe is also super customizable, so if pecans aren’t your thing, try it with almonds, walnuts or any other favorite nut of yours!
Why Why you’ll love this Candied Pecan recipe?
- Natural Ingredients
- Festive Nostalgia
- Versatile Treat
- Easy Preparation
- Kid Friendly
Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later!
Your Questions Answered
Comment below if you have any questions we didn’t answer.
What equipment is needed to make a Candied Pecan Recipe?
- Baking pan with lip
- Parchment paper
How to store Candied Pecans?
If you are looking for short term storage solutions for your Candied Pecans, using an airtight container and storing them at room temperature is best. Avoid refrigerating in short term storage, as the humidly and temperature change can soften the glaze.
For longer storage, consider using a resealable bag in the fridge, while also placing a paper towel inside the back and absorb the moisture and keeping the pecans crisp. For long-term storage, consider freezing your pecans in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. Flash freezing on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours is recommended, than freeze in your container or freezer bag.
Can I freeze Candied Pecans?
Yes! When you are looking for a long-term storage solution, you can freeze the candied pecans in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. First, spread the candied pecans on a baking sheet with some parchment paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer safe container or freezer bag. This flash freeze prevents clumping.
How to thaw and reheat Candied Pecans?
When you are ready to pull out your candied pecans from the freezer, allow them to thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
What ingredients are needed to make homemade candied pecans?
When you are making homemade candied pecans, you will need to halve the pecans, have sugar on hand(white, brown, or coconut), cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Some recipes may also as for an egg white and vanilla extract for added flavor.
How do you make candied pecans?
For most recipes, you would mix the ingredients together in a bowl, toss in the pecans and coat them with the sugar mixture. Then, you would spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, with a mix after 10-12 minutes.
Can I make candied pecans without egg whites?
Yes! Absolutely, you can use egg white alternatives like maple syrup, like this recipe calls for, or a mixture of water and sugar to help the sugar adhere to the pecans nicely.
Why are my candied pecans so sticky?
If you have candied pecans that are too sticky, it may be because the sugar didn’t reach a high enough temperature to form the hard coating that is necessary for a candied pecan. Ensure that you are baking them long enough, as well as stirring occasionally to allow even cooking of the pecans.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Absolutely. Using pecans are the traditional way, however this recipe also works well with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, or a mix of your favorites. Each nut produces a different flavor, so try away and see which one is your favorite.
Are candied pecans gluten-free?
Yes, the basic ingredients for candied pecans are gluten-free. However, always check the labels to ensure no cross-contamination if you have gluten sensitivities.
How can I use candied pecans differently?
Candied pecans are a versatile snack. Obviously, you can enjoy them as a snack, or you can toss them in a salad to add a bit of a crunch. Use them also as a topping for desserts like ice cream or pies. You can also include them in your holiday gift baskets to teachers or friends.
If you like this recipe here are some other whole Desserts you’re sure to love:
- Crock Pot Peach Cobbler
- Spiced Pumpkin Bread
- Homemade Nilla Wafers
- French Macarons
- 3-Ingredient Peppermint Bark
Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Candied Pecans recipe turned out!! I really want to know.
And if you have ANY QUESTIONS comment here, I’m happy to help.
