Name: Easy Candied Pecans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491108H37M56S
Total time: PT-491108H37M56S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon salt; 16 ounces unsalted pecan halves (about 4 cups); 1 egg white; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon water; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 3 egg whites; 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; 6 cups pecan halves; 1 teaspoon salt

I absolutely adore snacking on crunchy, sweet treats that also feel a bit indulgent yet wholesome, and this Easy Candied Pecans Recipe fits that craving perfectly. It’s one of my go-to recipes when I want to whip up something impressive but simple, with that perfect balance of cinnamon-spiced sweetness and buttery pecan goodness. Every time I make it, the house fills with the most inviting aroma, and I know I’m about to enjoy a snack that feels as special as a treat from a gourmet shop. Whether I’m adding these to salads, gifting them, or just munching right off the tray, this recipe consistently delivers crowd-pleasing delight.

Why You'll Love This Easy Candied Pecans Recipe

What really grabs me about this Easy Candied Pecans Recipe is the flavor. The warm cinnamon and a touch of clove combine with sweet sugars and a slight hint of vanilla to create a coating that is irresistibly aromatic and crisp. The pecans themselves stay perfectly crunchy without feeling sticky or overly sugary, which is exactly how I want my candied nuts to be. Every bite has this lovely balance of spice and sweetness that just feels cozy and festive.

Another reason I’m so hooked on this recipe is how incredibly straightforward it is. I love that I can prepare these candied pecans either in the oven or in a crockpot, depending on my mood or schedule. Both methods are easy and require minimal supervision except for a few stirs here and there. This ease makes it simple for me to add a homemade touch to holiday gift baskets, party snacks, or just a special treat for myself without fussing over complicated steps or exotic ingredients.

This recipe stands out because it's so versatile. I find it perfect for so many occasions—from serving as a crunchy salad topping to presenting as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays. Plus, the flavors are universally loved, so serving them at any gathering usually earns me compliments and requests for the recipe. I always feel confident bringing this dish along because it’s delicious, universally appealing, and remarkably simple.

Ingredients You'll Need

A baking tray lined with white parchment paper holds many pieces of roasted pecans spread out evenly. The pecans have a deep brown color with a slightly rough texture showing their roasted coating. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with a pink and white striped cloth on the right side and some green herbs peeking into the frame from the left. The pecans form a single layer covering most of the tray, showing their uneven shapes and natural grooves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this recipe are straightforward, but each plays an essential role in creating the perfect easy candied pecans. The sugars give a sweet, caramelized crust, the spices add warmth and intrigue, and the egg whites help everything stick and crisp beautifully.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Granulated sugar: Offers pure sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
Light brown sugar: Adds a richer, molasses-like depth to the flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Brings a classic warmth and spicy sweetness essential to candied nuts.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Pecan halves: The star ingredient, providing buttery crunch and natural richness.
Egg whites: Act as a binding agent to coat the pecans with the sugar and spice mixture.
Vanilla extract: Offers a subtle, fragrant note that rounds out the flavor.
Water: Lightens the egg white mixture and assists in coating.
Ground cloves (optional for crock-pot method): Adds a warm, slightly spicy complexity that truly makes the pecans stand out.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with a baking mat or parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. Set it aside while you prepare the nut mixture.

Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sugars, cinnamon, and salt until they're fully combined. This sugar-spice blend is the magic dust that will coat your pecans with that amazing flavor.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white, vanilla extract, and water together until the mixture becomes frothy. This frothy base will help every pecan get a perfect coating.

Step 4: Add the pecans into the egg white mixture and gently toss them until fully coated. Next, sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the pecans, and continue tossing until the nuts are evenly covered with the sugary spice mix.

Step 5: Spread the coated pecans out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they're spread evenly so they bake uniformly. Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. Every 10 minutes, take the tray out and stir the pecans gently to ensure even caramelization without burning.

Step 6: Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet. The cooling process lets the sugar harden, creating that perfect crunchy shell I love. After cooling, store them in an airtight container to keep their crisp texture for up to a month.

If you prefer the crockpot method, whisk 3 egg whites and 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract until frothy, then toss with 6 cups pecans. Coat the nuts evenly with 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook on low for 2 to 2 ½ hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes to prevent burning. Spread on parchment paper and let dry for 3 hours.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 8 generous servings of candied pecans—perfect for sharing at a party or enjoying as a snack over several days. Preparation takes roughly 10 minutes, and the cooking time in the oven is about 40 minutes. If you opt for the crockpot method, expect around 2 to 2 ½ hours of cook time plus 3 hours of resting time. Including resting and cooling, plan for about 1 hour total with the oven method or longer with crockpot. These times are totally worth it, trust me!

How to Serve This Easy Candied Pecans Recipe

A festive white box with red, green, and teal polka dots holds a crumpled light brown paper filled with a large pile of sugar-coated roasted nuts that look crunchy and textured. The nuts are brown with a sparkling sugar layer, and the box is decorated with a small red mitten clip on the side. Around the box are red ribbons with white polka dots and a red and white checkered heart ornament on a soft white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love incorporating these candied pecans as a crunchy, flavor-packed topping on salads—especially leafy greens with goat cheese, dried cranberries, and a balsamic vinaigrette. They add just the right touch of sweetness and texture contrast that elevates a simple salad into something special.

On their own, I often serve these as a snack during cozy nights in or bring them to gatherings in a pretty glass jar, garnished with a cinnamon stick or sprig of rosemary to make the presentation extra festive. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few over vanilla ice cream or a warm apple crisp for a delightful crunch and sweet spice.

For beverage pairings, I find these pecans work beautifully with both warm drinks like mulled cider and coffee, as well as crisp white wines and light, fruity cocktails. They are also excellent for holiday parties, casual get-togethers, or as a delicious nibble alongside a cheese board. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature to savor the full flavor and crunch.

Variations

I like to play around with this recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. For example, swapping out pecans for walnuts or almonds works just as well and gives a different twist in texture and flavor. You can also replace the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper caramel note.

If you’re vegan, replacing the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) whipped to frothy perfection is a great alternative that still binds the sugar and spices nicely to the nuts without compromising crunch.

To mix up the flavor profile, try adding a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick or some ground ginger for an added layer of spice. In terms of cooking methods, I appreciate how the crockpot method allows for slow, hands-off cooking and can be perfect when you’re busy with holiday preparations but still want an easy, homemade touch.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once your candied pecans are completely cool, I always transfer them to an airtight container like a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight sealing lid. Stored this way at room temperature, they keep their crispy texture for up to one month. Keeping them air-tight is key; exposure to moisture will make them sticky or soft.

Freezing

If you want to preserve these delicious nuts longer, freezing is a good option. I place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen candied pecans store well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature, and they’re as good as fresh!

Reheating

If your candied pecans lose some crunch over time, I like to refresh them by warming the pecans briefly in a 300-degree oven for about 5-7 minutes. This process helps recrisp the sugary coating. Avoid microwaving because that tends to soften the candy shell and can make the pecans chewy rather than crisp.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, and cashews are fantastic alternatives. Just keep in mind the cooking time may slightly vary depending on the nut’s size and oil content, but generally, the recipe works beautifully with any nut you prefer.

Is it necessary to use egg whites in this recipe?

The egg whites act as an important binder to help the sugar and spices stick evenly to the pecans and create that crisp candy coating. If you need a vegan substitute, aquafaba whipped to stiff peaks works well. Otherwise, skipping a binder will result in uneven coating and less crunch.

Can I make these candied pecans ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavors often develop even more after a day or two. Just store them correctly in an airtight container at room temperature. They make a fantastic make-ahead snack or gift.

What’s the best way to avoid burning the pecans during baking?

Stirring every 10 minutes is my little trick to ensure even cooking and to prevent any part from burning. Keeping the oven at 300 degrees helps too—high heat risks burning the sugar coating before the nuts are properly cooked.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

You can easily scale this recipe up or down. Just keep the same ingredient ratios and adjust your baking time slightly if cooking in larger or smaller batches. The key is maintaining that single layer on the baking sheet for even coating and cooking.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you try this Easy Candied Pecans Recipe soon! It’s one of those recipes I come back to time and time again because it’s reliable, delicious, and always impresses. Whether you’re gifting it, snacking, or using it to enhance other dishes, these candied pecans bring that perfect sweet-and-spicy crunch that I know you’ll love just as much as I do.