The BEST Candied Pecans (5-minute recipe) - Fifteen Spatulas (2024)

These 5-minute Stovetop Candied Pecans are a quick and easy way to make sweet glazed pecans for salads, snacking, food gifts, and more! It’s all made in one pan for minimal mess, and it’s overall much quicker and easier than the oven method. Plus, no candy thermometer needed!

The BEST Candied Pecans (5-minute recipe) - Fifteen Spatulas (1)

Whether you eat these pecans on their own or add them to a variety of dishes, they’re such an easy way to add flavor and texture to so many recipes, using simple ingredients.

The typical candied pecans recipe usually calls for making them in the oven, but something about that feels a bit too fussy and long to me. I’ve been making candied pecans on the stove for as long as I can remember, and it only takes me 5 minutes to make them. It’s so easy!

I like not having to turn the oven on, especially when I only want to make a smaller batch. I try not to keep too many of these around because they’re so good, I want to eat them all in one sitting. Whenever I make them for the holiday season and set them out, they disappear within minutes.

Tips for Best Results

Use a nonstick pan – While you can get away with using any stainless steel pan, the nonstick pan helps all of the sweetness stick to the nut. It glazes easier, in my experience.

Use brown sugar or maple syrup – I love honey, but I don’t recommend using it here. Brown sugar or maple syrup will give you the best results.

Toast the pecans first – Totally optional, and sometimes it’s easier to just use raw nuts straight out of the bag. But if you have the time, toast the pecans for a few minutes (you can use the same skillet) to begin bringing out the flavor in the nuts. Most importantly, make sure to use fresh pecans that aren’t rancid or expired.

The BEST Candied Pecans (5-minute recipe) - Fifteen Spatulas (2)

These candied pecans are really wonderful, especially for sprinkling on salads like Kale Salad or Warm Brussel Sprout Salad with Crispy Goat Cheese! They are also well-suited for food gifts during Christmas and the holidays.

I actually grew up with candied pecans, sugared pecans, and maple glazed pecans of all sorts in my house at Christmas time because my dad loved ordering them every year. Simply place the nuts in a mason jar with ribbon or in pretty holiday tins for last-minute gifts.

Step by Step Overview:

To get started, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt in a skillet, and add a splash of water so the sugar has an easier time dissolving:

The BEST Candied Pecans (5-minute recipe) - Fifteen Spatulas (3)

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

This is a great recipe for accommodating several different substitutions. I recommend trying the recipe once as written, then you can experiment with changes.

Spices: You can pretty much use whatever spices you’d like. I like to keep it simple with cinnamon, but you may add cloves, cardamom, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice. You may also try options like cayenne pepper, ancho chile powder, or even smoked paprika.

The Sugar: I like using brown sugar for its slight molasses tastes, but you can also use granulated white sugar or even coconut sugar. For maple syrup, follow this Maple Pecans recipe instead (it is also a quick and easy stovetop recipe). I do not recommend corn syrup.

Fat: It is not necessary to add fat here, but if you’d like it for richness, add a tablespoon of butter or coconut oil with the rest of the ingredients.

Vanilla extract: Add up to 1 teaspoon with the rest of the ingredients.

Egg whites: Egg should not be used here at all. This is only used for the oven method for helping the coating stick.

Stir it all around to combine:

The BEST Candied Pecans (5-minute recipe) - Fifteen Spatulas (4)

Cook the sugar mixture over medium heat until it gets hot and bubbly and looks like a glaze:

The BEST Candied Pecans (5-minute recipe) - Fifteen Spatulas (5)

Throw in pecan halves, making sure they are more or less in a single layer:

The BEST Candied Pecans (5-minute recipe) - Fifteen Spatulas (6)

Raw or toasted both work, but I personally think toasted pecans taste better.

Can you use other nuts?

Absolutely, it does not matter what kind of nut you use. Walnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, and really any other nut will work well here.

Cook the pecan halves for about 3minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid cooks down and glazes the nuts:

The BEST Candied Pecans (5-minute recipe) - Fifteen Spatulas (7)

If the pecans still look sticky, keep cooking for a few more minutes. Different stoves have different heat output.

Once the liquid has cooked down and coated the pecans, spread them out on parchment paper to cool. Then break apart and enjoy your sweet snack:

The BEST Candied Pecans (5-minute recipe) - Fifteen Spatulas (8)

If you’d like to make a big batch, use a larger skillet, and try to make sure the pecans are more or less in an even layer. You don’t want to overcrowd the pan.

Suggested Uses

Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this easy candied pecans recipe, in ways sweet and savory!

  • Add to a Kale Salad or Brussels Sprouts with Candied Pecans and Ricotta Salata.
  • Add to a cheese and charcuterie board.
  • Sprinkle on Chocolate Bark.
  • Chop them up and add to Butter Shortbread Cookies, The Very Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, or this Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe.
  • Sprinkle on Overnight Oats or Maple Scones.
  • Make your Pecan Sticky Buns even better.
  • Sprinkle on Grilled Peaches with Bourbon Brown Butter Sauce.
  • Toss them into this Granola Recipe for an extra delicious snack.
  • Add to ice cream like Pumpkin Chip Gingersnap Cookie Ice Cream.
  • Make homemade gifts of them along with any of these 12 shipping-friendly food gift ideas for Christmas and beyond, and pack in a care package!
  • Toss with Roasted Sweet Potatoes.

Or you know, you could just eat them. I do that too.

Very similar to this method is also my 5-minute Sticky Honey Bananas, which you may enjoy as well. Or try my Pecan Praline Candy. Happy cooking!

Recipe FAQ:

Why are my Candied Pecans sticky?

If the pecans turn out sticky, this means the sugar never reached a high enough temperature to have that hard crack “brittle” coating on the outside. Electric stoves tend to have less heat power and responsiveness as compared to gas stoves, so cook for a few minutes longer if you have an electric stove or a weaker gas stove. They can be salvaged, even after they’ve cooled. Just cook more, and watch and smell to ensure the pecans don’t burn.

How do you store candied pecans?

Once completely cooled, in an airtight container at room temperature for a week. You can get away with two weeks or longer, but the flavor won’t be as good. They taste best fresh.

Can candied pecans be frozen?

Yes, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Do candied pecans need to be refrigerated?

No, but they will last for 4 weeks in the fridge, if you do want to extend the shelf life.

Can you double this recipe?

Absolutely, just make sure you use a larger skillet as needed.

These candied pecans are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

Did you enjoy the recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Or, follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest!

The BEST Candied Pecans (5-minute recipe) - Fifteen Spatulas (9)

Candied Pecans

Servings: 4 , makes 1 cup pecans

Prep Time: 1 minute min

Cook Time: 4 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

These Stovetop Candied Pecans are a quick and easy way to make sweet coated pecans for salads, snacking, and more!

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Ingredients

For the pecans:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 cup pecan halves

Ideas for using the pecans (optional):

  • Brussels Sprouts with Candied Pecans
  • Brown Butter Blondies
  • Grilled Peaches with Brown Butter Sauce

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients except the pecans in a skilletand cook over medium heat for a minute or two, until the sugar dissolves and the mixtureis bubbling.

  • Add the pecans and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring to coat in the glaze.

  • Remove from the heat, and spread the pecans out on parchment paperto let them cool completely.

  • Break apart, and enjoy!

Notes

Storage: These can be stored in an airtight jar for about one week.

Freezing: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

If the nuts are sticky: If the pecans turn out sticky, this means the sugar never reached a high enough temperature to have that hard crack “brittle” coating on the outside. Electric stoves tend to have less heat power and responsiveness as compared to gas stoves, so cook for a few minutes longer if you have an electric stove or a weaker gas stove. Just watch and smell to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Nutrition

Calories: 282kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 2mg, Sodium: 131mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 19g

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Author: Fifteen Spatulas

The BEST Candied Pecans (5-minute recipe) - Fifteen Spatulas (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep candied pecans from sticking together? ›

Under-cooking the pecans is the likely cause of stickiness, but the risk is low when they're oven-baked. After the sugar-coated nuts have darkened and turned very fragrant, about 20 minutes in the oven, stir the pecans and separate any pieces that have stuck together. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Why are my candied pecans so sticky? ›

The sugar needs to bake long enough to caramelize and form a brittle coating on the nuts. How do you fix candied nuts that are too soft and sticky? You can place them back into the oven for 5 to 15 minutes or until they dry out more. They will continue to firm and dry out as they cool.

Should I soak pecans before baking? ›

Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.

How do you store candied pecans? ›

Storing. Candied pecans will keep tightly sealed in an airtight container for one to two weeks. They will keep for at least three weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator and may be frozen for several months.

Why won't my candied nuts dry? ›

If your nuts don't harden fully, that means the sugar wasn't cooked long enough and didn't caramelize. Cook the nuts longer next time!

Why are my candied nuts soft? ›

Usually if the almonds are soft after candying it means that they weren't cooked for long enough. However, this recipe cooks all of the water out of the sugar syrup and then takes it a step further where the the sugar then re-caramelizes allowing the almonds to harden.

How do you get the rancid taste out of pecans? ›

Bake the nuts for 10 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, shake the pan and flip the nuts to ensure that they toast evenly. Remove the nuts from the oven and let them cool. Use the nuts in another recipe or have them as a snack!

Why do my pecans taste bad? ›

Nuts with higher fat content, like walnuts and pecans can also go rancid after a few months if stored at too warm a temperature. If you notice that your nuts have taken on a noticeably bitter, sour flavor, they may have entered this unfortunate phase.

What is the white fuzz on my pecans? ›

Powdery Mildew (caused by the fungus Microsphaera alni)

It occurs on foliage and nuts alike and appears as a superficial powdery white growth (Figure 4). Early-infected nuts may remain small and have an early shuck split and shriveled kernels. In some other states, it sometimes causes defoliation.

Why do people boil pecans? ›

Boiling pecans before cracking them can actually help prevent the shell from shattering. Here's how to boil them to loosen the shell but not cook the meat: ● Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil ● Add the pecans and let cook for 10-15 minutes ● Drain and let cool ● Get to cracking!

Why do you soak pecans in water? ›

By soaking nuts and seeds, you minimize or eliminate the nutritional inhibitors and other toxic substances as they are absorbed into the water. Without the inhibitors and toxic substances, the nutrients of the nuts and seeds are more readily available for absorption.

How long should pecans be soaked? ›

Drain, Rinse, and Roast - After soaking your pecan nuts for about 8 hours, it's time to drain and rinse them. Once you're done with that, spread them over a baking sheet or dehydrator evenly to get them ready for roasting.

Do candied pecans go bad? ›

If you don't plan on eating your candied pecans right away, you may want to consider storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. Refrigeration can keep the pecans fresh for up to three months, while freezing can extend their shelf life for up to six months.

Can dogs eat pecans? ›

Why are pecans bad for dogs? These nuts are toxic for dogs. Eating them can result in pets becoming sick and needing immediate veterinary care. “The reason pecans are considered toxic is that they contain a compound called juglone, also found in walnuts, that is harmful to dogs,” advises Dr.

How do you make candied nuts less sticky? ›

Salt: 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt makes these taste salty-sweet. If you'd prefer to not taste the salt, reduce to 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Pecans too sticky: If your nuts are still sticky after cooling, heat your oven to 325° F and bake for 5 to 10 minutes to help harden the candy coating.

How do you keep candied nuts from sticking? ›

The pecans only take a few minutes to cook. If you walk away or don't stir constantly they could burn. The nuts will be sticky at first before they cool. If the glazed pecans remain sticky after cooling, transfer the baking sheet to a 325ºF oven for 5-15 minutes, or until they harden.

What causes stick tights on pecans? ›

Such "stick? tights" are caused by drought and heat stress in September and October. Pecans require water right up until the time of shuck split to reduce this problem. Nuts sprouting in the shuck before harvest (vivipary) are also reduced by late season water and/or stress reduction.

How do you package candied nuts? ›

Cool nuts on a parchment lined baking sheet. Package in miniature cellophane bags and gift to your friends!

How do you keep shelled pecans from molding? ›

Answer: Keeping your pecans in a tightly sealed bag in a freezer is the optimal way to store pecans. However, refrigerating your pecans will also extend their shelf life. Shelled pecans can be thawed and refrozen repeatedly without any significant loss or damage.

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