Last Updated on December 10, 2025 by PorchLightReading
How to make candied pecans with just a few simple pantry ingredients. Ready in minutes and so incredibly delicious!
We are all about simple homemade snacks in this house and this one is so easy it makes the top of our list! These candied pecans are perfect for a holiday appetizer and make a great gift for friends and family.
That is if they make it that far. As soon as the kids see the homemade candied pecans in the pantry it’s game over and time to either hide the rest or make another batch. Usually the latter since now everyone is enjoying this sweet treat.
Follow us on…
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
- Table of contents: How to make candied pecans
- Ingredients
- Step by step directions
- Tips for the perfect homemade candied pecans
- Frequently asked questions
- Jump to recipe
How To Make Candied Pecans
Candied pecans are one of those recipes that are simple to make but taste like they took hours.
Made right on the stovetop with just a few pantry ingredients, these sweet and crunchy pecans are perfect for holiday appetizers, on salads, for homemade gifts, or a sweet afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 TBS water
- ¼ tsp. salt
How To Make Candied Pecans + Step by Step
Mix the coating- In a skillet, add ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1 tsp. vanilla, 2 TBS water, and ¼ tsp. salt. Warm mixture over medium heat until sugar begins to dissolve and coating begins to bubble.
Add the pecans- Stir in pecans, making sure each one is coated. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the water evaporates and the pecans become glossy and sticky. Approximately 2-3 minutes.
Let them set- Spread the pecans out on a parchment lined baking sheet. Separate with a spoon so they cool individually and don’t clump.
Cool completely- Let them cool for 15 minutes. As they cool they will being to harden into that perfect candied crunch.
Tips For The Perfect Homemade Candied Pecans
- Don’t walk away- The sugar mixture can burn quickly. Keep stirring!
- Use fresh peans- Older nuts can taste stale once coated.
- For extra crunch, after spreading them out to cool and sprinkle with a bit more salt and cinnamon-sugar.
- Add extra flavor
- Cayenne for sweet heat
- Pumpkin pie spice for fall
Related Posts:
Frequently Asked Questions
They might not have cooked long enough. Continue to cook until the liquid evaporates and the sugar thickens around the nuts.
Absolutely! Follow the recipe but replace the nuts.
Candied pecans are great on their own but you can also add them to salads, charcuterie boards, yogurt, sweet potatoes, or package them in jars for homemade gifts!
Jump to recipe
How To Make Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 TBS water
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Instructions
- In a skillet, add ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1 tsp. vanilla, 2 TBS water, and ¼ tsp. salt. Warm over medium heat until sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture starts to bubble.
- Stir in pecans, making sure each one is coated. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the water evaporates and the pecans become glossy and sticky. Approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Spread the candied pecans out on parchment lined baking sheet. Separate them with a spoon so they cool individually and don't clump.
- Let them cool for 15 minutes. As they cool they will being to harden into that perfect candied crunch.
Notes
Nutrition
You also might like…
Back to Family Recipes
Back to Home Page
Like this recipe idea? Save this post to Pinterest for later by clicking the Pin below!
