Candied Pecans Recipe (2024)

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Candied Pecans Recipe (1)

Last Updated on October 11, 2021 by Anne-Marie

Try this Candied Pecans Recipe to sprinkle on salad, as a snack, or in baking. These easy candied pecans are sugar-free.

Candied Pecans Recipe (2)

Why this recipe works

You can use these candied pecans in so many ways!Use these sugar free, candied pecans in salad. Or serve them in pretty bowls as party appetizers.

Add these easy candied pecans to your favorite trail mix or in homemade granola.

They're ideal for anyone on a keto diet as a sugar free snack. They're also gluten free and dairy free.

Or chop them up and use the candied pecans in pancakes, waffles, easy breads, muffins, or sprinkled on yogurt.

Try mixing pieces of the spicy candied pecans into popcorn as a yummy snack on your next family movie night.

Candied Pecans Recipe (3)

How to make sugar free candied pecans

This sugar free candied pecans recipe was inspired by one from Hobo Kitchen as part of a food blogger recipe challenge where we redo other blogger’s recipes. (With permission of course!)

I’m a big admirer of Ellie’s blog as I love her writing style and her recipes, especially her Bahamian ones. (She’s originally from the Bahamas.)

I wanted to make her Candied Pecans recipe, but decided to challenge myself by creating a sugar free version.

I used Swerve Sweetener to make this easy candied pecans recipe sugar free and keto friendly. You can also use monk fruit powder. Both Swerve and monk fruit powder are natural, no calorie sweeteners.

Making a candied pecans recipe three ways

Ellie’s candied pecan recipe is based on one from Joy The Baker. Both use ground cayenne pepper to give the candied pecans a little kick.

I decide to use ground chipotle chile pepper in my spicy candied pecans instead.

Then I was inspired to change up the flavors a bit by using ground ginger in one candied pecans recipe batch and pumpkin pie spice in another.

When making your own easy candied pecans, experiment with other spice combinations – cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom with a pinch of turmeric.

Candied Pecans Recipe (4)

I used liquid egg whites because I find it easier to measure accurately. Plus, you’re not wondering what to do with the extra yolks afterwards.

Also, if you’re experimenting with various spices, you can safely taste the batter since liquid egg whites are pasteurized.

Finally, I like using a KitchenAid Hand Mixer since it makes beating the egg whites until frothy much easier than putting the mixture into my big KitchenAid stand mixer.

I like the control the hand mixer gives me and I don’t have to drag the heavy stand mixer out.

Candied Pecans Recipe (5)

More ideas for easy candied pecans

I love cooking up this candied pecans recipe during the holidays to give as a homemade gift.

Put handfuls in a big Mason jar wrapped with a big ribbon or bow on top. Makes the house smell great, too!

This candied pecan recipe so easy that your children can help you make a few batches for teachers gifts.

Candied Pecans Recipe (6)

How to serve candied pecans

Chopped up candied pecans to sprinkle on savory holiday dishes like Crock-Pot Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Parsnips. Or mix them into your Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce.

How about using them in the streusel topping in my Blueberry Muffin Cake. Or mix them into your Homemade Granola Bars?

And don’t forget adding them into your holiday baking!

Yield: 6 SERVINGS

Candied Pecans Recipe

Candied Pecans Recipe (7)

Try this Candied Pecans Recipe to sprinkle on salad, as a snack, or in baking. These easy candied pecans are sugar-free.

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time30 minutes

Total Time45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons pasteurized liquid egg whites
  • 1 cup granulated Swerve Sweetener or powdered monk fruit sweetener
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle chile pepper (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or pumpkin pie spice)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups raw pecan halves

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy.
  3. Add sweetener, spices, and salt. Whisk the mixture until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  4. Add the pecans and gently toss to coat with a large spoon or spatula.
  5. Once coated, spoon the pecans onto the parchment paper. Spread pecans evenly over the baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes until pecans are toasted a golden brown.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely so the Swerve Sweetener hardens.
  8. Remove pecans from the baking sheet and break up clusters into individual pieces, if you wish. If you’re not using the candied pecans right away, store in a ziplock baggie or airtight container in the freezer.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 401Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 33gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 366mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 6gSugar: 8gProtein: 6g

Nutritional information is automatically calculated per the ingredients list. Serving size may not be accurate. Please double-check with your preferred nutritional app for the most accurate information.

Originally published on March 7, 2014 and June 22, 2016. Updated with new pictures and information.

Candied Pecans Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between candied pecans and praline pecans? ›

Praline pecans are just one variety of candied pecans. These pecans have a tasty coating or glaze and are also referred to as flavored pecans.

Why are my candied pecans sticky? ›

If after they have cooled down, the pecans are still sticky, this means that the sugar mixture never reached a high enough temperature when on the stove. To fix them, place the nuts back into the skillet and cook a bit longer.

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.

Why won't my pralines get hard? ›

If you beat too long, the candy will seize and start to crumble. If you don't beat it long enough, then pralines won't set properly and will stay soft and sticky.

How do you soften pecan pralines? ›

Since the problem is mostly that the sugar in the pralines gets hard and crystallized, you might try softening them the way you'd soften hard brown sugar. Place a terracotta sugar saver in the container or something else that's slightly damp, like a few slices of apple or a slice of fresh bread.

Why do you soak pecans in water? ›

"Essential nutrients like iron, protein, calcium, and zinc are better absorbed by the body when you soak the nuts. The water removes the phytic acid present in acids which causes indigestion. So, soaking nuts helps in digesting them properly and reaping the benefits of these nutrients.

Do candied pecans need to be refrigerated? ›

Storage Instructions: Candied nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for several weeks. Freezing Instructions: They freeze well in an air-tight container for up to two months. Nuts: use any kind of nuts with this recipe, like walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, or pistachios.

How long will candied pecans keep? ›

How long will candied pecans keep? They will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, at least three weeks in the refrigerator, or up to two months in the freezer. No matter where you store them, keep in a tightly sealed, airtight container.

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!

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 do my pecans taste bitter? ›

Pecans have two sources of bitterness -- naturally occurring tannins in the kernel and pieces of corky material from the inside of the nut which can adhere to the kernel. Some of the tannin and all of the corky material can be removed by washing the kernels before cooking.

How many cups is 1lb of pecans? ›

Measurements and Substitutions

If you happen to have pecans in their shells, remember that 1 pound equals 3 cups shelled, about 4 cups pecan halves, and about 3 3/4 cups chopped nuts. Equivalents to know when using shelled pecans are that 1 pound equals 4 cups and 1 cup of pecan halves equals 3/4 cup chopped.

What is the red dust in pecans? ›

Initially, pink mold enters through cracks and fissures in the pecans, which exposes damaged tissue within the green hull. If conditions are moist, the pink mold grows rapidly and enters the interior of the pecan, destroying the nut and leaving a mass of pink powder in its place. A rancid odor is often present.

Why are pecans so expensive? ›

Why Are Pecans Expensive? Pecans are grown in many countries, but like a warmer climate with just the right number of chill hours each winter. Pecan trees take 10 years to really mature and produce a real crop. They require a good deal of water, sun, and chill hours.

Does praline mean candied? ›

praline, is a firm combination of almonds and caramelized sugar. These candied almonds can be ground into a powder called "pralin" that is used to fill the Belgian chocolates.

What are praline pecans made of? ›

What is a Praline? The praline is a southern tradition, commonly made with sugar, corn syrup, milk, butter, and pecan halves. It's a confection with a history as rich as its flavor. The praline's origins may date back as far as the early 17th century.

What are the two types of pecans? ›

A native pecan often has thicker shells and smaller nuts, while improved varieties tend to have more delicate shells and larger nuts. Another clue in identifying different pecan varieties is the nut shape and kernel appearance.

Why are praline pecans so good? ›

Their combination of coating and texture is as unique as its name. Praline Pecans feature the perfect praline flavor, while also allowing the consumer to eat a little more guilt-free, as they are a healthier alternative to its candy counterpart.

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