Learn to make delicious candied pecan pieces at home with this easy recipe—cheaper than store-bought and perfect for salads or snacking!
Candied pecan pieces are one of those tasty little luxuries that seem pricey when you buy them pre-made. The good news is, they’re actually really easy to make at home, and for a fraction of the cost!
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of crunchy, sweet pecans ready to snack on or use in your favorite recipes like my fresh Strawberry Harvest Salad.
And honestly, who doesn’t love the smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house while these beauties bake?
Candied Pecan Pieces
Ingredients Needed:
- Pecans, chopped
- Egg whites
- Water
- Sugar
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 275°F.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites, water, and vanilla until it becomes frothy. This will be the coating that helps all the sweet, sugary goodness stick to your pecans.
- Coat the pecans: Add your chopped pecans to the egg mixture, stirring well to ensure each piece is fully coated.
- Mix the sugar coating: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. This is what gives the pecans that signature sweet and slightly spiced flavor.
- Toss it all together: Pour the sugar mixture over the pecans, tossing until every little piece is covered in that delicious cinnamon-sugar blend.
- Bake: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (this makes cleanup so much easier). Spread the sugar-coated pecans out in an even layer and pop them in the oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Once they’re no longer sticky and have that perfect crunch, they’re done!
- Cool: Let the pecans cool completely before storing or serving. Trust me, it’s worth the wait—they’ll crisp up even more as they cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store candied pecans?
Once the pecans have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 weeks, but you can also pop them in the fridge for longer storage (about 3 weeks) and if kept frozen they will stay good for up to two months! Just make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing them up to avoid any sogginess and they are kept in an air tight container.
Can I use a different kind of nuts?
Absolutely! While pecans are a classic choice, this recipe works just as well with walnuts or even almonds. The method stays the same—just adjust the cooking time slightly, as smaller nuts may cook faster. It’s all about what you prefer or have on hand!
These homemade candied pecan pieces are a game-changer! Not only are they much cheaper to make than the store-bought versions, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can sprinkle them on top of oatmeal, toss them into trail mix, or use them in salads like my Strawberry Harvest Salad, an absolute favorite of mine. The combination of crunchy, sweet pecans with fresh strawberries and a homemade strawberry vinaigrette? YES, please!
Candied Pecan Pieces Printable Recipe:
Candied Pecan Pieces
Ingredients
- 3 cups pecans chopped
- 50-60 g egg whites about 1 1/2 large egg whites
- 1 1/2 tsp water
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
Method
- Preheat oven to 275°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together egg whites, water, and vanilla until frothy.
- Add chopped pecans to the egg mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the sugar mixture over the pecans, stirring until fully coated.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (this is optional but it makes clean up a breeze). Spread pecans in an even layer. Bake for 45-55 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until no longer sticky.
- Let cool completely before storing or serving.