4.73 from 18 votes
ByTrisha HaasPublished: Updated:
14 Comments
As an Amazon Associate, we earn an affiliate commission from qualifying purchases and host advertising so that we can provide free recipes. Read the Privacy Policy
Jump into the kitchen and embrace your inner Southern mama with this easy, oven-baked candied pecans recipe! Cinnamon-sugared pecans also make amazing toppings for salads and sandwiches!
Our step-by-step caramelized pecan recipe has been made hundreds of times in our home and ensures a hassle-free experience, bringing a taste of the holidays right to your hand. If you prefer a slow-cooked version, try these Crock Pot Candied Pecans that are highly rated by our readers!
SEARCH THE RECIPE show
From Grandma’s Kitchen to Your Kitchen
Indulge in the nostalgic charm of homemade candied pecans, a throwback treat I fondly remember enjoying on my grandmother’s lap.
While not the healthiest snack, the irresistible sugared crunch makes them a must-have during the holidays, especially during Christmas.
Beware; the real challenge with these sugary nuts is their addictive nature; once you start, it’s hard to stop munching on them throughout the day.
- Requiring minimal ingredients and effort, this recipe is foolproof.
Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe
Ingredients:
- Egg white
- Water
- Pecan halves
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Despite the low-and-slow cooking approach, which takes up to 45 minutes, your main task is just stirring. As the pecans bake, the sugar and cinnamon meld together, forming a perfectly sweet crust that’s hard to resist.
So, let’s dive into making these candied pecans and discover how difficult it is to resist munching whenever you pass by the kitchen.
How to make Cinnamon Sugar Pecans in the oven
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your oven is ready to go when your pecans are prepared.
Prepare your baking sheet: Line it with foil for easy cleanup, and spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set this aside as you mix your ingredients.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these together until well mixed.
Beat the egg white and water: In a mixer, beat the water and egg white for about 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for a light and frothy texture, but it shouldn’t be stiff. It should foam up.
- It is also helpful to have an EGG SEPERATOR for egg whites (keeps the shells out)
Coat the pecans: Add your pecan halves to the egg mixture, stirring to ensure each pecan is evenly coated.
This helps the dry mixture stick to the pecans in the next step.
Add the sugar mixture. Pour your prepared sugar mixture over the egg-coated pecans. Stir well, making sure each pecan is evenly coated on all sides.
Prepare for baking. Transfer the sugared pecans onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread them out into a single layer to the best of your ability, avoiding clumps.
Bake: Place the pecans in the oven for 45–60 minutes.
⭐⭐⭐⭐Important: Flip the pecans every 15 minutes using a spatula. This ensures they bake evenly and don’t stick together. Setting a timer can help you remember to flip them on time.
Cooling: Once baked, allow the caramelized pecans to cool completely before serving. They will become crunchy as they cool.
Spice It Up: Variations to Caramelized Pecans
- Chocolate Drizzle Candied Pecans: After cooling, drizzle your pecans with melted dark or milk chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sugar mixture for pecans with a kick.
- Vanilla Essence: Incorporate a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the egg-white mixture for a subtle, aromatic flavor.
Related Homemade Nut Recipes: Consider trying candied walnuts, spiced nuts, divinity candy, or cinnamon sugar pretzels for more sweet treat options!
Candied Walnuts
Spiced Mixed Nuts in 15 Minutes
Crock Pot Candied Pecans
Slow Cooker Roasted Almonds
How to store for freshness:
Keeping Your Candied Pecans Fresh
- Airtight Containers: Store the cooled pecans in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.
- Room Temperature Storage: Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for best results.
- Refrigeration for Longevity: Refrigerate your pecans in a sealed container for extended storage.
Shelf Life of Homemade Cinnamon Pecans:
How Long Will Your Candied Pecans Last?
- Room Temperature Lifespan: When stored properly, your candied pecans can last up to two weeks at room temperature.
- Refrigerated Pecans: They can keep their crunch for up to a month in the fridge.
- Freezing for Future Enjoyment: For long-term storage, freeze your pecans in airtight bags, where they can last for up to two months.
4.73 from 18 votes
click the stars to rate!
Caramelized Pecans (Oven Baked)
Author Trisha Haas – Salty Side Dish
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Dive into making your own Cinnamon Sugar Pecans with this easy-to-follow oven-based recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these caramelized pecans offer a delicious crunch wrapped in a sugar and cinnamon coating. Not only is this recipe quick to whip up, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time, but it also brings the comforting aroma of the holidays to your kitchen.
Equipment
Baking Sheet
mixing bowl
Spatula for flipping
Egg Seperator
Ingredients
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- 10 ounces pecan halves
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to start. Prepare your baking by lining a sheet with foil and lightly coating it with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your pecans won’t stick and are easy to remove.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 1 cup of white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir these together until they’re well mixed and set aside.
Using a mixer, beat 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon of water for about 2-3 minutes. You’re aiming for a light and frothy texture, but it shouldn’t reach stiff peaks. This egg wash is crucial for helping the sugar mixture stick to the pecans.
Add the 10 ounces of pecan halves to the egg wash. Stir them until each pecan is evenly coated, ensuring the perfect layer of sweetness in every bite.
Pour the sugar mixture over the coated pecans. Stir thoroughly, making sure each pecan is generously covered in the cinnamon-sugar mix for that irresistible flavor.
Spread the pecans onto your prepared baking sheet in a single layer to avoid clumping. This allows them to bake evenly, ensuring a crunchy texture.
Bake for 45-60 minutes, flipping the pecans every 15 minutes to ensure they’re perfectly roasted. Keep an eye on them around the 40-45 minute mark, as ovens can vary, and you want them golden, not burnt.
Let the pecans cool completely before serving. This recipe makes approximately 2.5 cups of nuts in total.
Video
Notes
- Can I use different nuts? Yes, this recipe is versatile. Almonds, walnuts, or cashews can also be used, but keep an eye on baking times as they may vary.
- Can I adjust the sweetness or spice level? Absolutely! Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar or cinnamon based on your preference. Just remember to keep the proportions consistent for coating.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 546kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 44g | Sodium: 279mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 53g
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated. Copying of full recipe to any social media is prohibited.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Make sure to follow Salty Side Dish on Pinterest and rate the recipe here and make sure to leave a comment below!
4.73 from 18 votes
