If you have a sweet tooth and love a satisfying crunch, you are going to adore this Easy Maple Candied Pecans Recipe. These pecans come out utterly irresistible, beautifully glazed with the warm sweetness of real maple syrup and just the right touch of cinnamon and sea salt to balance the flavors. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of sticky, crunchy, and buttery textures that make these pecans a wonderful snack on their own or a dazzling topping for salads, desserts, or breakfast dishes. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these Easy Maple Candied Pecans will become a go-to for any occasion where you want to add a little sparkle and sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create such a magical flavor and texture in this recipe. Each component plays a role in turning basic pecans into an unforgettable treat—adding depth, sweetness, warmth, and richness.
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves: The star of the show, pecans bring an earthy crunch that’s perfect for glazing.
- â…“ cup real maple syrup: Pure and natural, maple syrup delivers that signature sweetness and sticky texture.
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note that enhances the maple flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the nuttiness and sweetness beautifully.
- â…› teaspoon sea salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and make the flavors pop.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Adds a lovely aromatic depth and rounds out the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan butter: Provides rich creaminess and helps the glaze set perfectly on the pecans.
How to Make Easy Maple Candied Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by heating a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt until it bubbles gently. This step sets the stage for infusing the pecans with a rich, buttery base that enhances their natural flavor.
Step 2: Combine Maple Syrup and Spices
Next, stir in the maple syrup, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt. Keep stirring this lovely mixture as it cooks for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. The syrup will start transforming into a luscious glaze that clings to the pecans.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
If you’re using vanilla extract, now is the time to add it. The vanilla brings a sweet, fragrant note that beautifully elevates the overall flavor profile of the Easy Maple Candied Pecans Recipe.
Step 4: Coat the Pecans
Pour in the pecan halves and gently stir them around so they become evenly coated with the syrupy mixture. The pecans will start soaking in that delicious blend of sweetness and spice.
Step 5: Cook Until Glazed
Continue cooking the pecans, stirring frequently for about 6 to 8 minutes. During this time, the syrup thickens and candy-coats the nuts, creating that signature glossy finish and irresistibly sticky texture.
Step 6: Cool on Parchment
Once the pecans are beautifully glazed, take the skillet off heat and spread them out on a parchment-lined surface. Use a fork to separate them so they don’t stick together as they cool.
Step 7: Let Them Harden
Allow the pecans to cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, the glaze hardens, creating a crunchy, sweet shell that makes these candied pecans so addictive.
How to Serve Easy Maple Candied Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
These candied pecans make an exquisite garnish for a range of dishes. Sprinkle them over a fresh green salad to add crunch and a hint of sweetness, or use them to top creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or cheesecake to introduce a delightful texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet pecans with roasted vegetables or alongside a cheese board featuring mild cheeses, fresh fruits, and crusty bread for a well-rounded flavor adventure. The contrast between sweet and savory in a meal is simply stunning with these pecans involved.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gift, pack these candied pecans in a pretty glass jar or decorative bag — they’re practically guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. You can also chop them up and stir into oatmeal or yogurt bowls for a breakfast upgrade full of texture and flavor bursts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easy Maple Candied Pecans Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their crunch and flavor for up to 2 weeks, making them perfect for snacking or sprinkling on meals anytime you want a quick boost of sweetness and texture.
Freezing
If you want to store these pecans for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pecans in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and they’ll be just as delightful as fresh.
Reheating
To bring back that just-made crispness, gently warm the pecans in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps reactivate the glaze’s crunch without burning the nuts or the sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work wonderfully with the maple glaze, though cooking times might vary slightly due to their different textures and sizes.
Is it necessary to use real maple syrup?
Using real maple syrup provides the most authentic flavor, but you can substitute with pure maple-flavored syrup if needed. Just be aware that the taste might be a little less complex.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply use vegan butter to keep it plant-based without sacrificing the rich, buttery taste that makes these candied pecans so irresistible.
How long do these candied pecans stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh and crunchy for about two weeks at room temperature, making them an easy treat to prepare ahead of time.
What’s the best way to prevent pecans from sticking together?
Spreading them out on parchment paper right after cooking and gently separating them with a fork as they cool ensures they don’t clump together and keeps every piece perfectly coated.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade candied pecans, and this Easy Maple Candied Pecans Recipe makes creating them a pure joy. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can bring these sweet, crunchy delights to your kitchen and impress friends or simply treat yourself. Dive in and make these pecans today—you won’t look back!
Print
Easy Maple Candied Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving (about 1 ½ cups)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Maple Candied Pecans are a quick and delicious snack or topping made by coating pecan halves in a sweet and spiced maple syrup glaze. This simple stovetop recipe combines real maple syrup, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla to create perfectly glazed pecans with a delightful crunch. Ready in just 15 minutes, these candied pecans are perfect for snacking, salads, or desserts.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
- â…“ cup real maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan butter
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet and butter: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt completely and begin to bubble to ensure it’s hot enough for cooking.
- Create the syrup mixture: Stir in the maple syrup, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix well and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly and intensify in flavor.
- Add vanilla extract: If using, stir in the vanilla extract now to infuse the syrup with its sweet aroma.
- Coat the pecans: Add the pecan halves to the skillet and stir gently, ensuring all pecans are evenly coated with the syrup mixture.
- Cook the glazed pecans: Continue cooking while stirring frequently for 6 to 8 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken further and the pecans to become well glazed but not burned.
- Set the pecans to cool: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the pecans to a parchment-lined surface. Use a fork to gently separate the nuts to prevent clumping.
- Cool and harden: Let the pecans cool completely at room temperature; during this time, the glaze will harden into a crisp, candy-like coating.
Notes
- Use a large skillet to prevent overcrowding and ensure even coating.
- Choose coconut sugar or brown sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Keep a close eye during the final cooking to avoid burning the sugar mixture.
- Store cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For a vegan version, use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
