Quick and Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans Recipe
Introduction
These quick and easy stovetop candied pecans are a delightful sweet snack or a perfect addition to salads and desserts. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a crunchy, caramelized treat in minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted and salted pecans
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the sugar in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously as the sugar melts and turns a light golden brown, which should take about five minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 2: Once the sugar is fully melted, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and the roasted pecans quickly until they are fully coated with the melted sugar.
- Step 3: Spread the coated pecans in an even layer on a silicone non-stick baking mat or parchment paper to cool.
- Step 4: After the nuts have cooled, break up any large clusters. Store the candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips & Variations
- Measure your pecans and vanilla extract ahead of time for smooth, quick mixing when the sugar is melted.
- If you don’t have roasted and salted pecans, roast raw pecans in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until fragrant, then sprinkle with about ¼ teaspoon salt.
- For a twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the sugar while melting for spiced candied pecans.
Storage
Store the cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their crunch and flavor for up to two weeks. To refresh, allow them to come to room temperature if chilled or gently warm them in a low oven before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use raw pecans for this recipe?
Yes, but you should roast and salt them first for the best flavor and texture. Spread raw pecans on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, then sprinkle with salt.
What should I do if the sugar starts to burn?
If the sugar begins to darken too quickly or smell burnt, remove it from the heat immediately. It’s best to start over with fresh sugar to avoid a bitter taste in your candied pecans.
PrintQuick and Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans Recipe
This Quick and Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans recipe features roasted and salted pecans coated in a rich, golden caramelized sugar glaze with a hint of vanilla. Perfect as a sweet snack or topping for salads and desserts, this simple stovetop method yields deliciously crunchy pecans in just minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups candied pecans 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted and salted pecans
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt the Sugar: Add ½ cup granulated sugar to a medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously for about five minutes until the sugar completely melts and turns a light golden brown, being careful not to burn it.
- Coat the Pecans: Once the sugar is melted, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 cups roasted and salted pecans to the melted sugar. Quickly stir until all nuts are evenly coated with the caramelized sugar.
- Cool the Candied Pecans: Spread the coated pecans in an even layer onto a silicone non-stick baking mat or parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely, breaking up any large clusters once hardened.
- Store: Transfer the cooled candied pecans to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Prepare and measure your pecans and vanilla extract beforehand to add immediately once the sugar melts, as the caramel hardens quickly.
- This recipe uses pre-roasted and salted pecans. To roast your own, spread nuts on a baking sheet and roast at 350 °F for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle with about ¼ teaspoon salt per 2 cups.
- Roasting more pecans? Consider my longer roasting method for the best flavor and texture.
- Freshly harvested pecans contain more moisture and may need additional roasting time.
Keywords: candied pecans, stovetop pecans, quick candied nuts, easy pecan recipe, caramelized nuts
