Quick 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.
- Author: Lily
- 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
- 2 cups roasted and salted pecans
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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