Caramelized Pecans (Stovetop Recipe) (2024)

Published: | Last updated: | by Amanda Biddle 16 Comments

These Caramelized Pecans are a cinch to make on the stove, and you can customize them to be spicy, or salty, too! Great for salads, desserts, and cheese boards.

Ilove caramelized pecans. What’s not to love when we’re talking about warm, toasty pecans enrobed in a luscious brown sugar glaze?

For the longest time, I bought caramelized pecans in containers at my local market’s gourmet cheese counter. That is, until I realized how incredibly simple they are to make at home.Caramelized Pecans on demand? Don’t mind if I do!

These pecans are perfect to serve for a game day snack, a holiday appetizer board (lovely with cheese), topping Pumpkin Pie, or sprinkling on top of your favorite fall salads (like, this Pear Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette.)

Caramelized Pecans (Stovetop Recipe) (2)

Caramelized Pecans vs. Candied Pecans

I have a distinction in my own mind between what constitutes a Caramelized Pecan versus a Candied Pecan. In all honesty, the terms are pretty much used interchangeably, but to me, they separate two different types of sweet pecan preparations.

In my mind, Caramelized Pecans, like the ones in this post, are coated in a glossy sugar glaze. When I hear Candied Pecans, I think of pecans with a more sugary-looking, crunchy coating, such as these. Another way to separate the difference I’m looking to describe here would be to call one “glazed” pecans and the other “sugared” pecans.

How to Make Caramelized Pecans

So, today, we’re talking about the caramelized variety.

In terms of tools, all you need is a nonstickskillet and a parchment-lined cookie sheet, and you’ll be well on your way to having a batch of these on your table.

Just melt together brown sugar and a little water in a skillet on the stove until bubbly, toss in your pecans, and stir until toasty and caramelized. That’s it! 5 minutes on the stove, and then about an hour for the pecans to fully set up at room temperature.

Caramelized Pecans (Stovetop Recipe) (3)

Flavor Variations: Sweet and Spicy Pecans

The great thing about making Caramelized Pecans at home is that you can customize the flavor. Want a hint of fall spice? Add some ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice. Want sweet pecans with some heat? A little cayennewill do the trick.

Personally, I like them sprinkled withflaked sea salt for a sweet-salty combo.

I like to mix up a few batches at a time during the holiday season so I have them on hand for various uses: sweet or cinnamon for desserts, salted or spicy for appetizers and snacks. You can even freeze caramelized pecans for up to two months, making them convenient for planning ahead!

📖 Recipe

Caramelized Pecans (Stovetop Recipe) (4)

Stovetop Caramelized Pecans

It's easy to make caramelized pecans, right on your stove! You can customize these pecans to have sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, to your personal preferences.

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Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 1 hour hour

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Estimated Calories: 223kcal

Author: Amanda Biddle

Ingredients

  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 cups halved pecans

Instructions

  • In a nonstick skillet over medium high heat, melt together brown sugar and water until rapidly bubbling. Add pecans, stirring thoroughly to coat. Cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes, until fragrant and most of the liquid has evaporated. (But not so long at the sugars burn.)

  • Spread pecans into a single layer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and use a fork to separate them. Let stand at room temperature for about an hour, until fully cooled, set, and dry. (Pecans will be only very slightly tacky to the touch.)

  • Break apart any pecan clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Notes

Variations:

  • Cinnamon Caramelized Pecans: Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon to the pan with the brown sugar.
  • Spicy Caramelized Pecans: Add ¼ teaspoon (or more or less, to taste) cayenne pepper to the pan with the brown sugar.
  • Salted Caramelized Pecans: Sprinkle the pecans with flaked sea salt after you transfer them to the baking sheet to cool.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 0.7mg

Keyword: candied pecans, caramelized pecans, stovetop candied pecans

About our Recipes:Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking.

Have you made this recipe?Don't forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe below! Take a picture? Tag @stripedspatula and #stripedspatula on Instagram!

Caramelized Pecans (Stovetop Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Are caramelized pecans good for you? ›

The protein helps you feel fuller longer so you feel the need to indulge less. Besides, pecans provide healthy fats and essential nutrients, so candied flavored pecans are a great snack.

Why are my candied pecans so sticky? ›

The sugar needs to bake long enough to caramelize and form a brittle coating on the nuts. How do you fix candied nuts that are too soft and sticky? You can place them back into the oven for 5 to 15 minutes or until they dry out more. They will continue to firm and dry out as they cool.

How do you keep candied pecans from sticking together? ›

After 45 minutes, remove them from the oven and let them rest. You can remove the pecans to a baking sheet to cool faster if you like. Stir them every 10 minutes or so to avoid them clumping together, or you can just break them apart with a spatula or your hands later. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

What organ are pecans good for? ›

Pecans are recognized as heart-healthy by the American Heart Association. Pecan nuts are rich source of many phyto-chemical substances that may contribute to their overall antioxidant activity, including polyphenolic antioxidant ellagic acid, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein and zea-xanthin.

How many pecans a day is too much? ›

Like many other nuts, pecans contain a high percentage of fat and can lead to diarrhea if too many are eaten in a short amount of time. Over-consumption may also lead to digestive issues like gas and bloating. Recommendation: One ounce (15-19) pecan halves per day.

Why are my candied pecans soft on the stove? ›

If your candied pecans are soft, that means you haven't cooked them long enough. To ensure your pecans are crunchy, it's important to spread them out evenly on the baking sheet and let them cool thoroughly. Once the nuts have cooled completely, the glaze will firm up and they will be crunchy.

Why is my pecan candy sticky? ›

If your pralines are too sticky after setting, they usually need more beating. Next time, beat them a little longer after adding the pecans.

How to make candied nuts not sticky? ›

How do you make candied nuts not sticky? To make prevent candied nuts from getting sticky, make sure you bake them at medium heat for two to four minutes. Otherwise, the sugar will not reach a high enough temperature to develop that nice candy coating on the outside.

Do candied pecans need to be refrigerated? ›

Storage Instructions: Candied nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for several weeks. Freezing Instructions: They freeze well in an air-tight container for up to two months. Nuts: use any kind of nuts with this recipe, like walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, or pistachios.

Why do you boil pecans before cracking? ›

Boiling pecans before cracking them can actually help prevent the shell from shattering.

Do pecans spike blood sugar? ›

Pecans have a very low glycemic index, which means that eating them does not cause a spike in blood sugar, even in people with diabetes. Eating pecans can even offset the effects of higher glycemic index foods when eaten as part of the same meal.

What is the shelf life of candied pecans? ›

How long will candied pecans keep? They will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, at least three weeks in the refrigerator, or up to two months in the freezer. No matter where you store them, keep in a tightly sealed, airtight container.

Is pecan candy good for you? ›

Being that pecans are the main ingredient; the snack contains essential vitamins & minerals, can aid in long-term heart health, can be enjoyed by gluten intolerant consumers, can provide a high number of antioxidants, and can supply a large amount of protein & fiber.

Are cooked pecans good for you? ›

Roasted salted pecans are not only scrumptious, but they're also packed with essential nutrients. From vitamins and minerals to healthy fats, these nuts are as good for you as they taste.

Are roasted pecans as healthy as raw pecans? ›

Both Have a Similar Nutrient Content

Raw and dry-roasted nuts have very similar amounts of fat, carbs and protein. Although, roasted nuts have slightly more fat and calories per gram, but the difference is minimal.

Are toasted pecans better than untoasted? ›

Toasting raw pecans is generally optional, but in my cases, it's highly recommended. The nut-toasting process adds a deeper taste, golden brown color, nutty flavor and aroma, and a delicious crunch.

Are roasted pecans heart healthy? ›

Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy. So are peanuts — though they are technically not a nut, but a legume, like beans. It's best to choose unsalted or unsweetened nuts. Adding salt or sugar to nuts may cancel out their heart-healthy benefits.

References

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