Candied Pecans Are the Perfect DIY Holiday Gift Idea (2024)

They're coated in a sweet cinnamon mixture!

By Kate Trombly O'Brien and Recipe by Maggie Chaplain

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Candied pecans are a perfecthomemade food giftduring the holiday season. Triple the recipe, then portion the nuts into food-safe gift bags to share with friends and family. While people will likely munch on them straight from the bag, they should know that these cinnamon-spiced pecans are an instant upgrade to all kinds of dishes, both sweet and savory. Pair them with a sugar cookie martini for a festive Christmas partyappetizeror sprinkle them into wintryChristmas salads for added crunch. Try pilingthem onto a charcuterie board, too—they taste great with salami and cheese!

Unlike other glazed pecans that aremade on the stovetop and require a careful eye, this recipe comes together easily in the oven. The egg white helps the sugaryspiced mixture coat every nook and cranny so the pecans are crispy and candy-like. The cinnamoncan be swapped out for ground ginger or applepie spiceor even something savory, like barbecue rub, Old Bay seasoning, or Italian seasoning.

How do you keep candied pecans from sticking together?

Under-cooking thepecansis the likely cause of stickiness, but the risk is low when they're oven-baked. After the sugar-coated nuts have darkened and turned very fragrant, about 20 minutes in the oven, stir the pecans and separate any pieces that have stuck together. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes. They'll crisp, turn brittle and dry as they cool. If any do stick together at this point, they are easy tobreak apart. Be sure to let them cool completely before packaging or storing them.

How long do candied pecans stay fresh?

Once completely cooled, these candied pecans will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature.

What's the difference between candied pecans and pralines?

Candied pecans are individual nuts coated in a cinnamon-sugar coating, while pralines are clusters of nuts in a crunchy caramel-like coating.

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Yields:
1 - 2 qt.
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
50 mins

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c.

    granulated sugar

  • 1/4 c.

    light brown sugar

  • 1 1/2 tsp.

    ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp.

    kosher salt

  • 1

    large egg white

  • 1 tsp.

    vanilla extract

  • 1 lb.

    pecan halves (about 4 cups)

Directions

    1. Step1Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
    2. Step2In a small bowl, whisk together the sugars, cinnamon and salt.
    3. Step3In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla extractuntil very foamy, about 1 minute. Add the pecans and stir until well coated. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and toss until fully coated.Spread pecans into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
    4. Step4Bake for 20 minutes. Stir and spread out evenly again. Bake for another 20 minutes or until the nuts are very fragrant and are starting to darken in color. Let the pecans fully cool in the pan on a wire rack (the sugar will harden as it cools). Break into individual pieces.Store in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 2 weeks.

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Candied Pecans Are the Perfect DIY Holiday Gift Idea (2024)

FAQs

Should candied pecans be refrigerated? ›

To Store: Candied nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for several weeks. To Freeze: They freeze well in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

How long will candied nuts keep? ›

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.

How many cups is one pound of pecans? ›

Measurements and Substitutions

If you happen to have pecans in their shells, remember that 1 pound equals 3 cups shelled, about 4 cups pecan halves, and about 3 3/4 cups chopped nuts. Equivalents to know when using shelled pecans are that 1 pound equals 4 cups and 1 cup of pecan halves equals 3/4 cup chopped.

How many calories are in candied pecans? ›

There are 160 calories in a 1 ounce (28.000g) serving size of Candied Pecans. The calorie breakdown is 79% fat, 23% carbs, and 5% protein.

How long do pecans last in a ziplock bag? ›

Sealed plastic bags are best for storing pecans in the freezer. In-shell pecans can be stored in a cool, dry place for 6 to 12 months. They can be refrigerated up to 18 months and frozen for about three years.

Do candied pecans go bad? ›

If you don't plan on eating your candied pecans right away, you may want to consider storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. Refrigeration can keep the pecans fresh for up to three months, while freezing can extend their shelf life for up to six months.

How much is 4 cups of pecans? ›

Typically, one pound of pecans is equivalent to approximately 3.5 to 4 cups of pecan halves. However, this measurement can vary slightly depending on the size of the pecan pieces and how tightly they are packed into a measuring cup.

How many pecans does it take to make 1 lb? ›

For a pound of nutmeat, you will need 2½ pounds of in-shell pecans. In order to help you maintain the highest quality pecan meats, we have developed the following guide to help you understand the best way to handle and store your pecans.

Are pecans good for you? ›

Raw pecans pack a 1-2-3 punch of protein, healthy fats, and fiber that can help keep you energized and satisfied. Pecans are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which help lower blood pressure. Most of the fat found in pecans is a healthy type called monounsaturated fat.

Can diabetics eat candied pecans? ›

Since nuts are low on the glycemic index, pecans can slow the body's absorption of carbohydrates down, which ultimately leads to lower blood glucose (sugar) levels; just ensure you're using unsalted, dry-roasted pecans and not candied pecans that can be high in sugar and added fat.

How many pecans should I eat in a day? ›

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.

Are pecans more fattening than walnuts? ›

Both pecans and walnuts are nutritious, but they have slightly different nutrient profiles. While pecans are higher in fat and calories, walnuts are higher in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. When it comes to choosing between the two, one tree nut isn't “healthier” than the other.

Can pecans be stored at room temperature? ›

Question: Do pecans need to be refrigerated? Answer: No, shelled pecans do not need to be refrigerated and will last up to 4 months if kept around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long do pecans last unrefrigerated? ›

How Long Do Pecans Last in the Shell? Shelled pecans are more likely to go rancid and are more prone to absorbing tastes and odors from other foods in your refrigerator. When protected by their natural shells, pecans generally last longer. Around room temperature, in-shell pecans can last for up to 4 months.

Is it OK to leave pecan pie out overnight? ›

Pecan pies can stay on the counter for up to two hours before they need to be refrigerated, according to the FDA. After two hours at room temperature, your food is at risk for harmful bacteria growth. The FDA recommends you store foods at or below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C).

Do you refrigerate pecans after opening? ›

Be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place for immediate use. If you are wondering how long you can keep pecans in the refrigerator, the answer is: Refrigerating will extend and preserve the flavor for up to 6 months. If you want to store for the maximum amount of time, then freezing is an option as well.

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