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    Home » Dessert » Candy

    Candied Pecans

    Modified: Apr 13, 2023 · Published: Dec 1, 2022 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    This irresistible Candied Pecans recipe makes sweet, crunchy, sugared pecans with a meringue coating! Put them in jars to give as gifts.

    mason jar holding candied pecans.

    Everyone who tries these candied pecans falls in love with them and has to admit that they are rather addicting! I think they taste like pecan pie which is one of my favorite desserts. I gave a jar to one of my best friends who is trying to make them last by limiting herself to one pecan per day!

    What You’ll Find In This Post About Making Candied Pecans

    • Ingredients Needed
    • How To Make Candied Pecans
    • Storage and Gifting
    • Candied Pecans Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
    • Want more candy recipes? Try these next:
    ingredients in bowls on a marble countertop.

    Ingredients Needed

    The main ingredient is pecans, of course, but you’ll also need eggs, sugar, and butter. It’s a simple list of ingredients yet it makes the most amazing pecans!

    • Egg Whites: When making meringue, make sure that you don’t get any of the egg yolks in with the egg whites.
    • Vanilla: We used a little vanilla extract to flavor the meringue. You could also use maple extract or almond extract for a different flavor. Or you can skip the extract if you prefer.
    • Sugar: This recipe calls for a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar for the best flavor and texture.
    • Pecans: You’ll need one pound of pecan halves which measures about 4 cups. You can use this recipe with an equal amount of other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
    • Spices: We added a little ground cinnamon to the meringue for extra flavor. Allspice, ginger, clove, and nutmeg would also be delicious additions. You can skip adding any spices if you prefer.
    • Butter: We used salted butter when making these candied pecans. If you choose unsalted butter, you’ll need to add a little salt.
    candied pecans in a pan.

    How To Make Candied Pecans

    These candied pecans are really easy to make! They do take a longer time in the oven since they are baked on low so keep that in mind when planning how much time you’ll need.

    • Meringue: Start with making the meringue by beating the egg whites until foamy. Then, slowly add the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
    • Butter: Pour the melted butter into a rimmed jelly roll pan. Spoon the meringue-coated pecans onto the melted butter and turn to coat.
    • Bake: Then, bake the pecans at a low temperature, turning them every 15 minutes, until the butter is absorbed and the coating is crunchy.
    three mason jars with candied pecans inside.

    Storage and Gifting

    Candied pecans make a great gift if you can get them into containers before your family eats them! Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks, or in the freezer for 1-2 months.

    To give these pecans as gifts, put them into small mason jars or cellophane bags. Add some colorful ribbons and a tag with a description on it. You can even print off the recipe and include it just in case they want to make more themselves.

    a mason jar filled with candied pecans

    Candied Pecans Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

    Are glazed pecans and candied pecans the same thing?

    No they are not the same thing. Glazed pecans are made with sugar and butter and candied pecans include egg whites.

    Do pecans need to be toasted before baking?

    It depends on the recipe. When making candied pecans, they are not toasted before baking since they are going to be baked for a long time once they are coated in meringue.

    Why are my candied pecans chewy?

    Either they weren’t baked long enough or they were exposed to moisture.

    top down view of candied pecans in a mason jar.

    Want more candy recipes? Try these next:

    • Our easy Fudge Recipe makes smooth, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that only takes minutes to prepare!
    • These Nut Goodie Bars are a tantalizing combination of chocolate and maple nougat with peanuts!
    • Homemade Peanut Brittle is a classic Christmas treat that is easy to make and better than store-bought!
    • This Toffee Recipe is a buttery, crunchy treat with milk chocolate on top that’s perfect for the holidays!
    • These microwave Caramel Candies are so easy to make with only 5 ingredients!
    candied pecans in mason jars with gold string

    Candied Pecans

    This irresistible Candied Pecans recipe makes sweet, crunchy, sugared pecans with a meringue coating. Put them in jars to give as gifts!
    5 from 3 votes
    ↑ Click stars to rate!
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    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • KitchenAid Stand Mixer
    • Mini Jelly Jar
    • Spoon Spatula
    • Sheet Pan

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 2 egg whites
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 4 cups pecan halves about 1 lb.
    • ½ cup salted butter melted

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 275˚F. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
      stirring sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
    • Beat two egg whites until soft peaks form. Add the sugar mixture a little at a time while beating at medium-high speed. Beat meringue until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy. Beat in the vanilla extract. Fold the pecans into the meringue.
      making meringue in a stand mixer.
    • Pour the melted butter into a large rimmed baking sheet. Spoon the coated pecans over the butter in the pan in an even layer.
      adding meringue coated pecans to melted butter in pan.
    • Bake at 275˚F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the butter is absorbed and the glazed pecans are browned.
      candied pecans in a pan.

    Video

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    Notes

    Stored pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks, or in the freezer for 1-2 months.
    Recipe adapted from Oprah magazine.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1/4 cup | Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 54mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 192IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course: candy
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

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      Candy Corn Truffle Bark
    • Red, white, and blue pretzel bites.
      Red White and Blue Pretzel Bites

    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 14+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

    « Fudge Recipe
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    Comments

      5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Wendyella Pizzi says

      January 2, 2024 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      I ended up making them at the 225 temp. The time spent in the oven was definitely longer. I will do 275 next batch.
      I omitted the cinnamon (due to being a little tired of it, so much this year in everything) and added another 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Your recipe is very good thank you for sharing it. The crunch is perfect! I plan to make it with almonds, walnuts and cashews….lol I guess you could says I’m NUTS about it! Happy New Year!

      Reply
    2. Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke Photography says

      January 15, 2013 at 6:57 am

      those look heavenly, i need to make some!!

      Reply
    3. alittleclaireification.com says

      January 10, 2013 at 11:42 pm

      Those look DIVINE! Thanks so much for the printable labels and recipe! 🙂 Claire

      Reply
    4. Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

      January 10, 2013 at 7:24 pm

      Oh yum … I have to make a batch!

      Reply
    5. Anne @ Domesblissity says

      January 10, 2013 at 11:30 am

      Yum Tonia! I used to make candied walnuts every year but didn’t do it this Christmas. I might try it with the meringue next time.Anne xx

      Reply
    6. Jodi S says

      January 9, 2013 at 7:10 pm

      they look SO delish. these pecans are one of my favorite sweet things ever. and pralines. oh my

      Reply
    7. Shannah @ Just Us Four says

      January 9, 2013 at 3:23 pm

      Ooh, those look delicious! I’m not usually huge a pecan eater but, with the glaze, I bet they are fantastic!

      Reply
    Tonia Larson from The Gunny Sack.

    Hi, I'm Tonia! Welcome to The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 14+ years! Meet Tonia Larson →

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