Easy Maple Candied Pecans
Quick and delicious maple candied pecans made with just 5 ingredients in 25 minutes. These crunchy, sweet treats are perfect for snacking, salad toppings, or gift giving.
Ingredients
- 4 cups pecan halves or mixed nuts - raw nuts work best
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - use 100% maple syrup not pancake syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - pure vanilla extract preferred
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon - adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - enhances sweetness
Instructions
- Set up a parchment-lined baking sheet near your stove for transferring the hot pecans once done cooking.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the skillet. Heat for about one minute until mixture begins to warm and combine.
- Add all pecans to the skillet and stir immediately to coat evenly with the maple mixture. Pecans should be completely covered with syrup.
- Sprinkle cinnamon over the pecans and stir thoroughly to distribute evenly. Continue stirring frequently as maple syrup begins to bubble gently. If mixture starts to boil vigorously, reduce heat to medium-low.
- Keep stirring pecans frequently to prevent burning. Maple syrup will bubble and gradually reduce as liquid evaporates. This process typically takes 7-9 minutes.
- Once most liquid has evaporated and pecans look glossy and well-coated, stir for one additional minute. Immediately transfer pecans to prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading them out evenly.
Notes
Use a nonstick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan to prevent sticking
For clusters, keep pecans closer together while cooling. For individual nuts, spread them out more
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks
Recipe can be doubled using a larger skillet
Variations: Add cayenne for spicy version, bourbon for sophisticated twist, orange zest for citrus note, or brown sugar for richer flavor
Naturally vegan and gluten-free
For clusters, keep pecans closer together while cooling. For individual nuts, spread them out more
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks
Recipe can be doubled using a larger skillet
Variations: Add cayenne for spicy version, bourbon for sophisticated twist, orange zest for citrus note, or brown sugar for richer flavor
Naturally vegan and gluten-free
