If you’ve ever dreamed of a perfectly sweet, crunchy snack that can jazz up your salads, desserts, or simply satisfy your mid-day craving, then this Candied Pecans Recipe (How to Make Praline Pecans) Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With a delicate blend of cinnamon, vanilla, and just the right amount of sugar, these pecans transform into irresistible praline-style treats that bring a cozy, homemade charm to every bite. The process is straightforward, and the result? Pure, addictive magic that’s perfect for gifting, snacking, or topping your favorite dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each plays a vital role in achieving that perfect praline coating—sweetness, warmth, a touch of salt, and even the egg white to help everything stick just right.
- 1 cup sugar: The primary sweetener that caramelizes lightly for that classic candied crunch.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that makes these pecans truly unforgettable.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1 egg white: Acts as the perfect binder to help the sugar and spices cling to the pecans.
- 2 tsp water: Helps to whisk the egg white to a frothy consistency for even coating.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a rich, fragrant aroma that elevates the praline flavor.
- 1 lb pecan halves (about 4 cups): The star ingredient, delivering a buttery, nutty base for the candy coating.
How to Make Candied Pecans Recipe (How to Make Praline Pecans) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 250ËšF. This low temperature is key for slowly drying out the sugary coating without burning it. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Setting yourself up before mixing means a stress-free baking session.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. This mixture is the sweet and spicy heart of your praline pecans, so take a moment to enjoy that fragrant cinnamon aroma coming together with the sugar and salt.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg White Mixture
Next, in a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until frothy. This frothy texture is crucial as it helps the sugary cinnamon coating adhere to every nut, creating that irresistible candy crust.
Step 4: Coat the Pecans
Add the pecan halves into the frothy egg white mixture and stir around until every single pecan is beautifully coated. You want to make sure the nuts are evenly covered so the topping bakes on perfectly.
Step 5: Mix in the Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture over the coated pecans, then stir well to combine. This step ensures every pecan is layered with that sweet-spiced goodness, ready to transform in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread your coated pecans in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Bake them low and slow for about 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to encourage even baking and prevent any sticking. The gradual baking process allows the sugary coating to dry into a crisp, delectable shell. Once done, let them cool completely—resisting this is tough, but it’s when they really set!
How to Serve Candied Pecans Recipe (How to Make Praline Pecans) Recipe
Garnishes
These candied pecans are perfectly suited as a garnish for both sweet and savory dishes. Sprinkle them over a fresh green salad with goat cheese and cranberries for a delightful crunch, or add them to your morning oatmeal or yogurt to instantly upgrade breakfast.
Side Dishes
Pair your candied pecans with roasted vegetables or sweet potato dishes to introduce a sweet and crunchy contrast. They also shine alongside cheese boards, where their sweet nuttiness complements creamy brie or sharp cheddar wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling festive or want to impress guests, pop these praline pecans into small mason jars tied with a ribbon for charming homemade gifts. They also make a fabulous snack addition to charcuterie boards or boxed lunches — a delightful surprise that elevates any meal or gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Keeping them airtight ensures no moisture creeps in to soften that satisfying bite.
Freezing
If you want to keep your praline pecans longer, they freeze beautifully. Use a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and they’ll maintain their crispness for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked crunch, spread the pecans on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300ËšF oven for about 5 minutes. This little trick refreshes the coating and makes them taste as fresh as the moment they came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even cashews can work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the baking time as different nuts roast at slightly different rates.
Do I need to use egg white in this recipe?
The egg white helps the sugar and spices adhere evenly to the nuts, creating that classic praline texture. If you prefer, a flax egg or aquafaba can be used as a vegan alternative, but results may vary slightly.
How long do candied pecans last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, candied pecans stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks at room temperature, or up to three months if frozen.
Can I make these without cinnamon?
Yes, you can skip the cinnamon if it’s not your favorite, or swap it for other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a different twist on flavors.
What’s the best way to stir the pecans during baking?
Use a spatula or wooden spoon to carefully turn the nuts every 20 minutes while baking. This ensures that all sides get evenly baked and coated without breaking their delicate shells.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Candied Pecans Recipe (How to Make Praline Pecans) Recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen for everything from snacks to special occasions. The balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch is just irresistible. So grab your ingredients, get your oven warmed up, and enjoy the pure joy that comes with homemade praline pecans. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Candied Pecans Recipe (How to Make Praline Pecans) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (makes about 5 cups)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Candied Pecans recipe shows you how to make deliciously sweet and crunchy praline pecans at home. Coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked to perfection, these pecans are perfect for snacking, topping salads, or adding to desserts.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg white
- 2 tsp water
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 lb pecan halves (about 4 cups)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 250ËšF (120ËšC) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt thoroughly to create your cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until frothy. This mixture will help the coating stick to the pecans.
- Coat Pecans: Add the pecan halves to the egg white mixture and stir well to ensure every pecan is evenly coated.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the coated pecans, mixing gently but thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.
- Bake: Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 250ËšF for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to toast all sides evenly. After baking, allow pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet to become crisp.
Notes
- Make sure to stir the pecans every 20 minutes while baking to avoid burning and ensure even coating.
- Allow pecans to cool completely before storing to maintain their crisp texture.
- Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- For a vegan variation, replace the egg white with aquafaba (chickpea water) and adjust baking time as needed.
- You can customize the flavor by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or a dash of nutmeg for extra warmth.
