Best Spiced Pecans - CopyKat Recipes (2024)

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We all love spiced pecans. We have all seen nut vendors while walking through an airport, fair, or even some shopping malls. Those nuts are so expensive. But guess what? This spiced pecan recipe will help you make these tasty pecans quickly and easily at home.

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Sugar and Spice Pecans

Love plain pecans or salty pecans? Pecans are naturally sweet and full of vitamins and minerals. Enjoy them in this spiced pecans recipe – it’s so simple and so good!

Sweet spiced nuts are simple to make and cost so much less than buying them. You may even want to make a double batch because they are perfect for homemade Christmas gifts.

Why This is the Recipe You Must Try for Candied Spiced Nuts

You might want to know what makes this a great recipe, this is one of those recipes that is super easy to put together. It’s the perfect recipe for the holiday season.I know once you give this recipe a try, you will want to make this all of the time. This recipe is tried and true, and whenever I set these out at a gathering, they are gone in a flash.

Easy Spiced Pecans Recipe

This sugar spiced pecans recipe is simple to make and costs so much less than what you might pay when purchasing these sweet and salty nuts. Who doesn’t love the good news of being able to save money! You may even want to make a double batch of these tasty pecan treats.

These sweet spiced pecans make the perfect holiday gift, did I mention this is an easy candied pecans recipe? Just put them in an attractive container and finish it off with a bow. It’s so much less time-consuming than going shopping for presents.

These tasty nuts are perfect for hostess gifts, teachers, parties, the Super Bowl – you name it! They are gluten-free so there also great for those with gluten intolerance.

And, the most wonderful aroma will fill your home, which is especially nice over the holidays!

Sweet and crunchy, this sweet and spicy pecans recipe is just bursting with amazing flavor. They are perfect for setting out as nibbles for the early arriving impatient guest!

This addictive nut recipe is easy to make and rich in spice. Egg white clings to the pecans and holds the sugar and spice, eliminating the need for butter, oil, or melted sugar.

Candied spiced pecans have the right blend of sweet and spicy – cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, with just enough hint of salt to set everything off to perfection.

Is There a Difference Between Candied Pecans, Glazed Pecans, and Pralines?

Each of these ways to prepare pecans has a few things in common – pecans, of course, a type of sugar, salt, and spices. After that, there is some variation.

Candied pecans typically will involve white sugar and egg white. On the other hand, glazed pecans are generally made with brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Pralines are essentially coated in a caramel made of brown sugar, butter, and cream.

Each one of these pecan preparations results in a different flavor and texture.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need, you will find everything you need to recreate this great flavor in your grocery store.

  • Sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground allspice
  • Ground cloves
  • Egg white
  • Water
  • Pecan halves
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How to Make Spiced Pecans

There are just a few simple steps to making these candied nuts:

  1. Place all ingredients except the pecans in a medium bowl.
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  1. Mix until well Whisk egg whites very well with the spice blend.
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  1. Add pecans to the spice mixture and stir until they are well coated.
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  1. Spread the coated pecans out on a spread pecans out on a lightly greased baking sheet, or a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil into a single layer.
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  1. Bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for about 50 to 55 minutes. Be sure to place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Stir the pecans every 10minutes. Keep an eye on them in case your oven cooks hot and they get done faster. They will lightly brown, but you don’t want them to get too dark.
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  1. Remove the cookie sheet with the toasted pecans from the baking sheet and spread them out on waxed or parchment paper to cool.
  2. Make sure the nuts cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
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Recipe Variations

Want to know different ways to modify this spiced roasted pecans recipe?

You can easily play with this spiced pecans recipe and make it your own. Here are some ideas:

  • Use brown sugar instead of white if you like more of a molasses flavor.
  • Use Splenda or Stevia instead of sugar if you have diabetics in your family. You won’t be able to tell the difference.
  • Vary the nuts. This sugar and spice nut recipe works well with walnuts or mixed nuts. Or try pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts. Also, peanuts, cashews, and even almonds would be great prepared this way.
  • Try different spices. For example, substitute ground cardamom for the cloves, and you’ll have a winner! Smoked paprika will add a nice smoky touch.
  • For a Fall inspired flavor try Pumpkin pie spice is perfect for fall!
  • Add a little heat. Simply add 1/2 teaspoon of ground chili powder or 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a bit of kick!
  • Add citrus flavor. For a little citrusy difference, add 1 tablespoon of orange zest.

How to Use Spiced Pecans

Many flavors pair well with spiced pecans. Here are ways to use them (other than just eating them straight, of course!).

These crack nuts are perfect for tossing over a green salad. Put them in a salad with baby spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled blue cheese, sliced pears, and balsamic vinaigrette.

Or, make a grilled chicken salad with these salty pecans and a raspberry vinaigrette.

Add them to a fruit salad for some crunch.

Chop them up and sprinkle them over ice cream, add them to your favorite yogurt with some granola, or mix them into your oatmeal.

Use them as a delicious garnish for a fun appetizer. For instance, sprinkle them over any appetizer involving goat cheese.

How to Store Spiced Pecans and Keep Them Crispy

Candied nuts can be stored in an airtight container (such as a resealable glass jar or a mason jar) at room temperature for up to one week.

Your spiced pecans can be placed in the fridge for up to three weeks or in the freezer (in an appropriate airtight container) for up to two months.

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Love pecans and nuts? Try these recipes!

  • Almond Brittle
  • Almond Cookies
  • Chocolate Pecan Pie
  • Cranberry Pecan Cookies
  • Pecan Delight Pie
  • Pecan Pie Bars
  • Pecan Sandies
  • Texas Pecan Pie

Favorite Christmas Treat Recipes

  • Cornflake Wreaths
  • Hello Dolly Bars
  • Peppermint Bark
  • Rocky Road Candy
  • White Fudge Oreos

Check out more of my easy snack recipes and the best Christmas treats recipes here on CopyKat!

Spiced Pecans

These spiced pecans are like the candied nuts that you find in malls, fairs, and airports.

5 from 5 votes

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Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Candied Pecans, Spiced Pecans, Sugar and Spice Pecans

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 32 1/4 cup servings

Calories: 189kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 egg white
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons water
  • 8 cups Pecan halves

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

  • Combine sugar, all the spices, water, and egg white in a bowl and mix well.

  • Add pecans and stir until they are well coated.

  • Spread out coated pecans on a lightly greased foil lined jelly roll pan or baking sheet.

  • Bake at 275 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. (Keep an eye on them in case your oven cooks hot and they take less time. They will lightly brown, but you don't want them to get too dark.)

  • Remove the pecans from the baking sheet and spread them out on waxed or parchment paper to cool.

  • When the pecans have cooled, store them in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.6mg

Best Spiced Pecans - CopyKat Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are the most flavorful pecans? ›

Mahan. Identified by its large size and soft, thin shell, Mahan pecan kernels are rich in flavor and quality. This variety is an excellent option for both cooking and snacking. The Mahan tree tends to grow quickly, producing its nuts earlier than many other pecan trees.

Why are my spiced nuts sticky? ›

If after they have cooled down, the pecans are still sticky, this means that the sugar mixture never reached a high enough temperature when on the stove. To fix them, place the nuts back into the skillet and cook a bit longer.

Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›

Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.

What is the difference between mammoth and elliott pecans? ›

It takes roughly 150 to 200 mammoth pecan halves to make up a pound of pecans. An Elliott half refers to a certain "variety" of pecan. Elliott pecans are considered "Junior mammoth" halves and graded so, where it takes 275 to 300 junior mammoth pecan halves to make up a pound of pecans.

Which state has the best tasting pecans? ›

San Saba Pecans set the standard. Regardless of the form you want your pecan to be in, San Saba, Texas is the perfect place to go in order to get quality pecans. Visit San Saba, Texas and enjoy the best pecan ever!

What is the difference between southern pecans and regular pecans? ›

Northern varieties have been selected or bred to ripen their nuts by or before the first hard freeze each year. Southern varieties have been selected or bred to fit the conditions of a longer season with more heat and humidity.

How do you get seasoning to stick to nuts? ›

To get the spices to stick to the nuts, use egg whites, butter, coconut oil, olive oil or blanch the nuts in boiling water. Some recipes call for nuts to be fried in oil prior to seasoning, but this adds unnecessary fat – you can make them just a delicious without all the extra calories.

Why are my candied pecans not crunchy? ›

Beat an egg white with a fork. This is what helps the flavored sugar adhere to the nuts. It also helps to create a light and crispy candied coating. When I first made candied pecans, I was skeptical of the egg white, but after trying it, I became convinced.

How do you get the bitterness out of pecans? ›

Some of the tannin and all of the corky material can be removed by washing the kernels before cooking. To "sweeten" the pecan meats (kernels), simply put the pecan kernels in a bowl and fill with lukewarm water. Stir and tumble the meats in the water for several minutes and you will see the discoloration in the water.

Why do people boil pecans? ›

Boiling pecans before cracking them can actually help prevent the shell from shattering. Here's how to boil them to loosen the shell but not cook the meat: ● Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil ● Add the pecans and let cook for 10-15 minutes ● Drain and let cool ● Get to cracking!

What is the best way to roast pecans? ›

Your oven is also a great tool for toasting pecans. For this method, preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the nuts evenly onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake until they begin to brown and become aromatic, making sure to toss halfway through, 7 to 10 minutes.

What is the most flavorful pecan? ›

[el . ee . uht] / Elliot pecans have a small round hard shell making them a little harder to shell. The Elliot variety is one of the most flavorful pecans and a favorite with Georgia Pecan Growers.

What is squirrel grade pecan? ›

Squirrel Grade denotes that some bulk pecan nuts for squirrels may be cracked, they typically run darker in color, and they may represent multiple pecan varieties. ■ Gluten Free.

Who grows the best pecans? ›

Beyond that, Georgia is the home of the National Nut Growers Association, which was established in Albany in 1901. Georgia pecans are the best you'll find anywhere.

What are the sweetest pecans? ›

Paper-Shell Pecans

As their name suggests, paper-shell pecans have thin shells you can crack without a nutcracker. This accessible species is often sweeter than other pecans.

Do all pecans taste the same? ›

Each of the cultivars displayed unique flavor profiles with some demonstrating extremes of certain attributes, for example the high astringency of “Lakota” or the buttery characteristics of “Pawnee.” These results may help pecan growers and pecan product manufacturers understand flavor differences between different ...

What type is desirable pecan? ›

'Desirable' is supposedly one of the first pecan cultivars developed from a controlled cross. The cross was made in the early 1900's by Carl F. Forkert from Ocean Springs, Jackson County, Miss. The parentage is unknown but may be 'Success' x 'Jewett'.

Are there different grades of pecans? ›

The Fancy grades are the highest quality and Amber grades the lowest. Pecans are placed into one of these three grades using the following criteria: nut size, meat size, color of the meats, and the shell-out percentage of the nut.

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