Candied Pecans

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Bake: 30 min.

Makes

about 1 pound

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
I pack these easy candied pecans in jars tied with pretty ribbon for family and friends. My granddaughter gave some to a doctor at the hospital where she works, and he said they were too good to be true! —Opal Turner, Hughes Springs, Texas

Ingredients

  • 2-3/4 cups pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Place pecans in a shallow baking pan in a 250° oven for 10 minutes or until warmed. Grease a 15x10x1-in. baking pan with 1 tablespoon butter; set aside.
  2. Grease the sides of a large heavy saucepan with remaining 1 tablespoon butter; add sugar, water, salt and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar. Cover; cook 2 minutes to dissolve any sugar crystals that may form on the sides of pan.
  3. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 236° (soft-ball stage). Remove from the heat; add vanilla. Stir in warm pecans until evenly coated.
  4. Spread onto prepared baking pan. Bake at 250° for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Spread on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet to cool.
Candied Pecans Tips

Can I use a different kind of nut when making this recipe?

While pecans can be used in lots of different ways—including these sweet and savory pecan recipes—they’re not everyone’s favorite nut. If you fall into that category, try swapping an equal amount of walnuts, almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts or even pistachios for the pecans.

Why are my candied pecans sticky?

Candied pecans should be crisp and crunchy, perfect for gift giving, like these other food gift ideas. If yours end up on the sticky side, they may have been exposed to too much humidity. Make sure to keep them in airtight containers after they are cooled. If they're sticky after they have baked, pop them back into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes more.

How can I serve candied pecans?

Just one taste of these candied pecans and we’re sure you’ll think of lots of things to put them on. We love them on top of homemade ice cream, roasted sweet potatoes, and sprinkled on top of salads, but honestly, we think the best way to enjoy them is by the handful!

How should I store candied pecans?

It’s best to store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re adding them to a cookie tray or platter, it would be best to wrap them in an airtight bag so they stay as crisp as possible.

—James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Culinary Editor
Candy Thermometers
We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.

Nutrition Facts

2 ounces: 380 calories, 30g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.