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Caramelly, crunchy, and so irresistible – these candied pecans are a treat! Great for snacking, perfect for salads, as a topping for ice cream, gifts, and more. Made on the stovetop using just one pan, these candied nuts take just minutes to prepare.
The simplicity and flexibility of this recipe is ideal for letting you create whatever you and your family love best. Some easily customizable variations include adding a touch of ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, or cayenne pepper for a kick. This candied nut recipe is interchangeable with walnuts and cashews as well.
Why This Recipe Works?
- Uses just 4 readily available ingredients.
- Gluten Free* (see note below).
- Takes 5 minutes to prepare.
- Perfect for homemade gifts.
- Tastes great on salads and as a topping on ice cream and yogurt.
- Make Ahead recipe.
- Kid friendly snack.
- No candy thermometer needed.
- Also works great with walnuts and cashews.
- The Best Candied Pecans ever!!!
* Butter is naturally gluten free, some brands add flavor additives which may contain gluten – read the label!
Main Ingredients
This recipe uses super easy ingredients that can be purchased from a local grocery store if they are not already in your kitchen. Read the Recipe Card for the measurements.
- Pecan Halves – We love the natural sweet and buttery flavor of pecans. This candied nut recipe also tastes great with walnuts and cashews.
- Light Brown Sugar – We prefer light brown sugar, but you can use granulated white sugar as well. The brown sugar gives a caramelly flavor to the nuts.
- Unsalted Butter – The butter creates a crunchy, buttery crust for the sugar coating on the nuts.
- Fine Sea Salt – The milder salt flavor balances the sweetness of the brown sugar, making these candied nuts irresistible.
How To Make Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans {5 Minute Recipe}
Step 1: Prep It
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or asilpatand set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize It
- In a heavy bottom or non-stick pan on medium low heat: Add the pecans, light brown sugar, butter, sea salt and 1 tablespoon of water.
- Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir until the sugar mixture completely coats the pecans.
- Continue stirring and coating the pecans with the syrup mixture. As the sugar melts, the syrup will thicken, turning a rich caramelly brown color, approximately 3-4 minutes (keep a close eye, as this will burn quickly). Once the sugar mixture has thickened, remove the pan from the heat.
Step 3: Cool It
- Transfer the candied pecans to the prepared sheet pan.
- Using the spatula, spread into a single layer so that the nuts are not sticking together in one big clump.
Step 4: Break It
- Once the candied pecans have cooled for a few minutes (about 5) and the sugar coating has completely hardened, you can break them apart with your fingers.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
We love to add the texture of candied nuts to a variety of salads. Two of our favorites are our kale crunch salad and our beet and goat cheese salad.
Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans {5 Minute Recipe}
Yield: 1 Cup
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Caramelly, crunchy, and so irresistible - these candied pecans are a treat! Great for snacking, perfect for salads, as a topping for ice cream, gifts, and more. Made on the stovetop using just one pan, these candied nuts take just minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- a big pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or asilpatand set aside.
- In a heavy bottom or non-stick pan on medium low heat: Add the pecans, light brown sugar, butter, sea salt and 1 tablespoon of water.
- Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir until the sugar mixture completely coats the pecans. Continue stirring and coating the pecans with the syrup mixture. As the sugar melts, the syrup will thicken, turning a rich caramelly brown color, approximately 3-4 minutes (keep a close eye, as this will burn quickly). Once the sugar mixture has thickened, remove the pan from the heat.
- Transfer the candied pecans to the prepared sheet pan. Using the spatula, spread into a single layer so that the nuts are not sticking together in one big clump.
- Once the candied pecans have cooled for a few minutes (about 5) and the sugar coating has completely hardened, you can break them apart with your fingers.
