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Sugared pecans are the perfect combination of sweet, spiced, and crunchy. This easy recipe uses just a handful of ingredients—an egg white, sugar, and warm spices—to coat pecan halves before they’re baked low and slow. The result is a crisp, candy-like snack that’s great for gifting, topping salads, or simply munching by the handful.
The egg white helps the sugar and spices cling beautifully, creating that signature crackly texture. You can play around with the spices, or even try it with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. It’s one of those simple recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Easy and festive. Just a few ingredients and a little time in the oven.
Crunchy and sweet. The perfect texture with warm spices and caramelized coating.
Great for gifts or snacking. Package them for the holidays or keep them on hand for a sweet treat.
Ingredient Notes
- Egg white: Helps bind the sugar and spices to the pecans—beat until frothy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes in the oven. You can sub half brown sugar if desired.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Provide warm spice flavor—adjust to taste or use a spice blend.
- Pecan halves: About 14 ounces. Use fresh, unroasted pecans for best results.
Steps to Make Sugared Pecans
- Preheat the oven to 250°F and spray two baking sheets with nonstick spray.
- Beat the egg white until frothy, then beat in the sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir in the pecans and toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the pecans on the baking sheets in a single layer.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring halfway through if needed.
- Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Tips for Perfect Sugared Pecans
- Use a large mixing bowl to ensure even coating of the pecans.
- Try to keep the nuts in a single layer for even baking and crispiness.
- Stir once during baking if your oven runs hot or for extra crisp texture.
- Let them cool fully before storing to maintain crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Try other nuts. Use almonds, walnuts, or a mix instead of pecans.
- Switch up the spices. Replace cinnamon and nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice.
- Add brown sugar. Use half brown sugar and half white for deeper caramel flavor.
- Add vanilla. Stir 1 teaspoon of vanilla into the egg white mixture for extra aroma.
- Make it spicy. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet-spicy snack.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a sweet snack or party nibble.
- Sprinkle over green salads or grain bowls.
- Package in jars or bags as homemade holiday gifts.
- Top yogurt or oatmeal for added crunch.
- Toss into trail mix with dried fruit and chocolate.
How to Store Sugared Pecans
Cool completely: Let pecans cool fully before storing to maintain crisp texture.
Refrigerate or keep at room temp: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freeze for later: Sugared pecans can be frozen in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Crunchy Sugared Pecans
Ingredients
- Cooking spray for the baking sheets
- 1 egg white
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp fine salt
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 4 cups pecan halves
Recommended Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 250°F.
- Spray two baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.Cooking spray for the baking sheets
- Beat the egg white until frothy. Beat in the vanilla, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.1 egg white | 1/2 cup granulated sugar | 1/2 tsp fine salt | 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon | 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg | 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Stir the pecans into the egg white mixture until well coated. Spread them out over the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. Try to leave a little space between the pecans so they don't clump.4 cups pecan halves
- Bake for 1 hour, checking and stirring every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Cool the pecans completely, then store them in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
