Description
These sweet and spicy candied pecans are a delightful snack or topping, featuring a perfect balance of confectioners’ sugar, kosher salt, and a hint of cayenne pepper. They are baked to caramelized perfection, making them crunchy, flavorful, and ideal for salads, desserts, or straight from the jar.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 teaspoons water
- 2 cups pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position for even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the glaze: Combine confectioners’ sugar, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and water in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully blended to create a sweet and spicy coating for the pecans.
- Coat the pecans: Add the pecans to the sugar glaze and stir well so that each nut is evenly coated with the mixture. This ensures consistent flavor and caramelization during baking.
- Arrange and bake: Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the nuts are spaced evenly, avoiding clumps for uniform baking. Scrape any remaining glaze from the bowl over the pecans. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the nuts are caramelized and the glaze turns a rich brown color. Keep an eye on the edges to prevent burning.
- Cool and store: Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and immediately slide the parchment paper off onto a heat-safe surface. Allow the pecans to cool completely to stop cooking and retain their crunch. Once cool, break apart any clusters and store the candied pecans in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Watch the baking pecans carefully toward the end to avoid burning, as nuts can darken quickly.
- If pecans clump together after baking, simply break them apart once cooled.
- Store candied pecans in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
- These pecans add a great sweet and spicy crunch to salads, desserts, or make a tasty snack by themselves.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American