Description
These Candied Pecans are a perfect sweet and spicy snack or topping, combining the crunch of toasted pecans with a deliciously caramelized, sugary coating infused with a hint of cayenne pepper. Ready in just 15 minutes, they make a wonderful addition to salads, desserts, or enjoyed on their own.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons water
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position an oven rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Coat Pecans: Add the pecans to the sugar mixture and stir thoroughly until every nut is evenly coated with the glaze.
- Bake Pecans: Spread the coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet in a single, even layer. Make sure the nuts are not clumped to ensure even cooking. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the bowl evenly over the nuts. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the pecans are caramelized and the sugar on the sheet turns a rich brown color.
- Cool and Store: Immediately remove the baking sheet from the oven and slide the parchment paper off to cool on the countertop. This stops the cooking process and prevents burning. Once completely cooled, break apart any clusters and store the candied pecans in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking, as nuts can burn quickly once caramelizing.
- Make sure pecans are spread out evenly to ensure uniform caramelization.
- These candied pecans are perfect as a snack, salad topping, or dessert garnish.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
