Southern Candied Pecans

The possibilities for candied pecans are endless. Perfectly sweet with hints of spice and orange, you’ll never buy the store bought version again. Roasted candied nuts are scrumptious on their own or as part of a cheese board. Throw them on a salad, ice cream or pancakes, the possibilities are endless.

 

This Recipe for Candied Pecans is pure nutty perfection!

Unlike traditional candied pecans, these roasted candied nuts have a touch of warm spices like cinnamon and cardamon. There’s enough sugar to make them sweet but not so much that it feels like you’re eating a praline.

The spices balance out the sweetness and a hint orange creates an amazing appetizer or snack. They’re roasted to a perfectly toasty texture that’s guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. They go great along with some savory snacks like spicy nuts, nuts with sage or some seasoned oyster crackers. Or serve with a cold tangy appetizer like classic deviled eggs, the sweet with the tangy is wonderful.

Pecans are super popular in the south where they are plentiful. Georgia is the leading producers of pecans with the majority of pecans being grown in the Southern states. The trees will not grow in colder climates.

This means that we get fresh pecans everywhere and you’ll find them to be a staple in a lot of Southern recipes from sweet potato casseroles to pecan pie.

Favorite ways to use Roasted Candied Nuts

Adding a slightly sweet glaze to these rich nuts, creates an almost candy like treat. You’ll love them on their own for a slightly sweet savory snack. Glazed pecans also make great Christmas gifts. You can easily double, or even triple the recipe then portion into cute gift bags.

If you’re not looking to give these delicious pecans away, you can add them to your favorite salads, they add just a hint of sweetness to a strawberry spinach salad.

There’s nothing like a little sweet mixed in with savory on a charcuterie board, or serve it alongside a creamy corn dip or cream cheese cucumber sandwiches for a variety of flavors.

What makes Southern Candied Pecans so special

• They’re made with simple ingredients and classic spices you probably already have
• It’s an easy recipe that makes great gifts
• A perfect topping for salads, ice cream, charcuterie boards, and more!
• With a crunchy texture and light sugary flavor, these glazed pecans are a great snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth

Best Candied Pecans Recipe ingredients

• Pecans – Pecan halves work best. 1 lb of pecan halves will be about 4 cups, and if chopped, about 3 ¾ cups.
• Spices – Ground cinnamon, cardamon, cloves, black pepper, and sea salt are the staples for this easy candied pecans recipe.
• Orange zest – A basic ingredient that adds so much character, don’t forget to zest the orange before you squeeze it for the juice.
• Orange juice – You only need three tablespoons of orange juice, approximately one orange.
• Vanilla Extract– vanilla makes everything better.
• Brown sugar – Brown sugar over white sugar or maple syrup gives these pecans a deep caramel like flavor.

How to make this recipe for Candied Pecans

Step 1: Roast the pecans

Roast the pecans for 8-10 minutes to bring out the rich flavor.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine spices and set aside.

Cook the orange juice, vanilla, and brown sugar until it boils while whisking continuously. Let boil for one minute then add pecans.

Step 3: Let cool

Spread pecans out on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper then add orange zest and a pinch of salt while still warm. Let cool and harden, then enjoy.

Once candied pecans have cooled they should not be sticky. If they are, the sugar coating probably did not cook long enough. All is not lost, if they are still sticky after they have completely cooled, place them in the oven on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper at 325º for about 10 minutes.

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