Best Spiced Pecans - CopyKat Recipes (2024)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

We all love spiced pecans. We have all seen nut vendors while walking through an airport, fair, or even some shopping malls. Those nuts are so expensive. But guess what? This spiced pecan recipe will help you make these tasty pecans quickly and easily at home.

Best Spiced Pecans - CopyKat Recipes (1)

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Sugar and Spice Pecans

Love plain pecans or salty pecans? Pecans are naturally sweet and full of vitamins and minerals. Enjoy them in this spiced pecans recipe – it’s so simple and so good!

Sweet spiced nuts are simple to make and cost so much less than buying them. You may even want to make a double batch because they are perfect for homemade Christmas gifts.

Why This is the Recipe You Must Try for Candied Spiced Nuts

You might want to know what makes this a great recipe, this is one of those recipes that is super easy to put together. It’s the perfect recipe for the holiday season.I know once you give this recipe a try, you will want to make this all of the time. This recipe is tried and true, and whenever I set these out at a gathering, they are gone in a flash.

Easy Spiced Pecans Recipe

This sugar spiced pecans recipe is simple to make and costs so much less than what you might pay when purchasing these sweet and salty nuts. Who doesn’t love the good news of being able to save money! You may even want to make a double batch of these tasty pecan treats.

These sweet spiced pecans make the perfect holiday gift, did I mention this is an easy candied pecans recipe? Just put them in an attractive container and finish it off with a bow. It’s so much less time-consuming than going shopping for presents.

These tasty nuts are perfect for hostess gifts, teachers, parties, the Super Bowl – you name it! They are gluten-free so there also great for those with gluten intolerance.

And, the most wonderful aroma will fill your home, which is especially nice over the holidays!

Sweet and crunchy, this sweet and spicy pecans recipe is just bursting with amazing flavor. They are perfect for setting out as nibbles for the early arriving impatient guest!

This addictive nut recipe is easy to make and rich in spice. Egg white clings to the pecans and holds the sugar and spice, eliminating the need for butter, oil, or melted sugar.

Candied spiced pecans have the right blend of sweet and spicy – cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, with just enough hint of salt to set everything off to perfection.

Is There a Difference Between Candied Pecans, Glazed Pecans, and Pralines?

Each of these ways to prepare pecans has a few things in common – pecans, of course, a type of sugar, salt, and spices. After that, there is some variation.

Candied pecans typically will involve white sugar and egg white. On the other hand, glazed pecans are generally made with brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Pralines are essentially coated in a caramel made of brown sugar, butter, and cream.

Each one of these pecan preparations results in a different flavor and texture.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need, you will find everything you need to recreate this great flavor in your grocery store.

  • Sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground allspice
  • Ground cloves
  • Egg white
  • Water
  • Pecan halves
Best Spiced Pecans - CopyKat Recipes (2)

How to Make Spiced Pecans

There are just a few simple steps to making these candied nuts:

  1. Place all ingredients except the pecans in a medium bowl.
Best Spiced Pecans - CopyKat Recipes (3)
  1. Mix until well Whisk egg whites very well with the spice blend.
Best Spiced Pecans - CopyKat Recipes (4)
  1. Add pecans to the spice mixture and stir until they are well coated.
Best Spiced Pecans - CopyKat Recipes (5)
  1. Spread the coated pecans out on a spread pecans out on a lightly greased baking sheet, or a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil into a single layer.
Best Spiced Pecans - CopyKat Recipes (6)
  1. Bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for about 50 to 55 minutes. Be sure to place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Stir the pecans every 10minutes. Keep an eye on them in case your oven cooks hot and they get done faster. They will lightly brown, but you don’t want them to get too dark.
Best Spiced Pecans - CopyKat Recipes (7)
  1. Remove the cookie sheet with the toasted pecans from the baking sheet and spread them out on waxed or parchment paper to cool.
  2. Make sure the nuts cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Best Spiced Pecans - CopyKat Recipes (8)

Recipe Variations

Want to know different ways to modify this spiced roasted pecans recipe?

You can easily play with this spiced pecans recipe and make it your own. Here are some ideas:

  • Use brown sugar instead of white if you like more of a molasses flavor.
  • Use Splenda or Stevia instead of sugar if you have diabetics in your family. You won’t be able to tell the difference.
  • Vary the nuts. This sugar and spice nut recipe works well with walnuts or mixed nuts. Or try pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts. Also, peanuts, cashews, and even almonds would be great prepared this way.
  • Try different spices. For example, substitute ground cardamom for the cloves, and you’ll have a winner! Smoked paprika will add a nice smoky touch.
  • For a Fall inspired flavor try Pumpkin pie spice is perfect for fall!
  • Add a little heat. Simply add 1/2 teaspoon of ground chili powder or 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a bit of kick!
  • Add citrus flavor. For a little citrusy difference, add 1 tablespoon of orange zest.

How to Use Spiced Pecans

Many flavors pair well with spiced pecans. Here are ways to use them (other than just eating them straight, of course!).

These crack nuts are perfect for tossing over a green salad. Put them in a salad with baby spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled blue cheese, sliced pears, and balsamic vinaigrette.

Or, make a grilled chicken salad with these salty pecans and a raspberry vinaigrette.

Add them to a fruit salad for some crunch.

Chop them up and sprinkle them over ice cream, add them to your favorite yogurt with some granola, or mix them into your oatmeal.

Use them as a delicious garnish for a fun appetizer. For instance, sprinkle them over any appetizer involving goat cheese.

How to Store Spiced Pecans and Keep Them Crispy

Candied nuts can be stored in an airtight container (such as a resealable glass jar or a mason jar) at room temperature for up to one week.

Your spiced pecans can be placed in the fridge for up to three weeks or in the freezer (in an appropriate airtight container) for up to two months.

Best Spiced Pecans - CopyKat Recipes (9)

Love pecans and nuts? Try these recipes!

  • Almond Brittle
  • Almond Cookies
  • Chocolate Pecan Pie
  • Cranberry Pecan Cookies
  • Pecan Delight Pie
  • Pecan Pie Bars
  • Pecan Sandies
  • Texas Pecan Pie

Favorite Christmas Treat Recipes

  • Cornflake Wreaths
  • Hello Dolly Bars
  • Peppermint Bark
  • Rocky Road Candy
  • White Fudge Oreos

Check out more of my easy snack recipes and the best Christmas treats recipes here on CopyKat!

Spiced Pecans

These spiced pecans are like the candied nuts that you find in malls, fairs, and airports.

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate Add to Collection

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Candied Pecans, Spiced Pecans, Sugar and Spice Pecans

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 32 1/4 cup servings

Calories: 189kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 egg white
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons water
  • 8 cups Pecan halves

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

  • Combine sugar, all the spices, water, and egg white in a bowl and mix well.

  • Add pecans and stir until they are well coated.

  • Spread out coated pecans on a lightly greased foil lined jelly roll pan or baking sheet.

  • Bake at 275 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. (Keep an eye on them in case your oven cooks hot and they take less time. They will lightly brown, but you don't want them to get too dark.)

  • Remove the pecans from the baking sheet and spread them out on waxed or parchment paper to cool.

  • When the pecans have cooled, store them in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.6mg

Best Spiced Pecans - CopyKat Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Why are my spiced nuts sticky? ›

If after they have cooled down, the pecans are still sticky, this means that the sugar mixture never reached a high enough temperature when on the stove. To fix them, place the nuts back into the skillet and cook a bit longer.

Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›

Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.

Why are my roasted pecans bitter? ›

Pecans have two sources of bitterness -- naturally occurring tannins in the kernel and pieces of corky material from the inside of the nut which can adhere to the kernel. Some of the tannin and all of the corky material can be removed by washing the kernels before cooking.

Why are my candied pecans soft? ›

Why are my candied pecans soft and sticky? If your pecans are soft, it's most likely because they weren't baked long enough and are still retaining moisture. The sugar needs to bake long enough to caramelize and form a brittle coating on the nuts.

How do you get seasoning to stick to nuts? ›

To get the spices to stick to the nuts, use egg whites, butter, coconut oil, olive oil or blanch the nuts in boiling water. Some recipes call for nuts to be fried in oil prior to seasoning, but this adds unnecessary fat – you can make them just a delicious without all the extra calories.

How do you get Tajin to stick to nuts? ›

Toss the nuts with the melted butter in a bowl and spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 8 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and toss the nuts with a spatula for even toasting. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the Tajín seasoning, tossing again to coat.

How do you get seasoning to stick to pecans? ›

To help the seasonings stick to homemade roasted nuts, here's what to do:
  1. Coat the nuts completely with your preferred oil (avocado or olive oil work great)
  2. Immediately toss the nuts with the seasoning mixture.
  3. Gently stir the nuts to mix when cooking and don't shake them around a lot.

Why do people boil pecans? ›

You'll find out fast that boiling pecans lessens the likelihood of the shell shattering into a lot of smaller pieces.

How do you get the bitter taste out of pecans? ›

I started doing some research, and I found a little-known trick to making pecans taste sweeter: Soaking and rinsing the shelled nuts in lukewarm water before roasting removes the tannins and pieces of corky material that can cause pecans to taste bitter.

What is the best way to roast pecans? ›

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line a baking pan with parchment.
  3. Spread pecans on baking sheet.
  4. Toast for about five minutes or until you can smell the aroma.

What is the difference between roasted pecans and pecans? ›

The primary difference between raw and roasted nuts is that roasted nuts are dry-heated through a process of oven-roasting or frying. Both methods aim to improve the taste and texture of the nuts. The method of dry-heating is important when considering the fat content of different nuts.

How to remove tannins from pecans? ›

Toss the nuts into a large pot, and cover them with plenty of water. Bring to a boil, then boil for about 15 minutes. The water will turn brown, the color of tea, as the tannic acid is extracted from the kernels. Throw out the water...and replace it with fresh water.

Can a dog eat a pecan? ›

These nuts are toxic for dogs. Eating them can result in pets becoming sick and needing immediate veterinary care. “The reason pecans are considered toxic is that they contain a compound called juglone, also found in walnuts, that is harmful to dogs,” advises Dr.

How many cups is one pound of pecans? ›

Measurements and Substitutions

If you happen to have pecans in their shells, remember that 1 pound equals 3 cups shelled, about 4 cups pecan halves, and about 3 3/4 cups chopped nuts. Equivalents to know when using shelled pecans are that 1 pound equals 4 cups and 1 cup of pecan halves equals 3/4 cup chopped.

Why are my pecans rubbery? ›

Humidity above these values can cause kernel molding and pecan texture deterioration (pecans become soft and rubber-like), whereas lower humidities will cause excessive drying. In-shell pecan kernels will darken under high humidity as a result of the tannic acid being dissolved from the shell lining.

How to make nuts less sticky? ›

Candied nuts made with sugar remain sticky if you haven't cooked them long enough. If you are using a sugar-free sweetener, you may need to leave the nuts out to dry for a few hours until they fully harden.

How to dry out sticky candied pecans? ›

The pecans only take a few minutes to cook. If you walk away or don't stir constantly they could burn. The nuts will be sticky at first before they cool. If the glazed pecans remain sticky after cooling, transfer the baking sheet to a 325ºF oven for 5-15 minutes, or until they harden.

How do you know if nuts are rancid? ›

Nuts with higher fat content, like walnuts and pecans can also go rancid after a few months if stored at too warm a temperature. If you notice that your nuts have taken on a noticeably bitter, sour flavor, they may have entered this unfortunate phase.

Why are my candied almonds not crunchy? ›

Usually if the almonds are soft after candying it means that they weren't cooked for long enough.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 5843

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.