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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Spicy Candied Pecans Recipe

    Published: Sep 8, 2022 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    These are not your typical candied pecans. Spicy candied pecans have a bit of kick to them that will have you reaching in for another handful. Crunchy pecans with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Pecans tossed in sugar and spice are addicting and perfect for your next movie night or cocktail party.

    Overhead photo of two bowls full of Spicy Candied Pecans. The bowls are on a marble surface and are surrounded by cinnamon sticks, pecans and a kitchen cloth.

    Ken and I like to have sweet and spicy pecans as our movie night snack or to put out when we're having a small get-together. Make these spicy candied pecans for your next charcuterie board. Just be ready for them to go fast!

    Have you ever purchased spiced candied pecans at a farmer's market or fair? It costs a small fortune. You can easily make your own for so much less! Package them up in a glass jar with a pretty bow for gift giving.

    They are very easy to make, but do take some time in the oven and require a couple of stirs along the way.

    You start by softening the pecans in a simple syrup and then you add the spice! Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice make the most delicious spice mix when combined with the sugar. The mix sticks perfectly to the softened pecans.

    Then, you toast the pecans in the oven long enough to harden the sugar and spice mix. This also will help dry out the pecans. They have that crunch that makes a snack so satisfying.

    Spiced Candied Pecans

    This recipe for Spicy Candied Pecans was inspired by the Air Fryer Candied Walnuts recipe on this site, and pairs especially well with this Burrata Cheese Board for snacking and entertaining. Caramel Chex Mix is another yummy snack. They are all so delicious

    Ingredients

    Overhead photo of all the ingredients needed to make Spicy Candied Pecans on the counter top.

    Only a few basic ingredients are required to make spicy candied pecans. You can easily double or triple this recipe. See the card further down the page for quantities.

    • pecans - pecan halves are ideal
    • egg whites - acts as the "glue" to hold the sugar and spices to the pecans
    • white granulated sugar - gives the pecans a nice crisp shell
    • vanilla extract
    • ground cinnamon
    • cayenne
    • salt, optional

    Instructions

    Just measure, toss and bake to make these delicious spicy candied pecans!

    Step 1: Mix

    Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and use your hands or a wooden spoon to toss the ingredients together until the pecans are evenly coated.

    Step 2: Bake

    Spread coated pecans in a single layer onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone pad and bake, stirring once or twice during baking time.

    Step 3: Repeat

    Repeat step 2 until all pecans are toasted and infused with the sugar and spices. The nuts will smell amazing at this point and will taste even better!

    Hint: Use a parchment lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.

    Closeup photo of a wooden bowl full of Spicy Candied Pecans. Two cinnamon sticks are sticking out from the bowl. A wooden spoon and a tray full of Spicy Candied Pecans in the background.

    Substitutions

    Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this sweet and spicy pecans recipe.

    • Pecans - Not a fan of pecans? You can swap the pecans for walnuts, cashews, mixed nuts, or any other nut you prefer.
    • White Granulated Sugar - Use light brown sugar instead of white sugar in your sugar mixture.
    • Cayenne Pepper - Jalapeno powder, hot paprika, chipotle powder and chili powder can be used as substitutes for cayenne pepper in your spice mixture.

    Variations

    Want to personalize this Spicy Candied Pecans recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.

    • Topping - Spicy candied pecans taste wonderful sprinkled over a salad, ice cream sundae, or onto a baked sweet potato or sweet potato salad.
    • Kid-Friendly - Simply omit the cayenne pepper for a sweet nut mixture.

    If you love easy appetizers and snacks like this, you may also enjoy cheesy mushroom toasts.

    Equipment

    You only need a few simple kitchen tools to make this spiced nuts recipe.

    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • Wooden Spoon
    • Rimmed Baking Sheet

    Storage

    You can store these candied pecans either on the counter at room temperature or in the fridge in an airtight container. They will last for one week on the counter and three weeks in the fridge.

    Alternatively, you can store these pecans for up to 3 months in the freezer.

    Tips

    • Other spices that taste good in this recipe include cloves and nutmeg.
    • For some extra sweetness, you can add ½ tablespoon of molasses, or honey to this recipe.
    • Use maple syrup instead of molasses or honey to add maple flavor and sweetness to this easy candied nuts recipe
    • It is important to stir the pecans every 15 minutes so they don’t stick to the parchment paper.
    • If you really like things spicy, add a little more cayenne to the mix. The recipe as written gives the nuts a nice little kick.
    Closeup photo of a large bowl full of Spicy Candied Pecans on a marble counter top.

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about sweet and spicy pecans? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this spicy candied pecans recipe.

    Can I double the recipe?

    Absolutely! You can easily double or triple the recipe which makes a big batch spicy candied pecans perfect for sharing and gift giving.

    What is the difference between candied pecans and pralines?

    Candied pecans are coated in egg whites, sugar and spices and then baked. Pralines are a drop candy with a caramel base and pecans mixed in.

    More Recipes with Nuts

    Do you like making treats that contain nuts? Try these favorites!

    • Butterscotch Caramel Cashew Bars
    • Crunchy Apple Bake
    • Chocolate Covered Pecans

    Spicy Candied Pecans Recipe

    These are not your typical candied pecans. Spicy candied pecans have a little bit of kick to them that will have you reaching in for another handful. Crunchy pecans with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Pecans tossed in sugar and spice are addicting and perfect for your next movie night, cocktail party, or gift giving.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Appetizer, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10
    Calories 332 kcal

    Equipment

    • Large mixing bowl
    • wooden spoon
    • rimmed baking sheet

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 cups pecans about 1 lb
    • 2 large egg whites
    • ⅔ cup white granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or jalapeno powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt if desired

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and use your hands or a wooden spoon to toss the ingredients together until the pecans are evenly coated.
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated pecans over the sheet.
    • Bake the pecans for 40 minutes, stirring them at the 20 minute mark.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    Notes:
    • Other spices that taste good in this recipe include cloves and nutmeg.
    • For some extra sweetness, you can add ½ tablespoon of molasses or honey to this recipe.
    • It is important to stir the pecans every 15 minutes so they don’t stick to the parchment paper.
    • If you really like things spicy, add a little more cayenne to the mix. The recipe as written gives the nuts a nice little kick.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 4gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gSodium: 128mgPotassium: 184mgFiber: 4gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 190IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword candied-pecans, spiced candied pecans, spicy candied pecans
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Closeup photo of a large wooden bowl full of Spicy Candied Pecans on a marble counter top.
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    Welcome!

    Ken and Karin

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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