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