Candied Pecans
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Published Dec 16, 2021, Updated Jun 12, 2023
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These sweet and savory candied pecans are made with coconut sugar and egg whites. They’re perfect for gifting, snacking or adding to salads, cheese boards and more!
There’s something special about homemade gifts. I love making them and receiving them. I definitely don’t consider myself super crafty, but I am pretty good at whipping up homemade gifts, especially those that are edible.
This year I was brainstorming different homemade gift ideas and decided it would be fun to do some sort of candied nut. Everyone likes nuts – they’re snackable, sharable and have a longer shelf-life than most baked goods.
I knew I wanted to use coconut sugar and decided rosemary would be a nice savory addition. Once roasted, the pecans have a lovely crunch and sweet rosemary flavor. They’re quite addicting!
Ingredients Needed
- raw pecan halves – we’ll be adding flavor and toasting these pecans so make sure you grab raw nuts to start!
- coconut sugar – regular sugar works as well.
- fresh rosemary – this is optional, but I love the savory flavor the fresh rosemary adds to these candied nuts. You can use any fresh herb but I prefer the combination of rosemary, sugar + pecans.
- egg whites – the egg whites bind the spices and sugar to the raw nuts and makes them crisp up nicely. The end result is a perfectly coated, crunchy pecan!
- salt – to balance the sweet and bring all of the flavors together.
How to Make Candied Pecans
The best part about these candied pecans is that they take no time to whip up – only about 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking!
Mix the pecans, sugar, rosemary (if using), egg whites and salt in a large bowl. Toss until the pecans are evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake at 350ºF for 15 minutes, stir and then bake for another 10 minutes. The nuts are ready when the pecans are golden brown. You’ll want to keep an eye on them because they can burn easily!
After they’re done roasting, remove from the oven and allow the pecans to cool completely. They will harden as they cool. Once cool, break apart any nuts that have clumped together and enjoy or store for later!
How to Serve Candied Pecans
These are a delicious snack on their own or can be used as a topping to a variety of recipes. I love adding candied pecans to a salad for a sweet + savory crunch. I use them for my grapefruit avocado salad. They would also be delicious with roasted vegetables or even sprinkled on savory oatmeal!
How to Store Candied Nuts
After allowing the nuts to cool completely, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can store them in the refrigerator or freezer for longer storage!
More Nut Mixes to Try
- Sweet and Savory Party Nuts
- Healthy Trail Mix
- Pumpkin Spice Trail Mix
- Cajun Trail Mix
- Maple Cinnamon Trail Mix
- Pistachio Trail Mix
- Pizza Trail Mix
- Tropical Trail Mix
- Mango Curry Trail Mix
- Chunky Monkey Trail Mix
- Candied Walnuts
Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- 3 cups raw pecan halves
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar (or cane sugar)
- 1-2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 Tablespoons egg whites, beaten until frothy
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place pecans, sugar, rosemary (if using), egg whites and salt in a large bowl. Toss until pecans are coated. Spread on prepared baking sheet and place in preheated oven. Set timer for 15 minutes, give pecans a stir and then roast for another 10 minutes for a total of 25 minutes or until pecans are golden. Watch carefully because they tend to burn easily.
- Remove from oven and allow pecans to cool. Pecans will be a little soft to the touch when you remove them from the oven, but they will harden up as they cool. Once cool you can break apart any pecans that are stuck in clumps and place them in a storage container or jars for gifting.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve made these before but felt bad about it. I love this recipe using coconut sugar and rosemary… yes!!
I want to eat that whole pan and not share. Lol! But Instead I’m thinking I just make 4 batches. Yes? ????
I’ve already made two batches. Need to make two more ASAP. 🙂
Super cute! I started making Ellie Krieger’s Spiced Mixed Nuts years ago, and they continue to be a huge hit! Curry, maple, cayenne, and rosemary. Such an awesome combination. I made them as one of our wedding favors with the tag, “nuttin’ but love.” So cheesy, yet perfect for us food pun lovers. 😉 Several years ago I made apple butter from scratch for Christmas gifts. I am not crafty either, but these homemade gifts are my favorite to give and receive!
Ohhhh I love the sound of those nuts. Curry and maple!! YES!! I will have to check out that recipe. And your “nuttin’ but love” wedding favors sound soo cute!! <3 We did homemade jam and biscuits for ours. Everyone loves edible wedding favors. So much better than something with the bride and groom's name on it. haha
I love this idea! I love receiving baked goodies as a gift over the holidays, so I was thinking this year of doing that for my friends and family! I would have never thought to add rosemary, sounds so tasty! Thanks for the recipe! Now the real question is if I can make this and not eat it all myself…
Well, you’re craftier than me because a printable label blow my mind, haha 😉 LOVE rosemary and nuts together. The sweet and savory is so well done in these!
I have Maria to thank for the label. She’s the design/craft pro here at EBF! 😉
Of course, preparing a handmade gift within 45 minutes would be better than anything. Besides, handmade gifts are always a better replacement from artificial gifts. Because it leaves a strong love with the one who you share the gift.
Apart from all, I love this recipe and the gift idea for this holiday season.
Thanks Brittany for this lovely post.
I made the pecans yesterday together with my girlfriend.
We both loved them.
The only mistake we made was that we didn’t make enough…
Haha. I love it! Time to make another batch! 🙂
I adore homemade gifts and these sound wonderful! Loving the rosemary added into these candied pecans – so aromatic and deeeeelicious!
I love candied pecans! The rosemary flavor sounds great, can’t wait to try these!
I love homemade gifts. In past years I have made chocolate covered pretzels and cookie mixes. They make great hostess and teachers gifts. Adding this idea to my list.
Homemade gifts are so fun. I’ve made cookie mixes before too! I actually received a tin of chocolate covered peanut butter filled pretzels one year. Gah! Those babies were addicting! 🙂
Totally making this recipe for holiday gifts this year!
Yay!! I can’t wait to see how they turn out. 🙂
I’ve made at least 6 batches for gifts — SO great! My friends are loving them. Thanks!
Yay!!! I’m so glad you made them for gifts. 🙂
Is there anything to use in place of egg whites to make vegan?
Proof-read your instructions, please. “Pecans be”????
Updated. Thanks!
Just made a triple batch for gifts. So so good! Mine only need about 25 minutes total but my oven is convection so maybe that’s why. My first batch was a little overdone but still addicting. What a cute idea! And thank you making the label so easy too!
Yes the recommended time had mine overdone. 30 minutes was too long! Had to toss the whole first batch.
Oh no!! I’ll update the time since it seems like 30 minutes must be too long. :/
I have made these many times and they are so delicious! I have played around with the temperature, as at 350 degrees they are a little burnt tasting for my liking. I tried 325 and 300 and have settled on 300 degrees for 25 minutes and they’re perfect! I just made a batch with a bit of ground red cayenne added for a little kick. I have given them as gifts and everyone raves about them. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
This is super helpful, Denise! Thank you so much for sharing what temperature works best for you. Thank you so much for coming back to leave your feedback and the star rating. I so appreciate it.
What would be a good substitute for the egg? What is the purpose of the egg? Would love to make but have an egg allergy.
Hey Noella – I haven’t tried a sub for the egg whites in this recipe. It helps to bind the coating to the pecans. You could try a flax egg, but I’m not sure how they’ll turn out. Let me know if you try it!