Description
An easy, addictive 3-ingredient snack featuring pecans coated in a sweet and spicy brown sugar glaze. Ready in just 15 minutes, these candied nuts are perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to salads and desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups pecans (halved)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or 1 teaspoon hot sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cayenne pepper (or hot sauce), salt, and cinnamon until it resembles wet sand.
- Add the pecans to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every nut is evenly coated in the sugar mixture. Break up any clumps.
- Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring the nuts halfway through (at the 5-minute mark) to ensure even toasting. The nuts should be golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the pan for at least 15-20 minutes. The sugar will harden as it cools, creating a crunchy texture.
- Once cool, break apart any remaining clumps. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
Use fresh pecans as old ones can taste rancid. If using roasted pecans, reduce oven time by 2-3 minutes. Ensure nuts are spread in a single layer to prevent steaming. Do not eat while hot as the sugar will be sticky; they must cool completely to become crunchy. For extra crunch, add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the sugar mixture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: candied pecans, spicy nuts, sweet snack, easy recipe, 3 ingredient snack, holiday gift, party snack, gluten-free snack