Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans Recipe (2024)

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This easy stovetop candied pecans recipe is a delicious holiday treat and made with a few simple ingredients.

The candied pecans recipe is easy to make in just a few minutes, but you’d better make more than one recipe because they will get eaten up in a flash!

The sugared pecans are the perfect gift for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season.

The Candied Pecans Recipe Are Perfect Homemade Food Gifts

Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans Recipe (1)

Candied pecans are a great snack to place on the counter around the holidays, toss on a salad, pack in a lunch for dessert, or give as gifts.

Christmas is only a few short months away, and these sugared pecans are the perfect Christmas treat, Thanksgiving treat or any day in between.

Candied Pecans On The Stovetop

I love the recipe because it’s so easy and inexpensive, and you can make it right on the stovetop.

And candied pecans with brown sugar are such a delicious treat. You can buy candied pecans, but why not make fresh and delicious ones?

Plus, you can add a different flavor each time.

If you love candied pecans, you’ll love this easy praline pecan recipe. Click and give it a try!

If you love pecans, you’ll love this pumpkin pecan pie that readers love or this pecan pie cobbler, or this slow cooker pecan pie that’s easy to bake while you’re working on other things.

Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans Recipe (2)

A Crunchy Snack Or Topping

You can also sprinkle the sugar-coated pecans on the top of sweet potato casserole, chop them up on top of a chicken dish, or add the perfect topping to a favorite summer salad.

The delicious pecans make a great crunchy snack, as well.

And you don’t have to go broke buying pecans for this recipe.

I usually buy my pecans at Aldi’s because they sell them for a great price, and you can get enough for a couple of recipes.

A Simple Recipe

The pecan recipe only took me about 15 minutes to make. The basic recipe is a quick one and won’t keep you in the kitchen too long.

The pecans cool quickly, and you have a nice gift to take to a friend or a teacher, or you can snack on them without sharing any (wink wink).

These aren’t quite as sweet as other candied pecans. I only used brown sugar and eliminated white sugar. But, they are oh-so-delicious with a deeper flavor.

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Candied Pecans?

  • Pecans
  • Butter
  • Light brown sugar

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions at the bottom of the post

Tools Needed To Make The Sweet Treat

  • Saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Stovetop
  • Parchment paper
  • Container to hold the cooled pecans

How To Make Candied Pecans

  1. Add butter to a saucepan and let it melt.
  2. Next, add the pecans to the saucepan and stir them around until they are covered with melted butter.
  3. Add the brown sugar and stir until all of the pecans are covered.
  4. Bring the ingredients to a boil and cook for a few minutes until the pecans begin caramelizing.
  5. Spread them out on parchment paper to cool. They will harden as they cool but still be a bit sticky.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans Recipe (4)

Add half a stick of butter to a non-stick skillet or saucepan and let it melt on medium-high heat.

Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans Recipe (5)

Add two cups of pecans.

Stir the pecans in the butter until they are covered. I think pecans with butter would be a delicious treat.

Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans Recipe (6)

Add four tablespoons of brown sugar.

I love the taste of brown sugar. It has a deeper flavor than white sugar and adds so much flavor to candied foods.

Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans Recipe (7)

Let the pecans cook in the brown sugar and butter until caramelized.

Take it off the stove and pour the pecans on a piece of parchment paper to cool. The pecans will harden as they cool.

And that’s it – they are such an easy dessert.

Optional Ingredients

  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Sea salt
  • Dark brown sugar
  • Coconut sugar
  • Chili powder
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Maple syrup

You can add some cinnamon to the brown sugar-coated pecans for a more festive fall flavor.

Other Pecan Desserts

  • Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
  • Pecan Pie Brownies
  • Chocolate Pecan Pie
  • Praline Pecan Banana Cake
  • Take to holiday and Christmas parties
  • Add to Thanksgiving snack tables
  • Give as holiday gifts for teachers and neighbors
  • Bring to music and academic tutors
  • Take to the office to share in the break room
  • Bring the sugared pecans to the kid’s school

Ways To Use The Candied Pecans

  • Top some ice cream
  • Add to a salad
  • Stir into a brownie mix
  • Add to a bowl for a snack mix
  • Put in a lunchbox for an afternoon snack
  • Add to the top of pumpkin pie
  • Top some green beans, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes
  • Add to cheese boards

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Candied Pecans Need To Be Refrigerated?

No, but they do need to be kept in an airtight container. They will last up to about two weeks if you keep them sealed.

Why Are My Candied Pecans Sticky?

The candied pecans most likely needed to cook a bit longer.

Easy Stove Top Candied Pecans Recipe

Be sure to get the recipe for the easy candied pecans recipe below.

The recipe creates a delicious snack that the whole family will love.

If this is your first time making the pecans stovetop recipe, you will be hooked. It’s a great recipe.

Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans Recipe (9)
Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans Recipe (10)

Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans

Yield: 2 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Rest Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans are a delicious holiday treat. The candied pecans recipe is easy to make in just a few minutes, but you'd better make more than one recipe because they will get eaten up in a flash!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecan halves
  • 4 Tablespoons butter
  • 4 Tablespoons light brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Melt butter on medium-high heat.
  2. Add pecans and toss until covered with butter.
  3. Next, add brown sugar and toss pecans until coated.
  4. Bring to a boil and cook until pecans start to caramelize.
  5. Spread on parchment paper to cool.

Notes

You can double the recipe if you are giving the candied pecans away as gifts. The big batch is easy to make and is the perfect snack.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 503Total Fat: 49gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 36gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 94mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 5gSugar: 13gProtein: 5g

Nutrition is approximate.

Did you make this recipe?

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Find more recipes atSouthern Home Express

Julie Pollitt( Blogger Behind Back To My Southern Roots )

Hi there! I’m Julie Pollitt from ‘Back To My Southern Roots.’ My love for cooking started way back on my grandparents’ farm in Tennessee. Those sunny days, the smell of biscuits in the oven, and all the family fun really sparked my passion for cooking. On my blog, I share more than just recipes – they’re like stories from my life, full of Southern warmth and homey goodness. The best part? Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a kitchen pro, you’ll find my recipes super easy to whip up. So, come on, pull up a chair, and let’s make some delicious memories!

Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep candied pecans from sticking together? ›

Stir them every 10 minutes or so to avoid them clumping together, or you can just break them apart with a spatula or your hands later. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Why are my candied pecans 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 are my candied pecans grainy? ›

Either you used raw nuts, or you added them before the sugar had a chance to fully caramelize. Why is the sugar all crystallized and grainy looking? It means that the sugar has crystallized before caramelizing.

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 candied pecans soft on the stove? ›

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.

What causes stick tights on pecans? ›

Such "stick? tights" are caused by drought and heat stress in September and October. Pecans require water right up until the time of shuck split to reduce this problem. Nuts sprouting in the shuck before harvest (vivipary) are also reduced by late season water and/or stress reduction.

Why do you soak pecans in water? ›

Soaked nuts and seeds are hydrated, so their flavor is a bit more buttery and creamy. As the nut absorbs more and more water, it becomes plumper and the texture softens (hint: it is always a good idea to soak your nuts and seeds in a larger container to give them plenty of space for expansion).

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 my pecans taste bad? ›

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.

Do candied pecans go bad? ›

If you don't plan on eating your candied pecans right away, you may want to consider storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. Refrigeration can keep the pecans fresh for up to three months, while freezing can extend their shelf life for up to six months.

Why won't my butter and brown sugar mix? ›

Soften the butter

Starting the creaming process with softened butter is absolutely critical: butter that is too cold and hard won't mix thoroughly with the sugar, and butter that is too soft and melty won't hold the air pockets and will result in a dense and soggy dessert.

Why is my pecan candy not hardening? ›

sometimes I have no idea why they won't harden. But if your pralines are still gooey after 30-40 minutes, you may have to scrape them back into the pan and heat them again. Add a tablespoon of milk, melt the sugar, and as before, stir constantly while you bring them to a boil.

Can dogs eat pecans? ›

Why are pecans bad for dogs? 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 pecans does it take to make 1 lb? ›

For a pound of nutmeat, you will need 2½ pounds of in-shell pecans. In order to help you maintain the highest quality pecan meats, we have developed the following guide to help you understand the best way to handle and store your pecans.

Are pecans good for you? ›

Pecans are a type of tree nut that's rich in several key nutrients, including fiber, copper, thiamine, and zinc. They've been associated with many potential health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, heart health, and brain function.

How to make nuts less sticky? ›

Why are my caramelized nuts 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.

What is the best way to store candied nuts? ›

Storage Instructions: Candied nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for several weeks. Freezing Instructions: They freeze well in an air-tight container for up to two months.

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.

How do you keep shelled pecans from molding? ›

Answer: Keeping your pecans in a tightly sealed bag in a freezer is the optimal way to store pecans. However, refrigerating your pecans will also extend their shelf life. Shelled pecans can be thawed and refrozen repeatedly without any significant loss or damage.

References

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