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    Home > Recipe Index > Desserts > Easy Candied Maple Roasted Pecans (and how to serve them!)

    Easy Candied Maple Roasted Pecans (and how to serve them!)

    Published: Oct 20, 2021 · Modified: Nov 7, 2022 by Nicki Sizemore · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Candied maple pecans in a serving bowl.
    Candied maple pecans in a serving bowl.

    These naturally sweetened, spiced maple pecans are a cinch to make (using just 4 ingredients!) and have an irresistible sweet and salty flavor. The candied nuts are perfect for desserts, salads, snacking, appetizers, gifts and more!

    Candied maple pecans in a serving dish.

    I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to share this recipe for these maple pecans. They’re a staple in my house! The pecans are glazed in maple syrup, which gives them a sweet, crunchy coating, and they’re spiced with cinnamon. I use them on everything (more on that in a minute), and they’re one of my favorite afternoon snacks.

    Maple roasted pecans in a glass jar.

    Ingredients and swaps:

    The only ingredients you need are raw pecans, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt. You can swap out the pecans for walnuts (be sure to buy fresh nuts, which should taste slightly sweet). The cinnamon gives the pecans a spiced warmth. For sweet-and-spicy pecans try also adding a bit of cayenne or Aleppo pepper, or go for a touch of chili powder or ground cumin for a sweet-and-savory approach. 

    How to make candied maple pecans:

    This recipe is a cinch to make, and you can easily double the quantities (which I highly recommend!).

    • Spread the pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with maple syrup. Season with cinnamon and salt, and toss to combine. 
    Process shot showing raw pecans on a baking sheet tossed with maple syrup and cinnamon.
    • Bake the pecans, stirring once or twice, until they turn a shade darker in color and are aromatic—the maple syrup should be sticky and caramelized, not wet. Sprinkle with more salt, then cool completely (the nuts will harden as they cool).  
    The cooked maple pecans on a baking sheet.

    Can you make the pecans ahead?

    Yes! These maple pecans can be refrigerated or frozen for several weeks (you can also store them at room temperature, but they might get slightly sticky). 

    Candied pecans in a serving dish.

    Serving suggestions

    These candied pecans are delicious all on their own as a snack, or you can sprinkle them over salads and desserts (think ice cream, pudding, custards, cakes, etc.—see below). They’re also fabulous on cheese boards, or you can bag them up for hostess or holiday gifts. Try them with these recipes: 

    • Roasted Squash Salad
    • Butternut Squash Pasta
    • Pear & Gorgonzola Salad
    • Homemade Vanilla Pudding
    • Pumpkin Custards
    • Grilled Peaches
    • Easy Carrot Cake
    A crustless pumpkin custard topped with whipped cream and chopped maple pecans.

    FAQs

    Can you make the pecans ahead?

    Yes! These maple pecans can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several weeks. The can also be refrigerated or frozen.

    What kind of maple syrup should I use for candied nuts?

    You’ll want to use pure maple syrup for this recipe. It doesn’t matter how light or dark the syrup is, as long as it’s the real deal. 

    What’s the best way to store nuts?

    It’s best to store nuts in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer, which will keep them fresher longer. However, if you eat them quickly, you can store them in the pantry. 

    A hand holding a cluster of crunchy maple pecans.

    Tips for this recipe:

    • Be sure to bake the maple pecans on parchment paper, which will prevent them from sticking. These pre-cut parchment sheets are one of my can’t-live-without kitchen items. 
    • Be sure to let the nuts cool completely after they come out of the oven—they will harden as they cool. 

    *This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links to products I use and love (from which I earn income, at no cost to you). Thank you or supporting From Scratch Fast!

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    Close up of maple pecans in a serving dish.
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    Candied Maple Pecans

    These naturally sweetened, spiced maple pecans are a cinch to make (using just 4 ingredients!) and have an irresistible sweet and salty flavor. The candied nuts are perfect for desserts, salads, snacking, appetizers, gifts and more (check out the Notes below). For sweet-and-spicy pecans try adding a pinch of Aleppo pepper or cayenne, or go for a touch of chili powder or ground cumin for a sweet-and-savory approach. I always double or even triple the recipe, as the nuts disappear quickly in my house!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time8 mins
    Total Time13 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: candied maple pecans, maple pecans, maple pecans recipe
    Servings: 1 cup
    Author: Nicki Sizemore

    Equipment

    • Baking Sheet

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup raw pecans
    • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup
    • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
    • Kosher salt

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Pour the pecans onto the baking sheet and drizzle with the maple syrup. Sprinkle with the cinnamon, and season with salt. Toss well to coat. Spread the nuts in an even layer—it's okay if they're touching.
    • Bake, stirring 2-3 times during cooking, until the nuts are a shade darker and are aromatic (the maple syrup should be sticky and caramelized, not wet) about, 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle the pecans with more salt, then let cool completely (they will harden as they cool).

    Notes

    Do Ahead: The maple pecans can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a month, or frozen for several months (you can also store them at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, but they may get slightly sticky).
    Tips:
    These candied pecans are delicious all on their own as a snack, or you can sprinkle them over salads and desserts (think ice cream, pudding, custards, cakes, etc.—see below). They’re also fabulous on cheese boards, or you can bag them up for hostess or holiday gifts. Try them with these recipes: 
    • Roasted Squash Salad
    • Pear & Gorgonzola Salad
    • Homemade Vanilla Pudding
    • Pumpkin Custards
    • Grilled Peaches
    • Easy Carrot Cake

    More Desserts

    • Healthy Gluten Free Apple Honey Cake (Paleo!)
    • Gluten Free Pie Recipes (+ New Class!)
    • Easy Maple Glaze (for donuts, scones, cakes and more!)
    • Easy Homemade Strawberry Sauce (and how to serve it!)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Suzy Green says

      December 12, 2021 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      These came out amazing, crunchy and delicious!!

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        December 13, 2021 at 8:23 am

        Hi Suzy, so glad you enjoyed!!

        Reply

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    Meet Nicki

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    Welcome! I’m Nicki Sizemore, a trained chef, recipe developer and cookbook author. My mission is to help you make wholesome & delicious food from scratch without spending hours in the kitchen. All of my recipes are naturally gluten-free.

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