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!
Servings: 1 cup
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: