Irresistible Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Recipe For Sweet Snacking

Sweet aromas of caramelized maple candied pecans will dance through your kitchen, promising a delightful treat.

Crisp autumn afternoons call for something special that transforms simple nuts into magical morsels.

Kitchen experiments often lead to unexpected deliciousness, and these pecans prove that point perfectly.

Warm sugar coating creates an irresistible crunch that makes snacking impossible to resist.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum flavor, turning ordinary pecans into extraordinary bites.

Simple techniques guarantee success, even for novice cooks looking to impress.

Prepare to fall in love with this ridiculously easy recipe that guarantees smiles with every single bite.

How To Store Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Without Clumping

• Store cooled candied pecans in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, maintaining their crisp texture and sweet flavor.
• Pack pecans in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing excess air. Freeze for 3-4 months without losing their delicious maple coating. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Preserve pecans in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep them in a cool, dry place for 7-10 days, ensuring they remain crunchy and delectable.
• Warm briefly in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to restore crispness.

FAQs About Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans

• Are maple candied pecans healthy?

While delicious, they’re high in calories and sugar. They do offer some nutritional benefits like protein, healthy fats, and minerals from pecans, but should be enjoyed in moderation as a treat.

• Can I use other nuts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, and cashews work great. Just follow the same cooking technique and adjust toasting time based on the nut’s size and texture.

• How long will these pecans stay crispy?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll maintain their crispy texture for about 5-7 days. Keep them away from humidity to preserve their crunch.

Why Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Are Sweet And Crunchy

• Craft Gourmet Snacks: Transform simple pecans into a luxurious treat with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for novice and experienced cooks alike.
• Versatile Flavor Enhancer: Sprinkle these maple-glazed nuts on salads, desserts, or enjoy them straight as a delightful standalone snack that elevates any dish.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Create a restaurant-quality treat in less than 15 minutes using just a skillet, making it an ideal solution for sudden cravings or last-minute entertaining.
• No-Fuss Ingredient Hack: Combine pantry staples like maple syrup, nuts, and basic spices to produce a gourmet-style snack that impresses without complex techniques.

What You’ll Need For Maple Candied Pecans

• Pecans: Fresh, whole pecans provide the base for this sweet and crunchy treat.

• Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup creates a rich, natural sweetness and sticky glaze for the nuts.

• Vanilla Extract, Ground Cinnamon, Sea Salt: These ingredients add depth, warmth, and a balanced flavor profile to the candied pecans.

How To Cook Maple Candied Pecans On The Stove

Step 1: Toast Nutty Delights

Grab a large skillet and warm it over medium heat. Toss in your pecans and gently stir them around. Watch as they transform, releasing their rich aroma and turning a beautiful golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning – this should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Drench in Liquid Gold

Pour maple syrup over the toasted pecans, creating a magical coating. Stir enthusiastically to ensure every single nut gets drenched. Cook and stir continuously for 4-5 minutes, letting the syrup bubble and thicken into a gorgeous glaze.

Step 3: Sprinkle Flavor Boosters

• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Sea salt

Stir these ingredients into the syrupy mixture, letting them mingle and dance for another 1-2 minutes until everything looks perfectly glossy.

Step 4: Create Crispy Clusters

Carefully transfer the sticky, sweet pecans onto parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread them out so they don’t cuddle up and stick together while cooling. Let them rest and transform into crunchy, candied treasures.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Crunchy Treat

Once completely cooled, these pecans become irresistibly crisp with a candy-like shell. Munch them as a snack, sprinkle over salads, or crown your morning yogurt with these delectable morsels.

Tips For Shiny Maple Candied Pecans

• Toast nuts carefully to prevent burning, releasing their rich, nutty aroma without scorching.
• Stir continuously while adding maple syrup to ensure even coating and prevent syrup from crystallizing.
• Incorporate vanilla, cinnamon, and sea salt during the final cooking stage to enhance depth of flavor and create a complex taste profile.
• Spread pecans on parchment paper in a single layer for quick, even cooling and to prevent clumping.
• Store cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, maintaining their crispy texture and sweet-savory crunch.

Creative Mixes For Candied Pecans

• Smoky Spice Mix: Replace cinnamon with smoked paprika and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bold, fiery kick that transforms the sweet pecans into a savory, spicy treat.
• Bourbon Maple Crunch: Swap half the maple syrup with bourbon whiskey, adding depth and a rich, caramel-like complexity to the classic candied pecan recipe.
• Chocolate Drizzle Pecans: After cooling, lightly drizzle melted dark chocolate over the candied pecans, creating a decadent sweet-and-nutty combination perfect for dessert toppings.
• Holiday Spice Blend: Incorporate ground nutmeg, allspice, and a touch of orange zest to give the pecans a warm, festive flavor profile reminiscent of winter celebrations.

Perfect Pairings With Maple Candied Pecans

• Savor Maple-Infused Pecan Companions
• Craft a Creamy Cheese Plate: Pair these sweet pecans with soft brie or tangy goat cheese for a delightful flavor contrast that highlights the maple's richness.
• Brew a Warming Beverage Match: Complement the nuts with a spiced chai latte or dark roast coffee, letting the cinnamon notes intertwine perfectly with the maple glaze.
• Create a Decadent Dessert Accent: Sprinkle these candied pecans over vanilla bean ice cream or crumble them atop a warm apple crisp for an extraordinary textural experience.
• Blend a Cocktail Garnish: Rim a bourbon old-fashioned glass with crushed maple pecans, adding a sophisticated crunch and nutty sweetness to your evening drink.

Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 8-10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern comfort emerges in these maple candied pecans, a delightful treat that blends rich maple syrup with toasted pecans. Golden-brown and glossy, these nuts offer a perfect balance of caramelized sweetness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) pecan halves
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, spreading pecans across the surface to toast for 2-3 minutes, gently stirring until they release a rich, nutty aroma and achieve a light golden hue.
2. Drizzle maple syrup into the skillet, thoroughly coating the toasted nuts while continuously stirring to ensure even distribution and prevent burning.
3. Maintain medium heat, allowing the syrup to transform into a glossy, thickening glaze that clings tenaciously to each pecan, stirring consistently for 4-5 minutes.
4. Incorporate vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt, intensifying the flavor profile and continuing to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the syrup reaches a sticky, caramelized consistency.
5. Immediately transfer the glazed pecans onto a parchment-lined surface, carefully spreading them in a single layer to prevent clumping and facilitate even cooling.
6. Allow the candied pecans to cool completely, during which they will develop a crisp, brittle-like exterior perfect for snacking, salad garnishing, or topping yogurt and oatmeal.

Notes

• Toast nuts carefully to enhance their natural flavors and prevent burning, watching closely during the 2-3 minute process.
• Use pure maple syrup for the richest, most authentic sweet flavor that caramelizes beautifully with the pecans.
• Stir continuously while cooking to ensure even coating and prevent syrup from burning or sticking to the pan.
• Cool pecans completely on parchment paper to create a crispy, brittle-like texture that separates easily.
• Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or agave for different flavor profiles if maple syrup is unavailable.
• Swap pecans for other nuts like almonds or walnuts to create variety and suit personal preferences.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain crunchiness and flavor.

• Prep Time: 2-3 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg