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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Drizzle maple syrup into the skillet, thoroughly coating the toasted nuts while continuously stirring to ensure even distribution and prevent burning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Immediately transfer the glazed pecans onto a parchment-lined surface, carefully spreading them in a single layer to prevent clumping and facilitate even cooling.
- 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