Spicy Candied Pecans Recipe - The Honour System (2024)

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BySharon Rhodes

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This tasty Spicy Candied Pecans recipe is quick and easy to make. Perfect for snacking or adding to salads and charcuterie boards. Also, it’s a popular homemade gift!

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Spicy Candied Pecans Recipe - The Honour System (1)

Besides this spiced pecans recipe, other roasted nut recipes you will love include these Spiced Walnuts and Rosemary Roasted Almonds.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • The sweetness of the candied coating and the added kick of spiciness create a delicious contrast of flavors and textures that are satisfying and addictive.
  • These spicy candied pecans are a unique treat that can be enjoyed on their own or as a versatile ingredient in various dishes and snacks.
  • This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Bonus!
Spicy Candied Pecans Recipe - The Honour System (2)

Ingredients

Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.

  • Pecan Halves – Pecans are smooth-textured, buttery nuts with a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Maple syrup – This is a delicious natural sweetener that creates a crispy shell on the pecans as they roast. As the maple syrup cooks, it gives you that deep brown sugar flavor.
  • Cayenne pepper -To add some heat to these candied pecans – cayenne. Cayenne pepper is a pungent spice made from dried chili peppers ground into a powder.
  • Salt – A pinch of fine sea salt brings out the best flavors in your ingredients.
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Equipment

Our Pick

Spicy Candied Pecans Recipe - The Honour System (4)

Caraway Ceramic Baking Sheet

  • Free of PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead, cadmium, and other toxic materials.
  • Can withstand oven temperatures up to 550ºF.

See it on Amazon

Instructions

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.

Step 1

First, preheat the oven to 325 and line the baking pan with parchment paper. Set it aside.

Step 2

Next, stir the maple syrup with the cayenne pepper in the mixing bowl.

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Step 3

Then, add the pecans to the bowl.

Toss well to coat all of the pecans with the spicy maple mixture.

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Step 4

Next, pour the coated nuts onto the prepared sheet pan and spread them out well into an even layer.

Then, pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven to bake.

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Step 5

Halfway through the cooking time, take the tray out and give the nuts a stir.

This will ensure they don’t stick and burn.

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Step 6

Finally, remove from the oven and stir once again.

Let them cool for 10 minutes before eating, allowing them to reach the optimum crunchiness.

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Expert tip! Be sure to space the pecans well on the baking sheet in an even single layer so they aren’t touching. This ensures that they will crisp up nicely with the hot air circulating through.

Substitutions

  • If cayenne is a little too spicy you can substitute chili powder instead for a milder heat.
  • Honey is another natural sweetener that you could use instead of maple syrup.
  • Use a silicone mat instead of parchment paper for a greener option.

Recipe Variations

  • Go nuts! Literally, try all the different varieties of nuts with this recipe. Walnuts are particularly delicious with a sweet and spicy vibe.
  • Add more spices to the mixture, such as ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, for a festive flavor profile.
  • Infuse the pecans with the zest of orange or lime for a citrusy and spicy combination.

Serving Suggestions

  • Sprinkle these maple spiced pecans on a salad for some crunch and a bit of heat. We love adding them to this Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese.
  • These pecans make a fabulous addition to a charcuterie board.
  • They are also a great contrast flavor sprinkled over vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert. Toss them on some banana nice cream for a healthy twist.
  • Make this recipe in double batches around the holiday season. Use the big batch of spicy sweet pecans for homemade presents or hostess gifts. Add them to a cute jar with a ribbon or bow.

Our Pick

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Small Glass Jars with Lids

These corked mini jars include 20 brown paper labels and a big bundle of string, perfect for gift-giving or place settings.

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FAQS

Are candied pecans good for you?

This recipe is much healthier than the typical recipes that use white sugar or corn syrup by featuring natural maple syrup. This recipe also has no egg whites, so they are completely vegan and plant-based! Enjoy them in moderation, however, as they are high in calories.

What occasions are spicy candied pecans popular for?

They are popular as a snack for gatherings, holidays, and parties. They also make excellent gifts and are often used as toppings for salads, desserts, and other dishes.

Storage Tips

To Store: Store these spicy and sweet pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

To Freeze: We do not recommend freezing this recipe.

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More Roasted Nuts Recipes

How to Roast Hazelnuts

Candied Cashews

Butter Toffee Almonds Recipe

**This recipe was originally posted onJune 18, 2022,and updated onDecember 4, 2023, with recipe notes, writing, and photos.**

If you’ve tried our spicy sweet pecans, please rate the recipe and let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment below. We’re always interested in feedback!

Be sure to follow me on social media! We love pinning to Pinterest, sharing on Facebook, and posting pics on Instagram. See you there. 🙂

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Spicy Candied Pecans Recipe - The Honour System (16)

Spicy Candied Pecans

Sharon Rhodes

This tasty Spicy Candied Pecans recipe is quick and easy to make. Perfect for snacking or adding to salads and charcuterie boards. Also, it's a popular homemade gift!

5 from 16 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Resting time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 198 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.

  • In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the maple syrup with the cayenne pepper and a pinch of salt.

  • Add the pecans into the bowl and stir, mixing well to coat the nuts.

  • Dump the coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them into a single layer.

  • Roast for 20 minutes, stirring at the halfway mark to make sure nothing burns.

  • Remove from the oven and stir again. Let them cool on the pan for another 10 minutes.

Video

Notes

Storage Tips

  • To Store: Store these spicy and sweet pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
  • To Freeze: We do not recommend freezing this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 125mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg

Keyword spicy candied pecans

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Spicy Candied Pecans Recipe - The Honour System (2024)

FAQs

Why are my candied pecans soggy? ›

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.

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 candied pecans from sticking together? ›

Under-cooking the pecans is the likely cause of stickiness, but the risk is low when they're oven-baked. After the sugar-coated nuts have darkened and turned very fragrant, about 20 minutes in the oven, stir the pecans and separate any pieces that have stuck together. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Is it better to roast pecans before baking? ›

Pecans are typically added to a recipe for added texture and flavor and toasting them will only improve both qualities. Toasting pecans (or any nut for that matter) not only makes them extra crisp and crunchy, but you'll get an even greater boost of nuttiness and flavor.

Why are my roasted pecans bitter? ›

I started doing some research, and I found a little-known trick to making pecans taste sweeter: Soaking and rinsing the shelled nuts in lukewarm water before roasting removes the tannins and pieces of corky material that can cause pecans to taste bitter.

Why didn't my pecan candy harden? ›

If you beat too long, the candy will seize and start to crumble. If you don't beat it long enough, then pralines won't set properly and will stay soft and sticky. Work quickly to drop heaping tablespoons of pecan praline mixture onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Why are my spiced nuts 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.

How do you get the rancid taste out of pecans? ›

Bake the nuts for 10 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, shake the pan and flip the nuts to ensure that they toast evenly. Remove the nuts from the oven and let them cool. Use the nuts in another recipe or have them as a snack!

Why do people boil pecans? ›

Boiling pecans before cracking them can actually help prevent the shell from shattering. Here's how to boil them to loosen the shell but not cook the meat: ● Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil ● Add the pecans and let cook for 10-15 minutes ● Drain and let cool ● Get to cracking!

Can dogs eat pecans? ›

Why Pecans are Toxic for Dogs. Pecans contain juglone, a compound found in walnuts and pecans that is harmful to dogs and horses. Juglone can cause digestive issues, which usually results in vomiting. Pecans can also get a mold that contains aflatoxin called aspergillus.

What is the best temperature to roast pecans? ›

Oven: Spread them on a baking sheet and roast them in a 350°F oven. Stovetop: Toast them in a skillet over medium-high heat. Microwave: Microwave on HIGH for 30-60 seconds. Air fry: Pop them in your air fryer at 320°F.

Do candied pecans need to be refrigerated? ›

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. Nuts: use any kind of nuts with this recipe, like walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, or pistachios.

How long can you keep homemade candied pecans? ›

How long will candied pecans keep? They will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, at least three weeks in the refrigerator, or up to two months in the freezer. No matter where you store them, keep in a tightly sealed, airtight container.

Why are my candied nuts 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. Avoid stirring it before it changes its color.

What is the brown powder on pecans? ›

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease of both pecan foliage and nuts caused by Microsphaera alni. It appears sporadically throughout the pecan belt in July during hot, humid weather. This disease produces characteristic powdery-like growth on leaflets and nuts.

How long to soak pecans before eating? ›

Preparation:
  1. Place the pecans and salt in a large glass or stainless steel bowl along with 8 cups of water. The pecans will swell during the soaking process, so you want enough water to keep them covered.
  2. Leave them on the counter to soak for 4-8 hours. ...
  3. After they are done soaking, drain and rinse in a colander.

What is the difference between roasted and toasted pecans? ›

Toasted pecans are not roasted pecans. Toasted pecans are cooked in a pan on the stove. I prefer to make roasted pecans in the oven because the pecans cook more evenly this way.

Does boiling pecans make them easier to crack? ›

Boiling them first will soften the shell, making them easier to crack. The moisture will also reduce the mess by preventing so many tiny shell fragments. Once your pecans have cooled, you can start cracking them. A high quality nutcracker will be your best option for this step.

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