Making Spicy Candied Pecans has become a cherished holiday tradition in many families, including mine. The comforting warmth of the spices makes them the perfect treat for the fall and winter.
All you need to do is toss the pecans with a few simple ingredients, bake them for 12 minutes, and Enjoy the delicious results!
I tried experimenting with spiced, roasted nuts by infusing them with different flavors(like spicy nuts, chili lime almonds, and curried almonds recipes), and these spicy candied pecans turned out to be one of the top favorites sooner.
Beyond snacking, we also love enjoying these spicy candied pecans as a topping for salads or desserts.
The candied spicy coating enhanced with gentle heat creates a delectable, crunchy, and crispy snack. If you are thinking of making a delicious homemade gift, this recipe is tailor-made.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
⭐️It's the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
⭐️Simple steps with precise measurements ensure perfect results every time.
⭐️Enjoy it as a quick snack, a dessert topping, or part of a charcuterie board - it's up to you!
Ingredients
- Pecans: I've used halved pecans, which are the perfect bite-size. You can also use whole pecans.
- Sugar: Regular white sugar works perfectly; substitute it with brown sugar, coconut sugar, or honey for a different flavor profile.
- Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature. If the butter is solid, you can cut it into small pieces and microwave it quickly until it turns soft.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds the classic warm, aromatic flavor that works excellent for the holidays.
- Cayenne Pepper: Brings a touch of heat. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference, or skip it.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavor.
How To Make Spicy Candied Pecans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Add pecans, chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Now, add melted butter, sugar, and water. Stir until pecans are evenly coated.
- Grease or line a baking sheet. Spread the sugar-coated pecans in a single layer.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pecans are golden and the coating is dry(and no longer sticky).
♨️How To Adjust The Heat
These spicy candied pecans have a gentle kick that mainly comes from half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper in this recipe.
Reduce the cayenne pepper or skip it to match your family's heat tolerance.
You can substitute the cayenne pepper with a pinch of red pepper flakes to add subtle spicy flavors without overwhelming heat.
Storage & Reheating
Enjoy these spicy candied pecans as a quick snack, salad topping, in snack mixes, on cheeseboards, yogurt parfaits, or stirred into meals for a spicy-sweet crunch.
You can store the leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days, in the refrigerator for about three weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To thaw, place the frozen pecans in the refrigerator overnight. You can reheat it in the oven or the air fryer at 350°F until it turns warm.
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FAQ
You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika for a milder flavor or try spice blends like chili-lime, Cajun, or any seasoning you choose.
Package the candied pecans in mason jars, tins, or festive boxes with ribbons and handwritten tags for a personal touch. Pair them with treats like chocolates, coffee, or tea, or use holiday-themed packaging for a seasonal gift.
Yes, adding a small amount of water helps the sugar dissolve evenly and creates a smoother coating. This ensures the nuts caramelize properly and develop excellent crunchy bites.
If the pecans feel sticky, they may be underbaked. So, return them to the oven for 2-5 more minutes, then cool them completely to allow the sugar to harden.
Absolutely! Customize the recipe by adding almonds, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, or hazelnuts. Mixing different nuts and seeds adds variety and enhances the overall flavor profile.
📖 Recipe
Spicy Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, sugar, water, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir until the sugar starts to dissolve. Add the pecan halves and toss until they are well coated.
- Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pecans are golden and the coating is bubbly.
- Let the pecans cool completely on the baking sheet. The coating will harden as they cool. Once cooled, break apart any clusters and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the heat to your preference by reducing or skipping the cayenne pepper, or substitute it with red pepper flakes for a milder kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat at 350°F in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
Additional Info
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