Candied Pecans Recipe (2025)

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Candied Pecans Recipe (1)

Last Updated on October 11, 2021 by Anne-Marie

Try this Candied Pecans Recipe to sprinkle on salad, as a snack, or in baking. These easy candied pecans are sugar-free.

Candied Pecans Recipe (2)

Why this recipe works

You can use these candied pecans in so many ways!Use these sugar free, candied pecans in salad. Or serve them in pretty bowls as party appetizers.

Add these easy candied pecans to your favorite trail mix or in homemade granola.

They're ideal for anyone on a keto diet as a sugar free snack. They're also gluten free and dairy free.

Or chop them up and use the candied pecans in pancakes, waffles, easy breads, muffins, or sprinkled on yogurt.

Try mixing pieces of the spicy candied pecans into popcorn as a yummy snack on your next family movie night.

Candied Pecans Recipe (3)

How to make sugar free candied pecans

This sugar free candied pecans recipe was inspired by one from Hobo Kitchen as part of a food blogger recipe challenge where we redo other blogger’s recipes. (With permission of course!)

I’m a big admirer of Ellie’s blog as I love her writing style and her recipes, especially her Bahamian ones. (She’s originally from the Bahamas.)

I wanted to make her Candied Pecans recipe, but decided to challenge myself by creating a sugar free version.

I used Swerve Sweetener to make this easy candied pecans recipe sugar free and keto friendly. You can also use monk fruit powder. Both Swerve and monk fruit powder are natural, no calorie sweeteners.

Making a candied pecans recipe three ways

Ellie’s candied pecan recipe is based on one from Joy The Baker. Both use ground cayenne pepper to give the candied pecans a little kick.

I decide to use ground chipotle chile pepper in my spicy candied pecans instead.

Then I was inspired to change up the flavors a bit by using ground ginger in one candied pecans recipe batch and pumpkin pie spice in another.

When making your own easy candied pecans, experiment with other spice combinations – cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom with a pinch of turmeric.

Candied Pecans Recipe (4)

I used liquid egg whites because I find it easier to measure accurately. Plus, you’re not wondering what to do with the extra yolks afterwards.

Also, if you’re experimenting with various spices, you can safely taste the batter since liquid egg whites are pasteurized.

Finally, I like using a KitchenAid Hand Mixer since it makes beating the egg whites until frothy much easier than putting the mixture into my big KitchenAid stand mixer.

I like the control the hand mixer gives me and I don’t have to drag the heavy stand mixer out.

Candied Pecans Recipe (5)

More ideas for easy candied pecans

I love cooking up this candied pecans recipe during the holidays to give as a homemade gift.

Put handfuls in a big Mason jar wrapped with a big ribbon or bow on top. Makes the house smell great, too!

This candied pecan recipe so easy that your children can help you make a few batches for teachers gifts.

Candied Pecans Recipe (6)

How to serve candied pecans

Chopped up candied pecans to sprinkle on savory holiday dishes like Crock-Pot Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Parsnips. Or mix them into your Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce.

How about using them in the streusel topping in my Blueberry Muffin Cake. Or mix them into your Homemade Granola Bars?

And don’t forget adding them into your holiday baking!

Yield: 6 SERVINGS

Candied Pecans Recipe

Candied Pecans Recipe (7)

Try this Candied Pecans Recipe to sprinkle on salad, as a snack, or in baking. These easy candied pecans are sugar-free.

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time30 minutes

Total Time45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons pasteurized liquid egg whites
  • 1 cup granulated Swerve Sweetener or powdered monk fruit sweetener
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle chile pepper (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or pumpkin pie spice)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups raw pecan halves

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy.
  3. Add sweetener, spices, and salt. Whisk the mixture until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  4. Add the pecans and gently toss to coat with a large spoon or spatula.
  5. Once coated, spoon the pecans onto the parchment paper. Spread pecans evenly over the baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes until pecans are toasted a golden brown.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely so the Swerve Sweetener hardens.
  8. Remove pecans from the baking sheet and break up clusters into individual pieces, if you wish. If you’re not using the candied pecans right away, store in a ziplock baggie or airtight container in the freezer.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 401Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 33gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 366mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 6gSugar: 8gProtein: 6g

Nutritional information is automatically calculated per the ingredients list. Serving size may not be accurate. Please double-check with your preferred nutritional app for the most accurate information.

Originally published on March 7, 2014 and June 22, 2016. Updated with new pictures and information.

Candied Pecans Recipe (2025)

FAQs

What is the difference between candied pecans and praline pecans? ›

What is the difference between candied pecans and praline pecans? – Candied pecans are pecans coated in egg whites, sugar, and spices, then baked in the oven until crispy. Pralines are a type of candy made with crunchy pecan halves dropped in a caramel base.

Why are my candied pecans soggy? ›

Why are my candied pecans soft and sticky? 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.

How long will candied pecans keep? ›

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.

What are glazed pecans made of? ›

Brown sugar, butter and maple syrup coat these sweet Glazed Pecans to create a delicious, shareable festive treat.

Why didn't my pecan pralines harden? ›

sometimes I have no idea why they won't harden. But if your pralines are still gooey after 30-40 minutes, you may have to scrape them back into the pan and heat them again. Add a tablespoon of milk, melt the sugar, and as before, stir constantly while you bring them to a boil.

Why are my pecan pralines gritty? ›

Avoid The Humidity

Plan to make your pralines on a cool, dry day. If it's humid or rainy, as it was the first time I made pralines, the candy might end up with a more sugary, grainy texture.

How do you keep candied pecans from sticking together? ›

Stir them every 10 minutes or so to avoid them clumping together, or you can just break them apart with a spatula or your hands later. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

How can you tell if pecans are rancid? ›

Fresh pecans have a distinct aroma, characterized by their sweet, nutty scent. They should have a firm, almost crunchy texture and a rich golden or amber color. On the flip side, bad pecans may show signs of spoilage, such as a rancid smell, a shriveled appearance, or a soft and rubbery texture.

How many cups is a pound of pecans? ›

If you happen to have pecans in their shells, remember that 1 pound equals 3 cups shelled, about 4 cups pecan halves, and about 3 3/4 cups chopped nuts. Equivalents to know when using shelled pecans are that 1 pound equals 4 cups and 1 cup of pecan halves equals 3/4 cup chopped.

Can dogs have pecans? ›

These nuts are toxic for dogs. Eating them can result in pets becoming sick and needing immediate veterinary care. “The reason pecans are considered toxic is that they contain a compound called juglone, also found in walnuts, that is harmful to dogs,” advises Dr.

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.

Why do you boil pecans before cracking? ›

The first step is to place them in a pot and cover them with water. Boil for about 10 minutes, drain them in a colander, and let them cool enough to handle. 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.

Does praline mean candied? ›

praline, is a firm combination of almonds and caramelized sugar. These candied almonds can be ground into a powder called "pralin" that is used to fill the Belgian chocolates.

What are the two types of pecans? ›

Types of Pecans and Pecan Varieties

A native pecan often has thicker shells and smaller nuts, while improved varieties tend to have more delicate shells and larger nuts.

What are praline pecans made of? ›

For one, pecan pralines are a patty-shaped candy made from pecans and several other ingredients, typically sugar, butter, and cream. Praline pecans, on the other hand, are individual pecan nuts with a praline-flavored coating.

What's the difference between a praline and a praline? ›

Praliné is a nut-based paste used widely in pastry-making. It's not to be confused with praline, which is a candy coated with caramelized sugar.

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