Best Candied Pecans EVER

Candied pecans are one of the most delicious and versatile snacks you can make. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy on their own, a perfect topping for salads, oatmeal, or desserts, or just something to serve at your next party or family gathering, Candied Pecans fit the bill every time. What makes this recipe even better? You can make them in just 5 minutes with minimal ingredients, and they taste absolutely divine!

If you’ve ever walked by the sweet smell of candied nuts at the market or during the holidays, you know exactly how intoxicating they can be. The combination of brown sugar, spices, and roasted pecans gives them a crunchy, caramelized coating that’s hard to resist. So, what if I told you that you can recreate this mouthwatering treat at home using a Crock-Pot? It’s easier than you think!

Let’s take a closer look at how to make the best candied pecans you’ve ever had in the comfort of your kitchen. You won’t believe how simple and quick this recipe is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Candied Pecans

Quick & Easy: The best part of this recipe? It takes just 5 minutes of prep time, and you don’t have to keep a close eye on them. Thanks to the slow cooker, you can simply toss everything in and let it do the work!

Versatile: Candied pecans are not just for snacking. They can be sprinkled on salads, added to yogurt, mixed into oatmeal, or even incorporated into baked goods. Plus, they make a great gift when placed in a jar.

Customizable: This recipe can easily be adjusted to your personal preferences. Want to add a little extra cinnamon, a touch of vanilla, or maybe a dash of cayenne for some heat? Go ahead! You have full control over the flavor.

Perfect for Holidays & Gifts: Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other occasion, these candied pecans are a crowd-pleaser. They also make fantastic homemade gifts that are sure to impress.

Ingredients for Candied Pecans

This recipe is simple and uses just 5 ingredients (with optional spices for extra flavor):

2 cups pecan halves (or chopped if you prefer smaller pieces)

1 cup brown sugar (packed)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended for that warm, comforting flavor)

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, adds a lovely, cozy warmth)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for an extra layer of flavor)

1 tablespoon butter (for richness and to help bind the sugars)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Candied Pecans

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and spices (cinnamon and nutmeg). This is your dry ingredient mixture.

In another bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or over the stove. Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined. The butter will help create that perfect syrup-like coating for the pecans.

Step 2: Coat the Pecans

Add the pecans to the bowl with the butter and sugar mixture. Toss the pecans gently to coat them evenly with the sweet syrupy mixture. You want to make sure that each piece of pecan is covered in the sticky, flavorful goodness.

Step 3: Cook the Pecans in the Crock-Pot

Transfer the coated pecans into the bowl of a slow cooker (Crock-Pot). Set the slow cooker on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring the pecans every 30 minutes to ensure they don’t burn and that the coating evenly sticks to each nut.

Step 4: Let Cool & Enjoy!

Once the candied pecans are done, carefully transfer them to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. As they cool, they will crisp up, leaving you with perfectly sweet and crunchy nuts.

Tips for the Best Candied Pecans

Use fresh pecans: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh pecans. You can use chopped or whole pecans, depending on your preference.

Don’t skip stirring: Stirring the pecans in the slow cooker every 30 minutes ensures they cook evenly and the sugar coating doesn’t burn. Keep an eye on them and be patient.

Customize the spices: While the basic cinnamon and nutmeg combo is fantastic, you can get creative by adding a touch of ginger, clove, or even a small pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Storage: Store your candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months if you want to make a large batch in advance.

Make ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead for parties, holidays, or any time you want a sweet treat on hand. You can also gift these candied pecans in mason jars, making them a great homemade present!

How to Use Candied Pecans

Candied pecans are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

Topping for Salads: Candied pecans are a fantastic addition to salads. Try them on a bed of mixed greens, spinach, or a spinach strawberry salad. They pair well with goat cheese, blue cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette.

In Baked Goods: Sprinkle candied pecans on top of cakes, muffins, or cookies. They add flavor, texture, and a beautiful presentation.

As a Snack: Simply enjoy them as they are! These candied pecans make the perfect on-the-go snack, great for parties, road trips, or just when you need a quick sweet bite.

In Breakfast: Add them to your morning oatmeal, yogurt, or cottage cheese for a sweet crunch that enhances your breakfast.

Gift Ideas: Pack them into a mason jar and tie it with a ribbon for a delicious homemade gift. Candied nuts make a thoughtful present for birthdays, holidays, or just as a treat for a friend or loved one.

Other Variations for Candied Pecans

While this recipe for Crock-Pot Candied Pecans is wonderful on its own, you can also adjust the flavor to suit your tastes. Here are some fun variations:

Spicy Candied Pecans: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sugar and spice mixture for a sweet and spicy kick. The combination of sweet and heat is irresistible!

Vanilla Candied Pecans: For an added layer of flavor, stir in vanilla extract before cooking the pecans in the slow cooker. The vanilla brings out a warm, fragrant aroma.

Cocoa Candied Pecans: If you love chocolate, sprinkle in some cocoa powder along with the cinnamon and nutmeg to create chocolate-flavored candied pecans.

Maple Candied Pecans: Substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. You can also add a touch of maple extract for extra flavor.

Why Make Candied Pecans in a Crock-Pot?

Using a slow cooker to make candied pecans is a great alternative to traditional stovetop recipes. Here’s why:

Set and Forget: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting for you. You can leave it to cook while you get other things done, without having to constantly stir and monitor the nuts.

Even Cooking: Slow cooking ensures the pecans are cooked evenly and gently, resulting in the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.

Final Thoughts on Crock-Pot Candied Pecans

Making Candied Pecans in a Crock-Pot couldn’t be easier or more delicious. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a sweet, crunchy snack that everyone will love. Whether you’re using them to top your morning oatmeal, add to a salad, or simply enjoy on their own, these candied pecans are sure to be a hit. Plus, you can easily customize them to suit your taste and even make a batch to give as a homemade gift.

Try this recipe for Crock-Pot Candied Pecans today, and you’ll see just how simple it is to create a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

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