5.0 (5 reviews)
Spiced Pecans
Sweet and spicy candied pecans with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Perfect for gifts, parties, or snacking! Gluten-free treat.
I used to stop at those airport nut stands every time I flew, drawn in by the warm smell of cinnamon and roasted nuts. After paying premium prices one too many times, I decided to recreate that experience at home. These spiced pecans have that same sweet-and-savory magic, but they cost a fraction of the price and taste even better because you made them yourself. Give them a try and you'll see why they've become my go-to gift and snack.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Spiced Pecans
- The egg white coating creates a light, crispy shell that holds the sugar and spices without any greasy residue.
- The low oven temperature of 275°F lets the pecans toast evenly without burning, so you get a deep, nutty flavor.
- This easy recipe comes together in about an hour with just one bowl and a baking sheet, and the results rival any gourmet nut shop.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Spiced Pecans
- Pecan halves: Use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor. You can substitute walnuts or almonds, but adjust the baking time.
- Egg white: This is the secret to a crisp coating. It binds the sugar and spices without adding fat, so don't skip it.
- Granulated sugar: White sugar gives a clean sweetness and helps create that crackly shell. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but it may affect the texture.
Kitchen Tools for Making Spiced Pecans
- Jelly roll pan or baking sheet with sides to keep the pecans from rolling off
- Aluminum foil and parchment paper for easy cleanup and cooling
- Large mixing bowl and whisk to combine the coating
- Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
Tips for Making the Best Spiced Pecans
- Stir the pecans every 10 minutes during baking to ensure even coating and prevent any spots from burning.
- Keep an eye on them near the end; ovens vary, and they're done when lightly browned, not dark.
- Let them cool completely on parchment paper before storing, or they'll stick together.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Coated Spiced Pecans
- Whisk the egg white, water, and spices together until frothy before adding the pecans, so the coating clings evenly.
- Spread the pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet; overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of crisp.
- If your oven runs hot, start checking at 45 minutes to avoid over-browning.
Spiced Pecan Variations to Try
- Spicy Spiced Pecans: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper along with the other spices for a sweet-heat combo.
- Maple Pecans: Replace the sugar with 1/2 cup maple syrup and reduce the water to 1 tablespoon, but note the baking time may need adjustment.
- Pumpkin Spice Pecans: Substitute the cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.
- Savory Pecans: Omit the sugar and add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for a savory snack.
What to Serve with Spiced Pecans
- Serve them as a snack on their own, or sprinkle over a salad for a sweet crunch.
- They pair well with cheese boards, especially sharp cheddar or blue cheese.
- For a festive touch, add a few to a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
How to Store Leftover Spiced Pecans
Once the pecans have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They'll stay fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you live in a humid climate, you might want to store them in the refrigerator to keep them crisp longer.
Can You Freeze Spiced Pecans?
Spiced pecans freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, pressing out as much air as possible. They'll keep for up to three months. To serve, let them come to room temperature on the counter; they'll crisp up again as they thaw.
How to Re-Crisp Spiced Pecans
If your pecans lose their crunch after storage, you can re-crisp them in a 275°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet and warm them just until they're fragrant, then let them cool completely. This will restore their crisp texture without burning the sugar coating.
Source recipe: Spiced Pecans (SnapChef ID 51f62bad-ba2e-40f8-afc1-35cf291c2245). Nutrition is estimated per serving.
Recipe
Spiced Pecans
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
- Combine sugar, all the spices, water, and egg white in a bowl and mix well.
- Add pecans and stir until they are well coated.
- Spread out coated pecans on a lightly greased foil lined jelly roll pan or baking sheet.
- Bake at 275 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. (Keep an eye on them in case your oven cooks hot and they take less time. They will lightly brown, but you don't want them to get too dark.)
- Remove the pecans from the baking sheet and spread them out on waxed or parchment paper to cool.
- When the pecans have cooled, store them in an airtight container.
Notes
- Serve them as a snack on their own, or sprinkle over a salad for a sweet crunch. They pair well with cheese boards, especially sharp cheddar or blue cheese. For a festive touch, add a few to a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
- Once the pecans have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They'll stay fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you live in a humid climate, you might want to store them in the refrigerator to keep them crisp longer.
Nutrition per serving, estimated
| Calories | 189 kcal | 9% DV |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g | 4% DV |
| Fat | 17 g | 22% DV |
| Carbs | 8 g | 3% DV |
| Fiber | 2 g | 7% DV |
| Sugar | 5 g | — |
| Sodium | 38 mg | 0% DV |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need to use egg white in spiced pecans?
The egg white acts as a binder that dries into a crisp, light shell as the pecans bake. It holds the sugar and spices in place without adding fat, so the coating stays crunchy instead of greasy. You can't substitute oil or butter and get the same texture.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Keep in mind that different nuts have different moisture and oil content, so you may need to adjust the baking time. Check for doneness by looking for a light golden color and a fragrant aroma.
How do I know when the spiced pecans are done?
The pecans are done when they are lightly browned and smell toasted. They will continue to crisp as they cool, so don't overbake. Start checking at 50 minutes, and if your oven runs hot, they may be ready earlier.
Why are my spiced pecans sticky after cooling?
Sticky pecans usually mean they weren't baked long enough or they were stored before fully cooling. Make sure they are completely cool and crisp before putting them in an airtight container. If they're still sticky, you can return them to the oven for a few more minutes.
