Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make a delicious, sweet treat, Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans are the perfect solution. These delightful nuts offer a rich, caramelized flavor with the warm, earthy sweetness of pure maple syrup, complemented by a hint of cinnamon. Made in just 15 minutes with minimal ingredients, they are the perfect snack for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a flavorful treat.

These pecans are the ideal balance of sweet and nutty, making them an excellent addition to salads, desserts, or enjoyed on their own as a snack. The best part? They require no oven, which means less time spent in the kitchen and more time savoring this irresistible snack. With the combination of maple syrup and cinnamon, these candied pecans will leave you wanting more with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans are easy to make, requiring just a few pantry staples and a simple stovetop technique. The result is a batch of crunchy, sweet, and perfectly spiced nuts that are addictively good. The rich flavor of pure maple syrup is the star of this recipe, infusing each pecan with a delicious, sweet glaze. The addition of cinnamon gives these nuts an extra layer of warmth and spice, making them the perfect seasonal treat for fall and winter. Whether you serve them as a snack or use them as a topping for oatmeal or desserts, they’re sure to impress.

Ingredients

• Pecan halves
• Pure maple syrup
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Variations

While the classic stovetop maple candied pecans are perfect as is, there are plenty of ways to switch it up to suit your taste:

• Spice It Up: Add a dash of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the cinnamon for a spiced-up version.
• Sweetener Swap: If you’re not a fan of maple syrup, try using honey or agave syrup as a substitute.
• Add a Crunch: For extra texture, try adding a handful of crushed sea salt or chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds along with the pecans.
• Make It Salty: Increase the pinch of salt to balance the sweetness for a sweet-and-salty flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

In a medium skillet, place the pecan halves and toast them over medium heat. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly toasted and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Maple Syrup and Spices

Once the pecans are toasted, add the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the pecans are evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook Until Candied

Continue cooking the pecans, stirring constantly, for about 3-5 minutes. The maple syrup will begin to thicken, creating a sugary glaze that coats the pecans.

Step 4: Cool the Pecans

Once the pecans are coated and the syrup has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Spread the candied pecans out on a piece of parchment paper to cool.

Step 5: Break Apart and Enjoy

Once the pecans have cooled and the syrup has hardened, break apart any clumps and enjoy your homemade candied pecans!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Stir Frequently: Stir the pecans constantly while cooking to ensure the syrup doesn’t burn and the pecans are evenly coated.
• Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on the heat level. If the syrup starts to bubble too aggressively or burn, lower the heat to avoid overcooking the pecans.
• Cool Properly: Make sure to let the pecans cool completely before storing them to prevent them from becoming too sticky.
• Non-stick Skillet: Using a non-stick skillet can make it easier to prevent the syrup from sticking and burning.

How to Serve

Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways:

• As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a quick and delicious snack during the day.
• In Salads: Add them to salads for a sweet crunch, especially paired with greens, cheese, and vinaigrette.
• With Desserts: Sprinkle them on top of ice cream, yogurt, or pies for extra flavor and texture.
• Oatmeal: Top your morning oatmeal or cereal with these candied pecans for a sweet start to the day.
• Gifts: Package them in a cute jar or bag for a homemade gift that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Be sure they are completely cool before storing to prevent any condensation, which could make them sticky.

Freezing

You can also freeze these pecans for up to 3 months. Store them in a freezer-safe airtight container, and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Reheating

If the candied pecans lose their crunch after storing, reheat them in the skillet over low heat for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

FAQs

1. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts can be substituted for pecans in this recipe. Both nuts will work well with the maple syrup and cinnamon glaze.

2. Can I make these candied pecans in the oven instead?

While this recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, you can also bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.

3. How do I know when the pecans are done cooking?

The pecans are done when the maple syrup has thickened and is coating the nuts in a shiny glaze. Be sure not to overcook, as the syrup can burn.

4. Can I use sugar substitutes in place of maple syrup?

If you prefer a sugar substitute, you can use honey or agave syrup, but the flavor profile will change slightly.

5. How do I keep the pecans from clumping together?

Spread the pecans out on parchment paper as soon as they are done cooking. If any clumps form, gently break them apart once they’ve cooled.

6. Can I add other spices to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with adding nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom for different flavor variations.

7. Can I make this recipe with salted pecans?

If you’re using salted pecans, you can skip the pinch of salt, or use less to avoid making the final product too salty.

8. How long do these candied pecans last?

These candied pecans will last up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

9. Can I make a larger batch?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch, just make sure your skillet is big enough to hold the extra ingredients.

10. Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

Pure maple syrup will give the best flavor, but you can use maple-flavored syrup if that’s what you have on hand.

Conclusion

Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans are a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday snack or adding them to salads or desserts, these candied pecans are sure to impress with their rich sweetness and warm, spiced flavor. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can make this irresistible snack in no time and enjoy it for days to come!

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