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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy.
- Add sweetener, spices, and salt. Whisk the mixture until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Add the pecans and gently toss to coat with a large spoon or spatula.
- Once coated, spoon the pecans onto the parchment paper. Spread pecans evenly over the baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes until pecans are toasted a golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely so the Swerve Sweetener hardens.
- 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:
6Serving 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.
FAQs
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 do you keep candied pecans from sticking together? ›
Under-cooking the pecans is the likely cause of stickiness, but the risk is low when they're oven-baked. After the sugar-coated nuts have darkened and turned very fragrant, about 20 minutes in the oven, stir the pecans and separate any pieces that have stuck together. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes.
How do you make candied pecans less sticky? ›
Let them continue to sit on the baking sheet until cool. They'll get less sticky as they cool.
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.
Why didn't my pecan candy harden? ›
If you beat too long, the candy will seize and start to crumble. If you don't beat it long enough, then pralines won't set properly and will stay soft and sticky. Work quickly to drop heaping tablespoons of pecan praline mixture onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Why are my glazed pecans sticky? ›
The pecans only take a few minutes to cook. If you walk away or don't stir constantly they could burn. The nuts will be sticky at first before they cool. If the glazed pecans remain sticky after cooling, transfer the baking sheet to a 325ºF oven for 5-15 minutes, or until they harden.
Why are my candied nuts grainy? ›
Recipe Notes
Do not stir the sugar with a spoon before adding the nuts, it will cause the sugar to crystalize and have a gritty unpleasant texture, if needed swirl the pan. Make sure to remove the skillet from the stove as soon as the sugar is golden brown.
Do candied pecans need to be refrigerated? ›
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Keep your candied pecans away from sources of heat and moisture. This means avoiding storing them near your stove, dishwasher, or even on top of your refrigerator. Instead, store them in a cool pantry or cupboard.
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 soak pecans in water? ›
"Essential nutrients like iron, protein, calcium, and zinc are better absorbed by the body when you soak the nuts. The water removes the phytic acid present in acids which causes indigestion. So, soaking nuts helps in digesting them properly and reaping the benefits of these nutrients.
Measurements and Substitutions
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.
Why are my pecans chewy? ›
Microwaving pecans can cause them to lose their freshness and flavor and may even give them a chewy texture, so it's best to let the pecans defrost on their own. Defrost the pecans right before you want to eat them or use them for cooking.
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.
Do candied nuts go bad? ›
Yes, candied nuts can go bad. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month for best results.
What is the best way to store candied nuts? ›
Storage Instructions: Candied nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for several weeks. Freezing Instructions: They freeze well in an air-tight container for up to two months.
How do you fix soggy nuts? ›
Spread the stale snacks out on a cookie sheet and place in a 350o F oven. Let them bake for about 10 minutes and then remove from the oven and let cool completely. Once cooled the snacks should be crispy and refreshed. You can use this method with fresh nuts like almonds, peanuts, walnuts, etc.
What if candied nuts are too soft? ›
If your candied pecans are soft, it is likely because the sugar syrup coating has not completely hardened. The syrup may still be wet, or it may have started to crystalize. If the syrup is still wet, you can try putting the nuts in the oven for a few minutes to help the syrup harden.
How do you crisp soggy nuts? ›
Heat a heavy-based pan over a medium heat. Toast the nuts for five minutes, or until they begin to colour. At this point, you can stop and serve them as they are, or you can flavour them with a variety of toppings.
How do you dry wet pecans? ›
Pecans often contain excessive moisture when they first fall. The nuts should be dried before they are put in storage. Drying can usually be accomplished by placing the pecans in a shallow layer in a warm, dry area for two weeks. Adding fans and heat can speed drying.