Candied Nuts(Club Member: Jason Baldwin)
Candied nuts are a sweet, crunchy treat featuring glazed pecans coated in a caramelized sugar mixture infused with vanilla and cinnamon. Perfect for snacking, garnishing desserts, or gifting, they offer a delightful combination of sweetness and warm spice that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, cream, water, and vanilla in a saucepan.
- Cook the mixture to soft ball stage (about 234°F to 240°F or 112°C to 115°C).
- Add the pecans to the syrup and stir until the nuts are coated evenly.
- Pour the coated nuts onto wax paper and separate them with two forks to prevent sticking.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure even coating, stir the nuts gently but thoroughly in the syrup. If you want a different flavor, try using almond extract instead of vanilla. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the cinnamon. These candied nuts make a great topping for ice cream or can be incorporated into dessert recipes like Classic Coke Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these candied nuts as a sweet snack on their own or as an elegant topping for salads or desserts. They pair beautifully with creamy dishes, making them a great addition to Kaiser Macaroni Salad. You can also use them as a garnish for cheese boards or alongside fruit for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To maintain their crunch, avoid refrigerating them. If they lose some crunch, you can reheat them in a single layer on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candied Nuts(Club Member: Jason Baldwin) contains roughly 272 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each nut will give a different flavor and texture, but the process remains the same. Just be mindful of the cooking time as different nuts may caramelize at different rates.
What should I do if the syrup hardens?
If the syrup hardens too quickly, you can gently reheat it over low heat, stirring continuously until it becomes liquid again. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can lead to burnt sugar, which affects the flavor.
How can I make these nuts less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, try cutting back on the sugar by a quarter cup or incorporating a bit of sea salt to balance the flavors. You can also add more cinnamon or experiment with spices like nutmeg to enhance the taste without adding more sugar.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).