Candy Coated Pecans
Sweet, crunchy pecans coated in a citrus‑spiced caramel glaze, perfect for snacking or as a festive garnish on desserts. Ideal for holiday parties or a quick treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar and cinnamon together.
- Add the mixture to milk and water.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until a soft ball forms in the water.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and pecans.
- Spread the mixture onto wax paper to cool.
- Break into pieces when cold; store in the freezer if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh pecans and ensure they are chopped evenly for consistent coating. You can substitute the milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option. If you prefer a sweeter or spicier flavor, adjust the sugar or cinnamon to your taste. Stir continuously to prevent burning, especially as the mixture thickens. This recipe is perfect for holiday gifting or as a crunchy topping for Oatmeal Wheaties.
Serving Suggestions
Candy coated pecans make a delightful snack on their own or can be used as a topping for salads, particularly with a spinach base. They pair beautifully with Creamed Sugar Snap Peas And Carrots for a colorful side dish. For a sweet treat, serve them alongside coffee or as part of a dessert platter with other candies and cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover candy coated pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable freezer bag. To enjoy them again, simply allow them to come to room temperature; no reheating is necessary as they maintain their crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candy Coated Pecans contains roughly 641 calories, with 10g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each nut will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the candy coating, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or what you have on hand.
What should I do if my sugar mixture crystallizes?
If the sugar mixture crystallizes, it may be due to stirring too aggressively or introducing moisture. To fix this, you can try adding a few drops of water and gently reheating the mixture until it dissolves again, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth consistency.
Can I add other flavors to the coating?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg, a splash of maple syrup, or even a few drops of almond extract along with the vanilla. These additions can elevate the taste profile and make your candy coated pecans even more unique.
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).