Mary'S Frosted Pecans
Crispy, sweet, and buttery pecans coated with a frosted sugar glaze, perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding crunch to desserts, appealing to those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat egg white and salt until stiff.
- Add sugar and mix thoroughly.
- Fold pecans into the mixture, coating well.
- Melt butter on a cookie sheet or pan.
- Spread coated pecans evenly over the melted butter.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 20 minutes, turning every 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and immediately put pecans in a paper bag, shaking to prevent sticking together.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, ensure the pecans are evenly coated and consider using light brown sugar for added depth of flavor. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be tasty substitutes. Keep an eye on the pecans while baking to avoid burning, as oven temperatures can vary. You can also enjoy these pecans as a topping for My Mother's Orange Cake.
Serving Suggestions
These frosted pecans make a delightful snack on their own or can be used as a topping for salads or desserts. They pair beautifully with Corn Pancakes or Waffles at breakfast, adding a sweet and crunchy element. For a festive touch, consider serving them during holiday gatherings or as part of a mixed nuts platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a month. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Frosted Pecans contains roughly 374 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1828mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
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 a substitute for egg white in this recipe?
Yes, you can use aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, as a vegan substitute for egg whites. Use three tablespoons of aquafaba to replace one egg white. Whip it until it reaches stiff peaks, just like you would with egg whites, to achieve similar results in coating the pecans.
How can I make these pecans less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the sugar by up to half without significantly impacting the texture. Additionally, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to balance the sweetness with a hint of heat, creating a more savory snack.
What can I serve with these frosted pecans?
These pecans can be served as a standalone snack or as an elegant topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt. They also complement savory dishes, making them a great addition to cheese boards. For a complete meal, try them alongside a fresh garden salad for added crunch and flavor.
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).