Pecan Sweets
Sweet, crunchy pecan treats coated in cinnamon and sugar, perfect for snacking or gifting, appealing to those who love nutty, caramelized flavors with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat egg white until stiff.
- Add pecans and stir until all are coated.
- Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the mixture over the coated pecans and mix well.
- Spread pecans on a cookie sheet sprayed with Pam.
- Bake at 225°F for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider using toasted pecans. If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can increase the sugar slightly or substitute brown sugar for a richer taste. Make sure to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks for the best coating. If you're looking for variations, try adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
These pecan sweets are perfect as a snack or dessert and pair beautifully with a warm cup of Cafe Au Lait. They also make an excellent topping for desserts like Cinnamon Pumpkin Pie or can be used as a crunchy element in Miniature Tea Tarts. Enjoy them on their own or alongside a cheese platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pecan sweets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven until just crisp again, about 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Sweets contains roughly 938 calories, with 10g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (25% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 614mg per serving (27% 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 other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly based on the nut you choose. Make sure to adjust the baking time if you use larger nuts.
What can I do if my egg whites don't whip to stiff peaks?
If your egg whites aren't reaching stiff peaks, make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and free of grease. Adding a pinch of cream of tartar can help stabilize them. If all else fails, you may need to start with fresh eggs, as older eggs may not whip as well.
How can I make these pecan sweets more festive?
To make these pecan sweets more festive, consider adding holiday spices like nutmeg or cloves to the sugar mixture. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pecans or sprinkle with edible gold dust for a luxurious touch during celebrations.
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).