Spiced Glazed Pecans
Sweet and spicy glazed pecans with warm cinnamon and vanilla notes, perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping desserts, offering a delightful crunch and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly toast the pecans in the oven.
- Combine vanilla, cinnamon, salt, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring, cooking until it reaches the soft ball stage.
- Add the toasted pecans to the saucepan.
- Stir until the pecans are coated with the syrup.
- Spread the glazed pecans on waxed paper to cool.
- Separate the pecans into individual pieces as they cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or using brown sugar instead of white for a deeper caramel taste. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used as substitutes. Ensure the pecans are evenly toasted but not burnt, as burnt nuts can disrupt the sweetness of the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
These spiced glazed pecans make an excellent snack on their own or can be added to salads for a delightful crunch. They pair beautifully with the Easy Green Bean And Rice Salad For A Crowd, adding a sweet and nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle them over desserts like ice cream or yogurt for an added treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spiced glazed pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but make sure to allow them to return to room temperature before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Glazed Pecans contains roughly 178 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1764mg per serving (77% 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 make these glazed pecans ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these spiced glazed pecans ahead of time. They store well, and their flavor can develop further as they sit. Just ensure they are completely cooled before storing them in an airtight container.
What can I do if the syrup doesn’t coat the pecans well?
If the syrup doesn't coat the pecans well, return the mixture to low heat and stir gently until it becomes more fluid and adheres better to the nuts. Make sure not to overcook the syrup, as it may become too hard when cooled.
Can I use different nuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can use a variety of nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Just adjust the roasting time as needed, since different nuts have different cooking times.
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).