Sugar Pecans
Sweet and crunchy sugar pecans coated with warm spices, perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a festive touch to desserts, appealing to both casual and holiday treat lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat lightly the egg white and cold water.
- Mix together brown sugar, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Turn pecan halves in egg white mixture.
- Then turn in sugar mixture.
- Spread on ungreased cookie sheet in a single layer.
- Bake at 250°F for 50 minutes.
- Remove from cookie sheet and cool on wax paper in a single layer.
- Freeze well; makes wonderful Christmas gifts for friends.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider toasting the pecans lightly before coating them. If you run out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. For a twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pecans.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar pecans make a delightful snack on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with holiday cheese platters or salads. Try them sprinkled over a Spinach Casserole With Water Chestnuts for added texture. They also make fantastic gifts during the holiday season, beautifully packaged in jars or festive bags.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled sugar pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to extend their freshness, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just ensure they're completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar Pecans contains roughly 329 calories, with 3g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1795mg per serving (78% 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, but keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly. Both alternatives will hold the sugar coating well, and walnuts will provide a richer taste due to their oil content.
How do I make these sugar pecans less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can cut back on the sugar by 1/4 cup and increase the salt slightly to balance the flavors. Alternatively, using unsweetened cocoa powder in the sugar mixture can add depth without additional sweetness.
Can I make these sugar pecans vegan?
Yes, you can replace the egg white with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or a flax egg. For a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. This will help bind the sugar to the nuts.
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).