Swedish Pecans
Swedish Pecans are sweet, toasted nut clusters coated in caramelized sugar and egg whites, offering a crunchy, buttery treat perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast pecans in oven at 325° for 10 to 20 minutes or until light brown, stirring occasionally.
- Fold sugar and salt into beaten egg whites.
- Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Fold nuts into beaten egg whites.
- Place melted butter in the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Spread the nut mixture over the melted butter.
- Bake at 325° for 30 minutes or until nuts are coated and no butter remains in the pan, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Cool and break apart.
Tips & Substitutions
For perfectly toasted pecans, keep an eye on them as they can go from golden to burnt quickly. If you need a nut alternative, walnuts or almonds can work well in this recipe. Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference, and consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when beaten.
Serving Suggestions
These Swedish pecans are delightful on their own as a snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an interesting twist, try serving them over a salad or alongside a cheese platter for added crunch. They also make a great topping for ice cream or yogurt, enhancing desserts like Pao De Lo.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Swedish pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their freshness to about two weeks. Reheat them briefly in the oven at a low temperature to restore their crispiness before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Pecans contains roughly 290 calories, with 4g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 594mg per serving (26% 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 this recipe nut-free?
While the recipe is designed for pecans, you can substitute with roasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative. The texture will differ, but the sweet and crunchy element will remain. Just ensure to adjust baking times as needed based on the substitute used.
What can I do if my egg whites don't reach stiff peaks?
If your egg whites aren't whipping into stiff peaks, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease. Adding a pinch of cream of tartar can also help stabilize the egg whites. If all else fails, you can still mix the nuts with the sugar and egg whites for a less airy but still delicious result.
How should I store these pecans if I want to give them as gifts?
For gifting, package the cooled Swedish pecans in decorative jars or bags. To keep them fresh, include a small silica gel packet to absorb moisture. Seal tightly, and store in a cool, dry place. They can also be a lovely addition to homemade gift baskets, pairing well with other treats like low-fat creamed chicken sandwiches.
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).