As a family who loves snacking on nuts, we’ve always made sure to enjoy them in a healthier way—especially during our road trips through sunny Spain, where we live now. I’ve never been a fan of store-bought sugary nuts loaded with salt and additives. That’s why I created this unique recipe for Candied Pecans with a smokey flavor. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, these nuts are not only delicious but also free from refined sugar, making them the ideal snack. We love them, and I’m sure you will too!
Ingredients for Candied Pecans
- 2 cups raw pecans
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 (or 1/3) teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 (or 1/3) teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Stir until well mixed.
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Add the raw pecans to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
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Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure the pecans caramelize evenly and don’t burn. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfectly toasted to overdone quickly.
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Once the pecans are golden brown and caramelized, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. The syrup will harden as they cool, creating a crunchy, smokey coating.
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Enjoy these caramelized smokey pecans as a snack, salad topping, or a flavorful addition to any dish!
Nutrition from Nature: 8 Healthiest Nuts You Should Be Eating
Tips for the Best Candied Pecans
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Stir Frequently While Roasting: Stir the pecans every 5 minutes to ensure they caramelize evenly and don’t burn. This will help the syrup coat the pecans uniformly and prevent overcooking on one side.
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Watch the Oven Closely: Pecans can go from perfectly roasted to overdone quickly. Keep a close eye on them during the final few minutes. They should be golden brown and crisp, but not dark or charred.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pecans: Spread the pecans in a single layer on your baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause uneven roasting, and they might not crisp up as well.
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Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the pecans to cool on the baking sheet. The syrup will harden as they cool, creating a crunchy, caramelized coating.
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Customize the Flavors: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat or a dash of vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness. You can also experiment with other spices like nutmeg, or even ginger for unique variations.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and high-quality maple syrup make a huge difference in the flavor. If possible, opt for organic, pure maple syrup for the best taste.
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Store Properly: Keep your caramelized pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay fresh and crunchy, but avoid storing them in a humid environment as that may soften the caramelization.
Serving Ideas for Candied Smokey Pecans
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On Their Own
Enjoy these candied pecans as a standalone snack. Their sweet, savory, and smoky flavor is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night snack. -
Salad Topping
Add a crunchy, flavorful touch to your salads. These pecans pair beautifully with mixed greens, arugula, goat cheese, cranberries, or even a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. -
With Cheese and Charcuterie
Elevate your cheese board by serving these candied pecans alongside a selection of cheeses, cured meats, and crackers. They make a great complement to sharp cheeses like cheddar or brie. -
In Baking
Sprinkle them over your favorite baked goods, like muffins, cakes, or bread, for an extra layer of flavor and texture. They also make a great topping for pies and tarts. -
Granola or Oatmeal
Stir them into homemade granola or sprinkle them over a bowl of warm oatmeal for added crunch and flavor. -
Gift Idea
Package these pecans in a mason jar or decorative tin and give them as a thoughtful, homemade gift. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or as a “just because” treat! -
With Ice Cream or Yogurt
Add them as a topping on ice cream, frozen yogurt, or parfaits for a sweet and crunchy contrast to creamy textures. -
Trail Mix
Mix them with dried fruits, chocolate chips, or other nuts to make a delicious and energizing homemade trail mix.
FAQ
Q1. How long do candied pecans stay fresh? Caramelized pecans can stay fresh for up to 1 week if stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness.
Q2. Can I use a different nut for this recipe? Absolutely! While this recipe is specifically for pecans, you can easily substitute with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Just keep in mind that different nuts may have slightly different roasting times.
Q3. Can I make these pecans ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They’re perfect for meal prep, making them a great addition to salads or snacks throughout the week.
Q4. Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup? Yes, you can substitute honey, agave syrup, or coconut nectar if you prefer. Keep in mind that these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor, but they will still provide that wonderful sweetness.
Q5. Can I freeze caramelized pecans? While it’s best to enjoy them fresh for optimal crunch, you can freeze caramelized pecans. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
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Try These Candied Smokey Pecans Today!
Now that you have this simple and delicious recipe, it’s time to make your own batch of Candied Pecans with a Smokey Flavor! Whether you enjoy them as a snack, add them to salads, or pack them for road trips, they’re sure to become a favorite.
💬 Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how you liked it! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who love healthy, flavorful snacks.
📸 Tag me on social media! If you make these, snap a picture and tag me—I’d love to see your creations!
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Candied Pecans: No Refined Sugar, Just Pure Flavor
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 baking tray
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw pecans
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (or 1/3 tsp)
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (or 1/3 tsp)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Stir until well mixed, creating a flavorful coating for the pecans.
- Add the raw pecans to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure the pecans caramelize evenly and don’t burn. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfectly toasted to overdone quickly.
- Once the pecans are golden brown and caramelized, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. The syrup will harden as they cool, creating a crunchy, smokey coating.
- Enjoy these caramelized smokey pecans as a snack, salad topping, or a flavorful addition to any dish!
Notes
- These values are estimates and can vary depending on the exact brand or type of ingredients used (e.g., the soy sauce or maple syrup you choose).
- The sugars are mostly coming from the maple syrup, which is a natural sweetener and part of the refined-sugar-free appeal of the recipe.
Nutrition