Candied Pecans: No Refined Sugar, Just Pure Flavor
Ella Dereza
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 perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, these nuts are not only delicious but also free from refined sugar, making them the ideal snack for any adventure or cozy afternoon at home. We love them, and I’m sure you will too!
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.