Easy Maple Candied Pecans

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Candied pecans don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. This easy maple candied pecans recipe gives you crunchy, caramelized nuts in under 30 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients. Perfect for topping salads, gifting in jars, or simply snacking by the handful, these little bites are dangerously addictive.

Made with real maple syrup and warm cinnamon, these pecans get a deep, rich flavor that tastes like the holidays. You won’t need any refined sugar or complicated candy thermometers here. Everything toasts up beautifully in one skillet, making cleanup just as sweet as the final result.

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What Kind of Pecans Work Best for Candied Pecans?

Raw, unsalted pecan halves are ideal for this recipe. They allow the maple and cinnamon coating to soak in and create a crisp glaze as they toast. Pre-roasted or salted pecans can affect both the texture and flavor. If you only have roasted pecans on hand, be sure to adjust the cook time to prevent over-browning.

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Ingredients for the Easy Maple Candied Pecans

Pecan halves – Use fresh, raw pecans so they absorb the maple coating and toast to golden perfection.

Maple syrup – Real maple syrup gives these pecans a rich, naturally sweet glaze with notes of caramel and vanilla.

Coconut sugar or brown sugar – Adds a deep molasses-like flavor and helps crystallize the coating.

Cinnamon – A cozy spice that balances the sweetness and brings warmth to each bite.

Sea salt – Just a pinch enhances the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.

Vanilla extract – Optional, but adds a lovely aromatic touch to the glaze.

Butter (or vegan butter) – Helps coat the pecans evenly and gives the glaze a silky finish.

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How To Make the Easy Maple Candied Pecans

Step 1: Prep Your Skillet

Start by placing a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Allow it to warm up for a minute before adding your butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, you’re ready to build flavor.

Step 2: Add the Sweetness

Pour in the maple syrup, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir everything together until it begins to bubble and thicken slightly—about 2 to 3 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract here if you’re using it.

Step 3: Toss in the Pecans

Add the raw pecan halves into the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the sticky syrup mixture. Be sure each piece is well coated for an even candy glaze.

Step 4: Stir and Toast

Continue cooking and stirring the pecans for 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll notice the syrup thickening and clinging to the nuts. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the sugars. Stir frequently to prevent any sticking.

Step 5: Cool and Crisp

Once the pecans are glazed and lightly toasted, remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately transfer the pecans onto a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Use a fork to separate any clumps and allow them to cool completely. As they cool, the glaze will harden into a beautiful candied shell.

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How to Serve and Store These Maple Candied Pecans

These maple candied pecans are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm for an irresistible snack, or let them cool and sprinkle over salads for a sweet crunch. They make an amazing topping for oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, or even baked brie. Want a quick edible gift? Just pack them into mason jars with a festive ribbon.

For storage, once they’re completely cooled, transfer the pecans to an airtight container. They’ll stay crisp at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 weeks or freeze them for up to 2 months—just bring them to room temp before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep candied pecans from becoming sticky?

Make sure to cook the syrup mixture long enough so it thickens and starts to crystallize slightly. Letting the pecans fully cool and harden on parchment paper is key for a crisp finish.

Can I use other nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! This method works well with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Just be sure to adjust the cook time depending on the nut’s size and oil content.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap in vegan butter and double-check that your sugar and maple syrup are certified vegan. The result is just as delicious.

Why did my candied pecans turn out bitter?

Bitterness can come from overcooking or using pre-roasted nuts. Always use raw pecans and keep an eye on the heat so the sugars don’t burn.

Can I bake these instead of using a skillet?

Yes, you can bake them at 300°F for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just note the texture will be slightly different from skillet-made.

Do I need a candy thermometer?

Nope! This is a simple, no-fuss recipe that doesn’t require any special equipment. Just watch the syrup and stir regularly.

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Want More Snack Ideas with a Sweet Twist?

If these maple candied pecans made your taste buds happy, you’ll want to check out a few more sweet snackable favorites from the blog:

• No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies for a chewy southern-style treat.
• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites when you’re craving something light, fruity, and frozen.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding for a layered dessert that’s perfect for parties.
• Reese’s Cheese Ball if you’re into the sweet-salty combo with peanut butter bliss.
• Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls when you want your breakfast to double as dessert.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack board so you always have it on hand.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you stick with maple or add a twist of bourbon? Did you try them on a salad or eat them straight off the pan?

I love seeing your delicious takes. You can also find more everyday recipes and inspiration on my Pinterest at Life with Nina.

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