Ginger-Spiced Candied Pecans

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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These Ginger-Spiced Candied Pecans are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, with a warming kick of ginger that makes them ideal for the cooler months. Whether you're looking for a delightful snack or a special homemade gift, these pecans are sure to impress.

Ingredients for Ginger-Spiced Candied Pecans

Pecan halves serve as the crunchy base, absorbing the delicious spice mixture. Granulated sugar is the main sweetening agent, caramelizing to give the pecans a glossy finish. Water helps dissolve the sugar and create a syrup. Ground ginger adds a warm, spicy note that sets this recipe apart. Ground cinnamon and ground cloves enhance the depth with their aromatic flavors. Salt balances the sweetness and boosts flavor. Unsalted butter adds richness and helps the coating stick. Finally, vanilla extract rounds out the flavor with a sweet, floral note.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
  • To avoid clumping, make sure to stir the pecans halfway through baking.
  • Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

These candied pecans are fantastic on their own, but you can also sprinkle them over a fresh green salad, add them to a charcuterie board for a sweet contrast, or use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt for an indulgent dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would also work well with this spice blend.
How do I prevent the nuts from sticking together?
Stir them well when spreading on the baking sheet and during baking to ensure even coating and separation.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent it from becoming too salty.

Ginger-Spiced Candied Pecans Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your oven preheated to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure the pecans don't stick and makes for easy cleanup.

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to help the sugar dissolve.

Once boiling, stir in the ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is well mixed; you'll see it start to smell amazing as the spices bloom in the heat.

Add your pecan halves to the saucepan, stirring continuously. Coat those pecans well, until the mixture begins to thicken and cling to the nuts.

Now, stir in the butter and vanilla extract. The butter adds a nice sheen and richness, while the vanilla gives it that little extra something.

Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This helps them bake evenly.

Bake them for about 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and fragrant.

Let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They'll crisp up as they cool, becoming the perfect snack or gift.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors.
  • Great for gifts, snacks, or as a topping for desserts and salads.
  • Customizable spice levels to suit your taste.

Ingredients

2 cups pecan halves
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water, bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Stir in ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt, ensuring everything is well mixed.
4. Add pecan halves to the saucepan, stirring continuously until pecans are evenly coated and the mixture begins to thicken.
5. Stir in butter and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
6. Spread pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until pecans are golden brown and fragrant.
8. Allow pecans to cool completely before serving or storing.

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