Spiced Maple Candied Pecans

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 18 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Spiced Maple Candied Pecans are a delightful treat that marries the rich flavors of maple syrup with a hint of spice. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as an everyday snack, these pecans hit the sweet spot between sweet and savory with a touch of warmth.

Ingredients for Spiced Maple Candied Pecans

Pecans are the star here, providing a rich, buttery base with a satisfying crunch. Maple syrup gives these nuts their sweet coating with a natural depth of flavor. Light brown sugar adds a hint of molasses and helps caramelize everything. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice, while a touch of cayenne pepper brings a subtle heat that sneaks up on you. Salt balances the sweetness, and unsalted butter makes everything silky and irresistible.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly bought pecans for the best flavor and crunch.
  • If you prefer milder heat, reduce the cayenne pepper to a pinch.
  • Keep a close eye on them in the oven to prevent burning; ovens can vary in temperature.

Serving Suggestions

These candied pecans are perfect for topping salads, adding to cheese boards, or simply enjoying on their own. For a fun twist, sprinkle them over a bowl of vanilla ice cream. They're also a wonderful addition to breakfast oats or yogurt for a crunchy kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Yes, but it will add a stronger molasses flavor, which might overpower the maple syrup.
How do I store these pecans?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag and thaw at room temperature before eating.

Spiced Maple Candied Pecans Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking. Then, grab a medium saucepan and combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and salt. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring often until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer gently.

Next, add the butter to the saucepan. Stir until it melts completely, creating a lush, cohesive syrup. Now, toss in the pecans. Stir them around to ensure each piece gets an even coating of the sweet, spicy syrup.

Spread the pecans in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This helps them bake evenly without clumping together. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Stir them halfway through to ensure they toast evenly and soak up all the delicious syrup.

Once they're golden and fragrant, remove the pecans from the oven. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet; the syrup will harden as they cool, giving them that classic candied crunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients for maximum flavor impact.
  • The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty.
  • Great for gifting or keeping all to yourself!

Ingredients

2 cups pecan halves
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp unsalted butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers.
3. Add butter and stir until melted.
4. Add pecans to the saucepan, ensuring they are well-coated with the syrup mixture.
5. Spread pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, stirring halfway through, until pecans are golden and fragrant.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet, allowing the syrup to harden.

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