Introduction

Looking for a delicious, sweet, and slightly savory snack that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans are the answer! With their rich maple syrup coating and a dash of cinnamon and sea salt, these candied pecans are irresistible. The best part? They come together quickly on the stovetop, requiring no oven time and minimal effort.

These pecans are crunchy, slightly sweet, and full of warm, cozy spices. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping off your favorite salads, desserts, or oatmeal, they’re incredibly versatile and sure to please a crowd. The rich flavor of pure maple syrup, combined with the fragrant cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt, elevates the natural taste of the nuts, creating a sweet-salty balance that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a new treat to make for guests, or craving a simple snack, these Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans are the ideal solution.

Plus, they’re easily customizable! Add other spices like nutmeg or cloves, or even experiment with different types of nuts to create your own variation. Once you make a batch, it’s hard not to keep making more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – These candied pecans are made on the stovetop in less than 15 minutes, making them a fast and convenient treat.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty – The maple syrup provides natural sweetness, while the cinnamon and sea salt add warmth and depth, creating a flavor combination that’s truly addicting.
Versatile – These pecans are perfect for snacking, but they can also be used to top salads, oatmeal, yogurt, or even desserts like ice cream or pies.
Customizable – You can switch up the nuts (try cashews, almonds, or walnuts) or add extra spices (like nutmeg or cloves) to personalize the recipe to your taste.
Perfect for Gifting – Package these candied pecans in a cute jar or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift. They make a delicious holiday or special occasion present.

Ingredients

Pecan halves (or a mixture of raw nuts like cashews and almonds)
Pure maple syrup
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Sea salt

Variations

Nut Mix: Experiment with different nuts or a combination of cashews, almonds, and walnuts along with the pecans to create your own custom nut blend.
Spiced Maple Candied Pecans: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon for a deeper, spicier flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once the pecans are cooled, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top for an extra decadent treat.
Orange Zest: Add a small amount of orange zest for a citrusy twist to complement the maple flavor.
Sugar-Free Version: For a lower-sugar option, substitute the maple syrup with a sugar-free syrup or a combination of stevia and water. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Nuts

Place the pecan halves (or your chosen mixture of nuts) in a large skillet over medium heat. Toast the nuts for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to smell fragrant and become slightly golden. Be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.

Step 2: Add Maple Syrup and Spices

Reduce the heat to low, and add the pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt to the pan. Stir well to ensure the syrup and spices coat the nuts evenly.

Step 3: Simmer the Mixture

Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The maple syrup will start to thicken slightly, and the nuts will become coated with a glossy, fragrant glaze. Continue stirring to make sure the syrup doesn’t burn or stick to the pan.

Step 4: Cool the Nuts

Once the syrup has thickened and the nuts are well coated, remove the skillet from the heat. Spread the candied pecans out onto a piece of parchment paper or a baking sheet to cool. The syrup will harden slightly as it cools, creating that perfect candy coating.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pecans have cooled to room temperature, serve them immediately as a snack, or store them in an airtight container for later. Enjoy on their own, or use them as a topping for salads, desserts, or breakfast dishes!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Monitor the Heat: Keep the heat low once the syrup is added. High heat can cause the syrup to burn quickly, ruining the flavor and texture of the pecans.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Make sure the nuts are in a single layer in the skillet to ensure even toasting and coating.
Cool on Parchment Paper: Cooling the candied pecans on parchment paper helps prevent them from sticking to the surface, making cleanup easier.
Watch the Syrup: If the syrup hasn’t thickened by the time the nuts are well coated, you can cook it for another minute or two. However, be careful not to let it cook too long or it may become too hard when it cools.
Make a Bigger Batch: This recipe is easy to scale up. Just make sure to adjust the pan size so you can toast the nuts in a single layer for best results.

How to Serve

Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Snack: Enjoy them straight from the bowl for a quick and satisfying treat.
In Salads: Add them to leafy greens, arugula, or spinach salads for an added crunch and burst of sweetness.
On Desserts: Top cakes, ice cream, or pies with candied pecans for an extra layer of flavor.
In Oatmeal or Yogurt: Sprinkle them on top of oatmeal or yogurt for a delicious, nutritious breakfast.
As a Gift: Package these candied pecans in a jar or tin to give to friends and family. They make for a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy, perfect for snacking anytime.

Freezing

You can also freeze these pecans for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If the pecans become soft after storing, you can reheat them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

FAQs

1. Can I use other nuts for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with cashews, almonds, walnuts, or any nut of your choice. Each nut will bring its own unique flavor and texture.

2. Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use pure maple syrup. Maple-flavored syrup contains artificial flavors and additives that may alter the taste and texture of the candied pecans.

3. Can I make these nuts sugar-free?

Yes, you can substitute the maple syrup with a sugar-free syrup or use a combination of stevia and water. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to achieve the right consistency.

4. How do I know when the syrup is thick enough?

The syrup should become slightly thick and sticky, coating the nuts in a glossy layer. If the syrup is too thin, let it cook for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly.

5. Can I add more spices to these pecans?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to customize the flavor to your liking.

6. Are these candied pecans keto-friendly?

Yes, as long as you use a sugar-free maple syrup or a low-carb sweetener, these candied pecans can be made keto-friendly.

7. How can I make this recipe vegan?

Simply replace the butter with coconut oil, and the recipe will be vegan-friendly.

8. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe if you want to make a larger batch. Just make sure to use a bigger skillet or cook in batches.

9. Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?

While maple syrup gives these pecans their signature flavor, you can substitute with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar-free syrup if you prefer.

10. Can I add chocolate to these candied pecans?

Yes, after the pecans have cooled, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over them for a decadent twist.

Conclusion

Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy. Easy to make and highly versatile, these candied nuts are great for snacking, gifting, or adding a festive touch to your holiday table. Whether you’re craving a simple treat or looking to top your favorite dishes with a little extra flavor, these pecans are sure to become a go-to recipe. Enjoy the warmth of cinnamon, the richness of maple syrup, and the irresistible crunch of pecans, all with minimal effort and maximum flavor!