Description
These Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans are sweet, crunchy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla. Made on the stovetop with just a few ingredients, they make an easy, indulgent snack or a perfect topping for salads, oatmeal, or desserts. The maple syrup brings a warm, natural sweetness, while the cinnamon adds a comforting spice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups pecan halves (or any mixture of raw nuts like cashews and almonds)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Nuts: In a large skillet, add the pecan halves (or your chosen nuts) and heat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to warm them up slightly. This will help them absorb the syrup better.
- Make the Candied Coating: Pour the maple syrup over the nuts and stir to coat them evenly. Add the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sea salt, continuing to stir to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
- Cook the Pecans: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 6-8 minutes, or until the syrup thickens slightly and the nuts become caramelized and glossy. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Cool and Set: Once the pecans are coated and candied, remove the skillet from the heat. Spread the pecans out in a single layer on a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to cool. They will firm up as they cool.
- Serve and Store: After the pecans have cooled completely, they’re ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- Nuts: Feel free to mix up the nuts based on what you have on hand. Cashews, almonds, or walnuts all work great in this recipe.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid pancake syrup, which is often thinner and sweeter but lacks the richness of pure maple.
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer your candied nuts a bit sweeter, you can increase the amount of maple syrup by a tablespoon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes