If you’ve been searching for that perfect sweet and crunchy snack or topping that elevates any dish, then you’ll absolutely adore this Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of toasted pecans coated in luscious maple syrup, kissed with warm cinnamon, and finished with a pinch of salt for balance. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a versatile treat that’s irresistibly crunchy, sweetly spiced, and packed with flavor. Whether sprinkled over salads, stirred into oatmeal, or just enjoyed by the handful, these candied pecans are sure to become a pantry staple you reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the few ingredients fool you—each one is essential and brings something unique to this recipe. The pecans provide a satisfyingly crunchy base with natural richness, the pure maple syrup offers a deep, caramelized sweetness, cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic hint, and a pinch of salt perfectly balances all those flavors, making every bite sing.
- 1 cup pecan halves: Choose fresh, high-quality pecans for the best buttery crunch and flavor.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Pure maple syrup is key here for its rich sweetness and natural depth.
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, warm undertone that complements the maple beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness just perfectly.
How to Make Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Start by gently toasting the pecans in a medium skillet over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep stirring frequently so they toast evenly and don’t burn. This step brings out their natural oils and gives them that irresistible nutty aroma and deeper flavor that’s the foundation of this recipe.
Step 2: Add the Sweet and Spice Mixture
Next, pour in the pure maple syrup along with the ground cinnamon and a small pinch of salt directly into the skillet with the toasted pecans. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure every pecan begins to soak up the sweet and spiced goodness.
Step 3: Cook Until Coated
Continue cooking the mixture while stirring constantly for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want the maple syrup to thicken and become sticky enough to cling beautifully to each pecan, creating that glossy, irresistible candy coating. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn or harden too fast.
Step 4: Cool on Parchment
Once your pecans are perfectly coated and glistening, transfer them immediately to a piece of parchment paper. Spread them out evenly and allow them to cool completely. This cooling step lets the coating set up nicely, giving you that satisfying crackle when you bite in.
Step 5: Break Apart and Enjoy!
After cooling, separate any clusters gently with your fingers. These Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans are now ready to eat—whether solo as a snack or as a finishing touch over your favorite foods.
How to Serve Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
These candied pecans make a fabulous garnish for green salads, adding sweetness and crunch to leafy greens and creamy cheeses. They also shine atop warm desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or even pancakes, bringing a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Sprinkle these sweet pecans on roasted vegetables, especially Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, to create a mouthwatering side dish that bursts with flavor. They can even brighten up grain bowls or rice dishes with their rich, crunchy presence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the pecans in parfaits or overnight oats for a sweet surprise in every bite. They also make an adorable party snack when paired with cheese boards or as a topping for cocktails that call for a little something sweet and nutty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover candied pecans should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them crisp and fresh for up to two weeks, making them perfect to prep ahead for quick snacks or garnishes anytime you need.
Freezing
If you want to keep them even longer, these pecans freeze beautifully. Just place them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive their crunch after storage or freezing, gently warm the pecans in a dry skillet over low heat for a few minutes. This will bring back that fresh-toasted aroma and texture, making them taste just like new.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and offer a fantastic flavor, you can try walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly due to different nut textures and oil content.
Is it possible to make these without cinnamon?
Yes, you can leave out the cinnamon if you prefer a more straightforward sweet flavor. However, the cinnamon adds a lovely warm note that complements the maple syrup perfectly and is highly recommended.
How sticky are these candied pecans? Will they clump together?
They will be sticky while hot and may form clusters as they cool, but these are easy to break apart once fully set. The slight stickiness gives a pleasant chewiness that’s part of their charm.
Can I use artificial maple flavor instead of pure maple syrup?
Pure maple syrup is preferred for its authentic depth and natural sweetness, but in a pinch, you could try maple-flavored syrup. Keep in mind, the taste and texture won’t be quite the same.
How do I make these less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of maple syrup slightly or add a bit more salt to balance the sweetness. Just be careful not to alter the coating texture too much, which relies on the syrup’s sugar.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about homemade candied pecans, and this Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Recipe is such a simple way to create them with just a handful of ingredients and a small amount of time. Once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without their perfect balance of sweet, spice, and crunch at your fingertips. So go ahead—grab those pecans and start cooking; your taste buds are in for a real treat!
Print
Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans are a quick and delicious snack or topping that combines toasted pecans coated in a sweet and fragrant maple syrup glaze with a hint of cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Perfect for snacking, adding crunch to salads, or garnishing desserts.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: In a medium skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This step enhances the nutty flavor.
- Add Maple Syrup and Seasonings: Add the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the skillet with the toasted pecans. Stir well so all pecans are evenly coated.
- Cook to Coat: Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the maple syrup thickens and creates a sticky glaze that coats the pecans thoroughly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cool Pecans: Remove the skillet from the heat, then quickly spread the coated pecans out onto a piece of parchment paper to cool. This prevents clumping and allows the glaze to set.
- Serve: Once completely cooled and hardened, break apart any clusters and enjoy your candied pecans as a snack or topping.
Notes
- Use pure maple syrup for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Stir constantly during cooking with syrup to avoid burning and ensure even coating.
- Store cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with cinnamon.
- These pecans can be added to salads, oatmeal, or desserts for extra crunch and flavor.
