Vegan candied pecans are the perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and nutty, making them a delicious snack or topping for all kinds of dishes. Whether you’re sprinkling them over a yummy vegan salad or enjoying them straight from the jar, their caramelized coating and rich flavor add something special. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes on the stove.
Once you try them, you’ll want to keep a batch around for quick plant-based snacks or to dress up your favorite meals. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a simple version using brown sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt for that perfect flavor balance. The best part? You can customize it by swapping out pecans for other nuts or adding a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth.
These candied pecans are great for gifting during the holidays (especially fun in a gift basket!), or just keeping on hand for whenever you’re craving something sweet and crunchy! Are you as excited as we are? Then, let’s get started!
Why You Must Make These Sweet Pecans
This easy candied pecans recipe is awesome because it’s super simple to make and uses just a handful of ingredients. The perfect mix of sweet, crunchy, and nutty flavors makes these pecans irresistible for snacking or adding to other dishes. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe with different spices or nuts from the staples in your vegan pantry to make it your own! Here are more reasons to try it:
- Easy to Make. Candied pecans come together in just a few simple steps, making them a quick and satisfying treat. You don’t need any special equipment—just a pan and a few ingredients!
- Perfect Sweet and Crunchy Combo. The combination of sweet caramelized sugar and crunchy pecans is irresistible. Each bite gives you the perfect texture and flavor balance.
- Versatile Topping. Candied pecans can be used in so many ways! Toss them on salads, mix them into oatmeal, or even sprinkle them over vegan desserts for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Great for Snacking. They’re a fantastic plant-based snack to have on hand. Just grab a handful for a quick, tasty treat that feels a little more indulgent than plain nuts.
- Perfect for Gifting. Candied pecans make great homemade gifts. Package them up in a jar or small bag, and you’ve got a thoughtful, tasty gift for holidays or special occasions (such as Mother’s Day!).
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
The essential ingredients for candied pecans are simple, but each one plays an important role in making this tasty treat. From the rich sweetness of brown sugar to the flavor boost of vanilla and salt, these ingredients work together to create the perfect balance. Plus, you can easily swap ingredients like pecans for other nuts or try fun flavor twists with different spices!
- Brown Sugar: The key for creating the caramelized coating on the pecans, giving them that rich, sweet flavor. You can use light or dark brown sugar depending on your preference. For a lighter flavor, swap in coconut sugar or maple syrup, though the texture might be slightly different.
- Pecans: These nuts have a naturally buttery flavor and soft crunch, which pairs perfectly with the sweet candied coating. Their nubbly texture allows the sugar to adhere nicely, creating a perfect balance of sweet and nutty. If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute walnuts or almonds for a different flavor and texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the brown sugar and vanilla. It prevents the recipe from being overly sweet and adds a little contrast. For something a little fancier, try using sea salt or pink Himalayan salt. You can also skip the salt if you’re watching your sodium intake.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and gives the candied pecans a warm, sweet aroma. You can swap in almond extract for a different twist or use maple extract to complement the sweetness. If you’re out of vanilla, the recipe will still work, but the flavor will be a little less rich.
How to Make Candied Pecans
Making vegan candied pecans is quick and easy, with just a few steps on the stovetop. You’ll melt the brown sugar into a bubbly sauce, toss in the pecans, and cook them until they’re perfectly coated and shiny. Once they cool, you’ll have sweet, crunchy pecans ready for snacking or adding to your favorite dishes!
Step 1: Make the Brown Sugar Sauce – In a medium pan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, salt, vanilla, and water. Stir until the sugar melts and forms a bubbly sauce, about 2 minutes.
Step 2: Coat the Pecans – Add the pecans to the pan and stir to coat them in the sauce. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the pecans are shiny and smell nutty.
Finally, Step 3: Cool and Serve – Transfer the candied pecans to a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Let them cool completely before breaking into pieces and storing or serving.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
These vegan candied pecans are perfect for snacking, topping salads, or adding to your favorite desserts. For extra flavor, try tossing them with cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne. You can also package them up as a homemade gift or keep them on hand for a sweet treat anytime. You’ll love making this candied pecan recipe!
- Top Your Salads – Sprinkle candied pecans over your favorite green salads like this delicata squash salad for a sweet, crunchy boost. They pair perfectly with leafy greens and tangy french dressing.
- Mix Into Oatmeal – Stir a handful of candied pecans into warm baked oatmeal or overnight oats for added texture and flavor. It’s a delicious way to start your day with a sweet twist.
- Snack on the Go – Pack a small bag of candied pecans for an easy snack. They’re perfect for a quick energy boost when you’re on the move.
- Add to Roasted Veggies – Toss some candied pecans into roasted veggies for extra crunch. They add a nice contrast to savory sides like sheet pan roasted peas, Brussels sprouts, or roasted potatoes and broccoli.
- Use in Desserts – Top cakes (like this luscious vegan carrot cake or raw German chocolate cake), pies (such as autumn pumpkin pie or sweet vegan apple pie), or dairy-free ice cream with candied pecans for extra sweetness. Their caramelized coating adds a lovely finish to any dessert.
- Stir into Yogurt – Mix candied pecans into plant-based yogurt for a tasty treat. They bring a fun crunch to creamy textures!
- Boost Breakfast – How about sprinkling some pecans on vegan pancakes or, better yet, over scrumptious morning waffles! These pumpkin waffles would be perfect!
FAQs
These candied pecans should last at room temperature for one week in a sealed container, or in the freezer for a month or longer.
You can easily swap pecans for other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews in this recipe. Candied walnuts will give you a similar soft crunch, while almonds add a firmer bite. Cashews offer a buttery texture that works great with the sweet, caramelized coating!
Yes, you can make candied pecans without brown sugar or refined sugar by using natural sweeteners. Maple syrup adds a lovely flavor and creates a nice sticky coating, so use it in the same quantity as brown sugar, adjusting the liquid slightly if needed. Coconut sugar is another excellent option; it’s less processed and can be used as a 1:1 substitute for brown sugar. Agave nectar provides sweetness without refined sugars, and you can use it in a similar amount, though it may create a thinner coating. Vegan honey is a great choice that offers rich sweetness, but you might need to adjust the quantity slightly. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as these alternatives may caramelize differently than brown sugar!
More Sweet Vegan Holiday Treats
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Vegan Candied Pecans (Easy Stovetop Recipe)
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspooon vanilla extract
- 1½ tablespoons water
- 2 cups pecans or pecan halves
Instructions
- In a medium pan over medium heat, add the brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and water. Stir with a spatula until the brown sugar melts into a bubbling sauce, about 2 minutes.
- Add the pecans and coat with the brown sugar sauce. Cook, continually moving the pecans, until the sauce coats them and they become shiny, they look candied, and they smell nutty, around 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely as the nuts cook so that they do not burn.
- Transfer the candied pecans onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread into one layer, being careful not to touch the hot sugar coating. Allow the pecans to cool down fully.
- Once cool, break the candied pecans into pieces and serve or store in a sealed container.
Notes
- Storing Suggestion: These candied pecans should last at room temperature for one week in a sealed container, or in the freezer for a month or longer.
Nutrition
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