Description
Maple-glazed pecans bring Southern charm to snack time with irresistible sweetness and crunch. Homemade goodness awaits you in just minutes, delivering nutty warmth perfect for gifting or enjoying solo.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts:
- 4 cups pecan halves (or mixed nuts like cashews and almonds)
Sweeteners and Flavoring:
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare a large skillet and warm it to medium heat, creating an even cooking surface.
- Pour maple syrup into the skillet, blending in vanilla extract and sea salt to create a fragrant liquid base.
- Gently introduce the nuts to the syrup mixture, using a spatula to ensure each piece becomes thoroughly coated with the sweet glaze.
- Dust cinnamon across the nuts, stirring continuously to distribute the spice evenly and enhance the flavor profile.
- Maintain constant stirring as the maple syrup begins to bubble and reduce, watching closely for the transformation from liquid to a sticky caramelized coating.
- Continue cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes, allowing the syrup to completely absorb into the nuts and create a glossy, candied exterior.
- Rapidly transfer the candied nuts onto a parchment-lined surface, spreading them out to prevent clumping and facilitate rapid cooling.
- For an optional extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a delicate layer of cinnamon-sugar over the warm nuts.
- Allow the nuts to cool completely, then gently separate any clusters that may have formed during the cooling process.
- Store the finished candied nuts in an airtight container to preserve their crisp texture and rich flavor.
Notes
- Toast nuts briefly before adding syrup to enhance their natural flavors and create a deeper, richer taste profile.
- Adjust heat carefully to prevent burning; constant stirring prevents syrup from caramelizing too quickly and ensures even coating.
- Use alternative sweeteners like honey or coconut nectar for different flavor variations or dietary preferences.
- Allow nuts to cool completely before storing to maintain crispy texture and prevent moisture buildup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 156
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 42 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg