Easy Maple Candied Pecans

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Crunchy, sweet, and perfectly spiced, these Easy Maple Candied Pecans are a snack-worthy treat you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe transforms simple pecans into glistening bites of maple-kissed joy.

Whether you’re tossing them on a salad, serving them as party snacks, or packaging them up for thoughtful homemade gifts, these candied pecans deliver. The maple syrup adds deep richness, while cinnamon and a pinch of salt elevate the flavor into something irresistible.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Maple Candied Pecans Recipe

• Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup.
• No refined sugar needed.
• A quick stovetop method (no oven!) gets them ready in minutes.
• They make great holiday gifts, salad toppers, or snack jar staples.
• Only 5 simple ingredients.

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What Kind of Pecans Should I Use?

Always go for raw, unsalted pecan halves to control the flavor and texture. Avoid roasted or salted varieties—they can throw off the sweetness and end up too oily. If you can get them fresh from a local source, even better. Organic is great, but not required for delicious results.

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Ingredients for the Easy Maple Candied Pecans

You only need five ingredients to make magic happen with these pecans. Here’s what each one brings to the table:

• Raw Pecan Halves – The main star. They offer that classic buttery crunch and take on a wonderful toasted flavor.
• Pure Maple Syrup – The natural sweetener that binds everything together and caramelizes beautifully.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds a warm, spiced aroma that pairs perfectly with maple.
• Sea Salt – A little salt balances the sweetness and sharpens the flavors.
• Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the overall flavor with a smooth, fragrant finish.

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How To Make the Easy Maple Candied Pecans

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Use a nonstick skillet or heavy-bottomed pan. Heat it over medium heat before adding any ingredients.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Add the pecans, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt to the skillet. Stir immediately to coat the pecans evenly in the syrup mixture.

Step 3: Cook Until Glossy

Stir constantly for 5–7 minutes, until the syrup starts to thicken and coats the pecans. You’ll notice a glossy sheen form as they caramelize.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Remove from Heat

Just as the syrup thickens, stir in the vanilla extract and immediately remove the pan from heat to avoid burning.

Step 5: Cool on Parchment

Transfer the pecans to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them out so they don’t stick together and let cool completely.

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Serving and Storing These Candied Pecans

This recipe makes about 2 cups of candied pecans, which is perfect for sharing or storing. They serve 6 to 8 people as a snack or topping.

Once fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a month. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw before using.

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What to Serve With Easy Maple Candied Pecans?

Sweet & Savory Salad Bowls

Top your favorite leafy greens with these pecans, goat cheese, and dried cranberries.

Holiday Charcuterie Boards

Pair them with sharp cheddar, soft brie, and fresh fruit for a festive spread.

Pancakes or Waffles

Sprinkle over warm pancakes, waffles, or French toast for maple-nutty goodness.

Yogurt Parfaits

Add crunch to creamy Greek yogurt with a layer of these candied nuts.

Oatmeal or Overnight Oats

Upgrade your morning routine by tossing a handful into your oats.

Ice Cream Topping

Perfect on vanilla, butter pecan, or cinnamon ice cream.

Roasted Veggies

Toss them with roasted sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts for a sweet-savory balance.

Snack Mixes

Combine with dried fruit and dark chocolate chips for an elevated trail mix.

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Want More Snack Ideas with a Twist?

If these Easy Maple Candied Pecans hit the spot, you might love these other delicious creations too:

• Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins for a soft, spiced bite.
• Banana Bread Cookies if you’re into cozy banana flavor with a chewy twist.
• Magic Lemon Cobbler for a tangy-sweet dessert.
• Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies if you’re feeling nostalgic.
• Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls for next-level indulgence.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert or snack board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you mix in cayenne for a kick? Add a pinch of nutmeg?

I love seeing your variations and ideas. Feel free to drop questions too—we’re all about sharing kitchen wins.

Explore more curated feel-good recipes on Nora Nosh’s Pinterest and find your new favorite bite!

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