Spicy Candied Pecans Recipe

This tasty Spicy Candied Pecans recipe is quick and easy to make. Perfect for snacking or adding to salads and charcuterie boards. Also, it’s a popular homemade gift!

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Besides this spiced pecans recipe, other roasted nut recipes you will love include these Spiced Walnuts and Rosemary Roasted Almonds.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.

• Pecan Halves – Pecans are smooth-textured, buttery nuts with a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
• Maple syrup – This is a delicious natural sweetener that creates a crispy shell on the pecans as they roast. As the maple syrup cooks, it gives you that deep brown sugar flavor.
• Cayenne pepper -To add some heat to these candied pecans – cayenne. Cayenne pepper is a pungent spice made from dried chili peppers ground into a powder.
• Salt – A pinch of fine sea salt brings out the best flavors in your ingredients.

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl – We use a small mixing bowl for this recipe.
• Baking Sheet – A large rimmed baking pan is recommended.
• Parchment Paper – This is a must for easy cleanup. We recommend using unbleached parchment paper.

Instructions

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.

Step 1

First, preheat the oven to 325 and line the baking pan with parchment paper. Set it aside.

Step 2

Next, stir the maple syrup with the cayenne pepper in the mixing bowl.

Step 3

Then, add the pecans to the bowl.

Toss well to coat all of the pecans with the spicy maple mixture.

Step 4

Next, pour the coated nuts onto the prepared sheet pan and spread them out well into an even layer.

Then, pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven to bake.

Step 5

Halfway through the cooking time, take the tray out and give the nuts a stir.

This will ensure they don’t stick and burn.

Step 6 

Finally, remove from the oven and stir once again.

Let them cool for 10 minutes before eating, allowing them to reach the optimum crunchiness.

Substitutions

• If cayenne is a little too spicy you can substitute chili powder for a milder heat.
• Honey is another natural sweetener that you could use instead of maple syrup.
• Use a silicone mat instead of parchment paper for a greener option.

Recipe Variations

• Go nuts! Literally, try all the different varieties of nuts with this recipe. Walnuts are particularly delicious with a sweet and spicy vibe.
• Add more spices to the mixture, such as ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, for a festive flavor profile.
• Infuse the pecans with the zest of orange or lime for a citrusy and spicy combination.

Serving Suggestions

• Sprinkle these maple spiced pecans on a salad for some crunch and a bit of heat. We love adding them to this Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese.
• These pecans make a fabulous addition to a charcuterie board. Present them with these appetizers in a cup for a fun, unique, and delicious spread for entertaining.
• They are also a great contrast flavor sprinkled over vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert. Toss them on some banana nice cream for a healthy twist.
• Make this recipe in double batches around the holiday season. Use the big batch of spicy sweet pecans for homemade presents or hostess gifts. Add them to a cute jar with a ribbon or bow.

FAQS

Storage Tips

To Store: Store these spicy and sweet pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

To Freeze: We do not recommend freezing this recipe.

More Roasted Nuts Recipes

**This recipe was originally posted on June 18, 2022, and updated on December 4, 2023, with recipe notes, writing, and photos.**

If you’ve tried our spicy sweet pecans, please rate the recipe and let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment below. We’re always interested in feedback!

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