Dessert

Candied Pecans and Almonds Recipe

Bymia larkspur December 6, 2025December 6, 2025

Introduction

Candied pecans and almonds make a delightful snack or topping for salads and desserts. This recipe combines warm spices with a sweet, crunchy coating that is sure to please your taste buds.

The image shows a close-up of a metal scoop filled with a pile of roasted nuts covered in a dark, sticky caramel coating. The nuts are rough in texture and vary in shades of deep brown, creating a rich, glossy surface. The scoop is resting on more nuts spread over a white marbled surface, forming a textured background full of similar clusters. The warm brown hues of the caramelized nuts stand out vividly against the clean light background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups unsalted pecans
1 1/2 cups unsalted almonds
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves
Optional: Pinch of cayenne

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250˚F and lightly grease a nonstick sheet pan with cooking spray or oil.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until frothy. Add the pecans and almonds, stirring until they are well coated.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cayenne if using. Pour this sugar mixture over the nuts and stir thoroughly to coat them evenly.
Step 4: Spread the coated nuts in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 55–60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Remove the nuts from the oven, give them a final stir, and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

For a spicy kick, add a pinch more cayenne or substitute with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Use raw nuts if possible to ensure the best texture and flavor after baking.
Try experimenting with different nuts like walnuts or cashews for variety.

Storage

Store candied pecans and almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To refresh their crunch, warm them briefly in a low oven or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of many candied pecans piled on a white marbled surface, emphasizing their rough, sugary texture and warm brown colors with darker ridges. A metal scoop holds a smaller bunch of the pecans above the pile, showing their uneven shapes and the sugary coating that glistens slightly under the light. The pecans have a rich, toasted look with their natural grooves visible through the sugary layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted nuts in this recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted nuts to control the salt level in the recipe. Using salted nuts may make the final product too salty.

How do I prevent the nuts from sticking together after baking?

Stirring the nuts every 15 minutes during baking helps keep them separate. Once cooled, if they stick together, gently break them apart with your hands before storing.