Name: Valentine Homemade Candied Pecans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Pecan Halves (6 cups, about 660g); Egg Whites (2, at room temperature); Water (2 tablespoons, about 30ml); Granulated Sugar (2 cups, about 400g); Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons); Salt (2 teaspoons)

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As you step into your kitchen, the warm, nutty aroma of Valentine Homemade Candied Pecans fills the air, wrapping around you like a cozy hug. The pecans glisten under a sweet, caramelized coating that catches the light, inviting you to take a nibble. You can already imagine their crunchy texture giving way to a sugary sweetness with just a hint of spice. This delightful treat isn’t just a snack; it’s a journey to the heart, perfect for sharing with loved ones during this romantic season.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Valentine Homemade Candied Pecans
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Valentine Homemade Candied Pecans

I still remember the first time I made these candied pecans for my Valentine’s Day gathering. I was a bit nervous but excited all at once. As I sprinkled the cinnamon and sugar over the pecans, I recalled how my grandmother would whip up similar treats during holiday family gatherings, teaching us the importance of love in every handmade recipe. As much fun as it is to create these together, let’s be honest—the best part is definitely savoring the finished product. So, let’s get started on making your own batch of Valentine Homemade Candied Pecans!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about an hour, with only 15 minutes of hands-on time!
Irresistible Flavor: Crunchy, sweet, and buttery with a warming embrace of cinnamon.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A stunning addition to any dessert table or gift basket.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacking, topping salads, or jazzing up your morning oatmeal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by using aquafaba as an egg white substitute.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pecan Halves (6 cups, about 660g): Unsalted pecans are the star here, offering the perfect nutty base. Make sure they are fresh to enhance their flavor. You could also try walnuts or almonds as substitutes.
Egg Whites (2, at room temperature): These act as the binding agent for the sugar mixture, helping it adhere to the nuts. If you want a vegan alternative, use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) in the same amount.
Water (2 tablespoons, about 30ml): Added to the egg whites for better whisking and a fluffier texture.
Granulated Sugar (2 cups, about 400g): This creates that signature sweet crunch. Brown sugar can be used for a deeper caramel flavor if desired.
Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The spice adds warmth and complements the sweet coat beautifully. Feel free to experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a twist.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Balance the sweetness and enhance the pecan’s natural flavors.

How to Make Valentine Homemade Candied Pecans

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (149°C). Grab your two large baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; this will prevent the pecans from sticking. A light spray of nonstick cooking spray on the surface helps even more. Once ready, set these aside for later.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use your handheld or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment to combine the egg whites and water. Whisk on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy and fluffy. This foamy base is key to achieving that perfect crunchy coating!

Combine Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt into the egg white mixture. It should start to form a thick, sticky paste that will coat the pecans. Mixing here requires a little care to keep everything airy—you want the mixture blended without deflating the egg whites too much.

Fold in the Pecans: Now it’s time to welcome the pecans to the party! Add the pecan halves to the bowl and stir gently with a silicone spatula until every nut is beautifully coated in that sugary blend. You’ll want to ensure no pecan is left untouched, so give it some careful attention.

Bake Until Golden: Spread the coated pecans into a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Slide them into the oven and bake for 45 minutes, but be sure to stir them every 15 minutes! This stirring prevents clumping and ensures even cooking. Halfway through, rotate the baking sheets to promote uniform browning.

Cool Completely: After 45 minutes, your kitchen will smell divine! Allow the pecans to cool completely on the sheets. This cooling time helps the sugar coating crisp up, enhancing that satisfying crunch we all love. When they are fully cooled, feel free to snack away!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your pecans fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature where they’ll stay good for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying again. If you find they’ve lost some crunch, a quick reheat in a warm oven (around 250°F for 10 minutes) can help revive their delightful texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid soggy pecans: Make sure your egg whites are whipped to the right consistency; if they’re not foamy enough, the sugar won’t stick well.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to play with flavors; a dash of cayenne or vanilla extract can elevate these pecans to a whole new level.
Timing is crucial: Don’t skip the stirring! It’s essential for even cooking and achieving that perfect crisp.
Make ahead: These pecans can be made well in advance, making them a fantastic option for holiday gifts or party snacks.
Gifting ideas: Pack them in cute glass jars or little bags tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift.

When you take that first bite of Valentine Homemade Candied Pecans, the combination of flavors and textures will simply delight your taste buds. Their significant appeal lies in how they bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of elegance to any occasion. Plus, you can easily experiment with flavors, giving you the freedom to adapt this recipe for your needs. Your friends and family will love them, and trust me, they will be begging for the recipe!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, walnuts and almonds work just as well. Each nut will bring its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to mix and match based on your preference!

How can I make these pecans spicy?

For a delightful spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sugar mixture before mixing it with the pecans. The heat from the spice pairs stunningly with the sweetness, creating a delicious contrast!

Can I make these nuts in advance?

Yes, they store wonderfully! Prepare your Valentine Homemade Candied Pecans up to 3 weeks ahead of time. Just keep them in an airtight container, and they’ll maintain their delightful crunch and flavor.

What’s the best way to serve them?

These pecans are super versatile! Enjoy them as a crunchy snack, sprinkle them over salads or yogurt, or use them to top off desserts. They also make fantastic gifts, especially packed in decorative jars.

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Valentine Homemade Candied Pecans

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Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: About 6 cups
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Valentine Homemade Candied Pecans offer an irresistible, crunchy texture and perfectly balanced sweetness. With simple ingredients and quick prep, they’re perfect for snacking, salads, and gifting your loved ones.

Ingredients

Pecan Halves (6 cups, about 660g)
Egg Whites (2, at room temperature)
Water (2 tablespoons, about 30ml)
Granulated Sugar (2 cups, about 400g)
Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons)
Salt (2 teaspoons)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk egg whites and water until foamy.
Fold in sugar, cinnamon, and salt until a sticky paste forms.
Gently mix in pecans until fully coated.
Spread on baking sheets and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Allow to cool completely on sheets.

Notes

For a vegan option, substitute egg whites with aquafaba.
Ensure the egg whites are whipped properly to avoid soggy pecans.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.