The aroma of spiced pecans wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Imagine crunchy, caramelized pecans with a hint of warmth and sweetness, perfect for snacking or adding to salads.
These delightful morsels have a knack for elevating any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply binge-watching your favorite series, spiced pecans bring the perfect balance of flavor that keeps you reaching for just one more handful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These spiced pecans are remarkably easy to prepare, making them a go-to snack for any occasion
- With their warm and inviting flavor profile, they’re sure to impress guests
- The vibrant colors and crunch make them visually appealing in any dish
- Perfect as a snack on their own or as a delightful addition to salads or cheese boards
This one time at a family gathering, I made these spiced pecans, and my cousin couldn’t stop raving about them, claiming they were “better than candy.” Trust me; you’ll have similar reactions too!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pecans: Fresh, whole pecans are best; look for ones that are plump and unbroken for optimal texture.
Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for a subtle sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.
Ground Cinnamon: Adding ground cinnamon gives the pecans an irresistible warmth and fragrance.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch adds a delightful kick without overwhelming the sweetness.
Salt: A touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in your spiced pecans.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract will elevate the overall flavor profile with its aromatic essence.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial as it helps achieve that perfect crunch you desire.
Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later on. No one wants sticky pans after all this hard work!
Create Your Spice Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined. The aroma will transport you straight to flavor town.
Toss in Pecans: Add your fresh pecans into the spice mixture and drizzle with vanilla extract. Stir until every nut is thoroughly coated in that heavenly concoction.
Spread on Baking Sheet: Pour the coated pecans onto your prepared baking sheet in an even layer. This ensures they roast evenly without clumping together.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway through to avoid burning. Keep an eye on them; they can go from golden to burnt faster than you can say “spiced pecans.”
Once cooled slightly, enjoy these delicious spiced pecans as a snack or use them as toppings!
You Must Know
- Spiced pecans are not just a snack; they make excellent toppings for salads or desserts
- The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg creates an irresistible invitation to the kitchen
- Plus, they store well, so you can always have a batch on hand for unexpected guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss the pecans with spices and a bit of oil, then spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting and prevent burning.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your spiced pecans! Swap in different nuts like walnuts or almonds, and play with spices such as cayenne pepper for heat or brown sugar for added sweetness. You can also experiment with herbs like rosemary for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Once cooled, store your spiced pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer. No reheating needed—just enjoy them straight from the jar!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly spiced pecans, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking
- Watch closely during the last few minutes to avoid burning
- Experiment with your favorite spices to find your perfect blend!
Sharing my first experience making spiced pecans was delightful; I surprised my friends with how quickly they disappeared at game night, leaving everyone begging for more.
FAQ
What nuts can I use instead of pecans?
You can substitute walnuts or almonds, which also work wonderfully with spices.
How do I make spiced pecans less sweet?
Reduce the sugar and increase savory spices like paprika or cumin for better balance.
Can I add dried fruits to my spiced pecans?
Yes, adding dried cranberries or raisins will enhance flavor and texture beautifully!
Spiced Pecans
Spiced pecans are the ultimate snack, combining crunchy texture with a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor. Perfect for elevating salads, cheese boards, or simply enjoyed on their own, these caramelized nuts are easy to make and sure to impress your guests. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delightful treat that will keep everyone coming back for more.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecans (fresh and whole)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Add pecans to the spice mixture and drizzle with vanilla extract; stir until coated.
- Spread the pecans evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Allow cooling slightly before enjoying or using as toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 28g
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
