Name: Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups; 1/3 cup; 2 tablespoons; 1/2 teaspoon; 1/4 teaspoon; 1/2 teaspoon

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Imagine the crackle of sweet maple syrup as it hugs a toasted pecan, that irresistible scent of cinnamon warming your kitchen—Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans are the ultimate treat for snack lovers, salad topplers, or anyone seeking a bit of homemade magic! In just 12 easy minutes, this recipe serves up a show-stopping blend of caramelized crunch, nutty richness, and a delicate kiss of vanilla, perfect for holidays or everyday snacking. Get ready to meet one of your new favorite kitchen traditions, bursting with big flavor and a touch of nostalgia.

Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a handful of pantry staples, each ingredient in Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans plays an essential role— from creating a luscious glaze to infusing layers of warmth and aroma. Simple, quality ingredients are absolutely key to achieving that crave-worthy sweet-spiced crunch.

Pecan Halves: Give you the buttery, nutty base for that perfect crispy bite—choose fresh pecans for best results.
Pure Maple Syrup: Use authentic maple syrup for a deep, natural sweetness and lovely golden glaze.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel flavor and helps the coating thicken to a craveable shell.
Cinnamon: Brings just the right touch of warmth and spice, making every bite smell like fall.
Salt: A tiny pinch brightens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Stirred in at the end, vanilla gives an aromatic finish you’ll adore.

How to Make Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans

Step 1: Set Up Your Skillet

Start with a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat; this gives you plenty of space to stir and ensure every pecan is evenly coated. A nonstick pan is key here because it makes cleanup a breeze and prevents any precious glaze from sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Flavors

Add your pecan halves, pure maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt straight into the skillet. There’s something so satisfying about watching these simple ingredients swirl together, ready to transform into sticky, glossy perfection.

Step 3: Stir Constantly

Now comes the fun part—keep those pecans moving! Stir constantly for about 5 to 7 minutes. The syrup will bubble and thicken, turning into a shiny glaze that beautifully coats each nut. You’ll know you’re close when the mixture starts to cling to the pecans and leaves a sweet, fragrant trail.

Step 4: Finish with Vanilla

Once the glaze has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. This keeps the vanilla flavor bold and fragrant without burning off, giving your Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans an aromatic lift.

Step 5: Cool and Crisp

Spread the glazed pecans onto a sheet of parchment paper in a single layer. Let them cool completely—they’ll harden as they cool, developing that irresistible crunchy coating. Once cooled, go ahead and break apart any clusters (unless you love big chunks!).

How to Serve Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans

Garnishes

Sometimes just a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of extra cinnamon can elevate your Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans to new heights. For a festive flair, consider a hint of orange zest or even a whisper of cayenne for a gentle back-of-the-throat heat.

Side Dishes

These pecans are your secret weapon for salads: toss a handful over a leafy green salad dotted with goat cheese and dried cranberries. They also shine on breakfast yogurt, bowls of oatmeal, or as a finishing touch on roasted veggies like butternut squash.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans in jars tied with a ribbon for edible holiday gifts, or pile them into pretty bowls at a dessert bar. Sprinkle over ice cream, swirl into baked brie, or even mix into homemade granola. They’re versatile enough to dress up any occasion or nibble on as a satisfying snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your pecans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans stay marvelously fresh for up to two weeks—a quick shake will re-crisp any that stick together.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these pecans! After cooling, place them in a zip-top freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to three months with hardly any flavor loss. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If your pecans get a little soft from humidity or time, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. This crisps up the coating and revives that fresh-candied texture.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even cashews work wonderfully with this method. Just be sure to use raw, unsalted nuts and watch the cooking time, as smaller nuts may caramelize a bit faster.

Why did my pecans turn out sticky?

Sticky pecans usually mean the glaze didn’t cook long enough. Be patient and let the syrup fully thicken and cling to the nuts; once cooled, they should be perfectly crisp. If needed, you can pop them in the oven to crisp up further.

How do I keep the nuts from burning?

Moderate heat and constant stirring are your friends. Since sugar can burn quickly, don’t walk away from the skillet. If things seem to be browning too fast, briefly lower your heat and keep a close eye.

Can I make Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans vegan?

Yes, they are naturally vegan as written—just double check that your sugar is labeled vegan, and always use pure maple syrup rather than any blends with honey or dairy.

What’s the best way to break apart clusters?

Once the pecans have cooled, gently use your hands to break apart any large clusters. If your hands get sticky, a light dusting of powdered sugar helps keep things tidy and adds a bakery-style touch!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that perfect combo of sweet, salty, and delightfully crunchy, it’s time to try a batch of Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans. They’re quick, irresistible, and guaranteed to add a little sparkle to everything from weekday breakfasts to special celebrations. So grab a skillet and give them a whirl—you’ll fall head over heels for each golden, glossy bite!

Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 2 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the sweet, crunchy goodness of these stovetop maple candied pecans. With a perfect balance of maple sweetness and warm spices, these pecans make for a delightful snack or topping for your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pecan Halves:

2 cups

Pure Maple Syrup:

1/3 cup

Brown Sugar:

2 tablespoons

Cinnamon:

1/2 teaspoon

Salt:

1/4 teaspoon

Vanilla Extract:

1/2 teaspoon

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Instructions

Heat Skillet: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Cook Pecans: Add pecans, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the syrup thickens and coats the pecans, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Cool and Store: Spread pecans in a single layer on parchment paper and let cool completely. Break apart any clusters and store in an airtight container.