This year, you are going to want these irresistible vegan candied pecans at your holiday party. These delectable morsels are not only refined sugar free, gluten free, oil free and dairy free, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions, but they also boast an irresistible combination of crispy, sweet and salty flavors that will have everyone reaching for more. Crafted with just five simple ingredients, these vegan candied pecans are surprisingly easy to prepare. In just 10 minutes of prep time and a quick bake in the oven, you’ll have a batch of these addictive treats ready to adorn your holiday table or serve as thoughtful gifts for loved ones. Sprinkle them over salads, yogurt parfait, or oatmeal for a touch of sweetness and crunch, or simply enjoy them on their own as a delicious snack. They also make amazing holiday gifts!
Why You’ll Love These Pecans
Their flavor is absolutely delicious!
These vegan candied pecans are also dairy free, gluten free, oil free and refined sugar free.
They are so easy to make!
This recipe comes together in about 10 minutes and then gets popped in the oven.
Your home will smell amazing while these are baking.
These vegan candied pecans make the perfect snack, dessert, topping, gift or addition to your holiday dessert bar.
They are the perfect combination of sweet, salty and crunchy!
Benefits of Pecans
Pecans are a delicious and nutritious nut packed with a variety of health benefits. They are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of the key benefits of pecans:
Heart health: Pecans are rich in unsaturated fats, which help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. This can help to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Brain health: Pecans are a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps to protect brain cells from damage. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Blood sugar control: Pecans are a low-glycemic food, which means that they do not cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Digestive health: Pecans are a good source of fiber, which is important for digestive health. Fiber helps to keep food moving through the digestive system and can help to prevent constipation.
Equipment Needed
All you need to make these vegan candied pecans is a mixing bowl and a baking sheet.
Ingredients Needed
Pecans: Pecans have a rich, buttery flavor and a satisfyingly crunchy texture. This makes them the perfect choice for this recipe!
Coconut Sugar: I love using coconut sugar because it has a lower glycemic index. Feel free to use regular sugar here if you do not have coconut sugar on hand.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon provides these vegan candied pecans with a distinct warmth and spiciness.
Vanilla: Vanilla adds delicious flavor here and enhances the other flavors in this snack!
Sea Salt: I used flaky sea salt here because I love the texture of it!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients and preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Spread out pecans on a greased baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Combine sugar, cinnamon and vanilla and sprinkle over pecans. Add sea salt on the top.
Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Enjoy!
Storage
After making your candied pecans, let them cool completely. This allows any residual moisture to evaporate, preventing the sugar from becoming sticky and the nuts from softening. Opt for an airtight container to store your candied pecans. Candied pecans should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. This will help prevent the sugar from melting or caramelizing and the nuts from losing their flavor and texture.
You can store your candied pecans at room temperature or in the fridge. Storing them at room temperature is convenient and allows for easier access. Candied pecans stored at room temperature will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Cold storage extends the shelf life of candied pecans to up to 4 weeks. However, the cold temperature can slightly affect their texture, making them slightly less crunchy.
Another option is freezing your pecans. For longer-term storage, you can freeze your pecans for up to 2 months.
Variations
There are a variety of other flavors that can be explored aside from the traditional candied pecan flavor. Try making your vegan candied pecans sweet and spicy by adding some cayenne pepper, chili powder or ginger.
Experiment with infusing these candied pecans with other flavors! Some interesting options could be orange zest, lemon zest or cranberry.
Try making savory pecans by using rosemary, paprika or chili flakes.
For some extra sweetness, try adding caramel or chocolate!
How to Serve
These vegan candied pecans are so versatile and can be served in a variety of ways! Here are some ideas:
Desserts: Top ice cream, yogurt, pudding, cakes, pies, cookies and brownies with chopped or whole pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Breakfast: Sprinkle chopped pecans on your oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, yogurt or french toast.
Salads: Add a touch of sweetness and crunch to your salad with chopped pecans. Pair them with fruits like apples, pears or mandarin oranges.
Snacks: Enjoy roasted or candied pecans as a delicious and healthy snack.
Dips and spreads: Add chopped pecans to homemade dips and spreads like pecan pie dip, caramel apple dip or hummus.
Recipe FAQ
Can I make these on the stove?
Yes! To make these vegan candied pecans on the stove, place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the pecans for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and slightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Add the sugar mixture and stir to coat the pecans evenly. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar coating becomes sticky and starts to crystallize.
Can I do this with other nuts?
Yes! You can make this recipe with other types of nuts. You may need to adjust the baking time because some nuts take longer to roast than others.
Can I make these sugar free?
If you would like to make these sugar free, try swapping in monk fruit instead of coconut sugar.
How long do these nuts last?
Candied pecans stored at room temperature will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Cold storage extends the shelf life of candied pecans to up to 4 weeks. However, the cold temperature can slightly affect their texture, making them slightly less crunchy. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months!
What should I do with vegan candied pecans?
Try using these vegan candied pecans in yogurt, as a salad topping or in a dessert recipe. They also make a delicious sweet snack on their own!
Related Recipes
Be sure to try these festive ideas next:
If you make these vegan candied pecans and love them, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.
Vegan Candied Pecans
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 containers pecans
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spread out pecans on a greased baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Combine sugar, cinnamon and vanilla and sprinkle over pecans. Add sea salt on the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Enjoy!
You state 2 containers of pecans. How many ounces are each container?
I used 7 oz containers of pecans!
Could eat a whole tray of these 10/10