These healthy glazed maple sweetened chili pecans are slightly sweet and perfectly spiced (not hot-just right). Use them for on-the-go snacks, parties, salad toppings and gift-giving! You can find more recipes like this on our Quick Healthy Recipes page.
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Are you ready for a go-to recipe you’ll use again and again? One that is easier than you can imagine (really – 5 minutes prep + about 10 minutes to cook!) and so good you’ll have to make yourself stop eating them?
Then say hello to healthy maple sweetened chili spiced pecans! This recipe is like the sweet little sister to these spiced nuts (which are also easy and amazing), but when you want just a touch of sweet glaze along with some spice. And really that may be like, ALL the time.
What makes them healthy? Well, we know that pecans are a good source of filling fiber (that’s why I like to have nuts as an afternoon snack – they stick with you way longer than crackers) and they also have quite a few vitamins and minerals.
Then the maple syrup makes them taste decadent, but there’s only 3 tablespoons to 2-1/2 cup of nuts, so that’s a lot less than most of the sugar-laden glazed nut recipes (plus, maple syrup has some vitamins & minerals, though not enough that we want to eat a lot of it…). The other main ingredient is olive oil – which we know to be a healthy fat.
That’s only 3 ingredients + the spices, if you’re counting – just another reason to love them!
Glazed Maple Sweetened Chili Pecans Recipe
I’m going to have to apologize, though – these are addictive and you may not be able to stop eating them, a-hem. But like in everything I’ve been talking about around here for the last few years, moderation of real, honest food made with the purest ingredients you can find is all good.
My solution? Outta sight, outta mind. As soon as they’re cooled, I place them in a mason jar and put them in the cupboard and when I want some with my afternoon tea, I put 8-10 in my little bowl along with some dried plums or other fruit and call it good (you can see more of my portion control tips here).
Or just give most of them away, keeping a few for your snacks and salads – you will be loved, I promise.
What you need to make maple sweetened chili pecans:
- Pecans
- Maple Syrup (great price!)
- Olive Oil
- Hot Chili Powder (or regular chili powder), salt & pepper
- Medium Mixing Bowl and wooden spoon
- Parchment Paper OR Silicone Liner
- Large Rimmed Baking Sheet
To make these maple glazed pecans is as simple as 1-2-3:
- Mix everything in a bowl.
- Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake and cool.
I’ve played with the proportions enough that these will not dry sticky – they are just lightly glazed and deliciously spiced. Pretty much a perfect combo. Note: if they are kept stored for awhile, they may stick together – we don’t usually have them around that long, though!
In addition to snacks and setting out in bowls for parties, we love these on salads – my current favorite is chopped kale, onion slices, dried cranberries and feta dressed in a basic vinaigrette and topped with these nuts. YUM.
Healthy Maple Sweetened Chili Pecans
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups raw pecan halves
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil*
- 1 ½ teaspoons hot chili powder if using regular chili powder, add 1/8 tsp. cayenne if wanted for more spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a medium sized, rimmed baking sheet with parchment or silicone liner.
- Toss all the ingredients in a large bowl, mixing well to coat all the nuts evenly.
- Lay coated pecans in a single layer on prepared pan.
- Bake 5 minutes, stir nuts well and bake for another 5-8 minutes until nuts are browned and caramelized (watch closely to avoid burning).
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on pan.**
- Break apart and store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe has been updated – it was originally published December 2015.
Other Easy, Healthy Snacks You May Like:
Easy & Healthy Spiced Nuts (No Sweeteners)
Chocolate Chip Almond Granola Bites + Variations
Ultimate No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars
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Judy says
These are yummy!!
Kristen Stewart says
Thanks for this delicious recipe! I just finished up 5 batches of these, packaged in mason jars with big red bows for lovely gifts. I also switched up one batch and substituted pumpkin pie spice for the chili powder – they were great too. Merry Christmas!
Jami says
Great idea, Kristen – I’m glad you liked them!
James Council says
You”re right. These are addictive. Get them away from me!
Jim
Jami says
Ha!
Jackie in Canada says
Great sounding recipe. I am going to have to try it for some gift giving this year. I usually make some with butter, brown sugar & cayenne, chili powder & cinnamon.
Have you ever used honey instead of maple syrup in this recipe?
Cheryl says
Have you tried using egg white instead of oil?
Jami says
I’ve made the nuts with egg whites in the past and I don’t like the texture of them – they tend to irritate my mouth, so I haven’t. 🙂
lori says
Sounds Yummy! Thanks for sharing.
Lori in Atlanta