Easy Candied Pecans Recipe – Maple Sweetened & Chili Spiced (or Not)

For a snack that’s both wholesome and irresistible, give this maple sweetened candied pecans recipe a try! Made with three simple real food ingredients, a few spices, and done in about 15 minutes, these pecans are slightly sweet and perfectly spiced (not too hot). Enjoy them as an on-the-go snack, a crunchy salad topping, a party appetizer, or even a homemade gift. Packed with fiber and healthy fats, they offer a small, satisfying sweet you can feel good about.

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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 this candied pecans recipe sweetened only with maple syrup! These pecans are 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 optional spice.

Are pecans coated with maple syrup healthy? We know that pecans are a good source of filling fiber and good-for-you fats (that’s why I like to have a few nuts as an afternoon snack – they stick with you longer than crackers) and they also have quite a few vitamins and minerals. The 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.

That’s only 3 ingredients + the optional spices, if you’re counting – just another reason to love this 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 talked about, moderation of real, honest food made with the purest ingredients you can find is all good. My solution? Out of sight, out of mind. As soon as they’re cooled, place them in a mason jar and put them in the cupboard.

Or just give most of them away, keeping a few for your snacks and salads – you will be loved, I promise.

Recipe Ingredient Notes

• Pecan halves – this recipe also works great with walnuts.
• Maple syrup – I’ve never tried this with honey, but I do think it would work similarly with a different flavor, though.
• Olive oil – you can also use avocado oil or another quality oil.
• Spices – sea salt and black pepper, plus optional chili powder seasoning for a spicier version.

Let’s Make This Maple Candied Pecans Recipe:

TIP: Going over the amount of oil specified in the recipe may cause the nuts to remain sticky after cooling, so measure carefully.

Step 3: Let the nuts cool completely on the pan and then break up with your hands.

I’ve played with the proportions enough that these will not dry sticky when cooled on the pan for 30 minutes to an hour – they are just lightly glazed and deliciously spiced. Pretty much a perfect combo.

In addition to snacks and setting out in bowls for parties, we love these on salads – here are a couple of my current favorites:

• Kale Cranberry Salad Recipe with Feta & Pecans
• Shaved Cabbage Salad with Pecans & Creamy Feta Vinaigrette

I hope you love this candied pecans recipe as much as I do – if you make it, be sure to leave a recipe rating to let me know!

More Easy, Healthy Snacks:

• Easy & Healthy Spiced Nuts (No Sweeteners)
• Chocolate Chip Almond Granola Bites + Variations
• Ultimate No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars 

This recipe has been updated – it was originally published December 2015.

 

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