Ila's Freckled Pecans
Elevate your snacking game with Ila's Freckled Pecans—a sweet, spiced, and irresistibly crunchy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe features buttery pecan halves coated in a luscious blend of light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla, with a pinch of salt for balance and optional cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. The pecans are roasted to perfection in just 25 minutes, creating a golden, caramelized crust that’s both crispy and addictively flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing holiday snack, a unique homemade gift, or a versatile topping for salads and desserts, these candied pecans are sure to impress. Best of all, they store beautifully, so you can enjoy their sweet-and-spicy crunch anytime!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Pecan halves
- 1 cup Light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 large Egg white
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Add the pecan halves and stir to ensure the nuts are evenly coated.
Step 4
Pour the sugar and butter mixture over the pecans. Add the salt and cayenne pepper (if using) and toss well until the pecans are evenly coated.
Step 5
Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure the pecans roast evenly.
Step 7
Remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will harden as they cool, forming a crunchy sugary coating.
Step 8
Once cooled, transfer the pecans to an airtight container for storage or serve immediately for a delicious treat.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (526.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2763.1 |
| Total Fat 211.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 42.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 124mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1293.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 235.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 23.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 209.6g | |
| Protein 24.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 326.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 6.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1273.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories