Once the holidays have started, the sugared nuts come out. Nuts make one of the best and most well-known holiday snacks.
Candied pecans in a crockpot are a delicious way to enjoy nuts with the light flavor of cinnamon and vanilla, all wrapped in brown sugar.
From their appearance on pies, cakes, and brownies to being fantastic for snacking, appetizers, and gifting, there really is no end to the love candied nuts can bring.
These addicting and delicious little bites are amazing for holiday seasons, make great gifts (think mason jars!), and are the perfect topping for everything from salads to desserts.
At the top of any holiday baking and making list, this recipe can be duplicated with nuts, like almonds or walnuts. Leaving your house smelling delicious, slow-cooked candied pecans go great in a bowl as an appetizer or snack at a party, potluck, or cookout as well.
Candied pecans also make THE BEST holiday treat!!
Expert Tips for Crockpot Pecans
Get a great slow cooker: Here is one (I own) that I really like.
What are candied pecans typically made for? Brown sugared Candied pecans are most well known for the Halloween through Christmas holidays, but don’t discount making a batch and sealing for salads, too! They go amazing with spinach and strawberry salad.
Plus, you can devour them by watching your favorite Netflix show, or they make a super addictive snack perfect as appetizers.
Give as gifts: Everyone always says to give food as gifts, which is one of those foods. Making sugared pecans, candied walnuts, and even spicy nuts are great gifts to put into mason jars, tie with a bow, and gift out for food holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Candied Pecan Ingredients
These delicious candied pecans in a crock pot are one of the easiest ways to enjoy nuts with the light flavor of cinnamon and vanilla, all wrapped in brown sugar. The slow cooker is not only simple (especially in seasons full of busy cooking) but also makes sugared pecans easy to keep around for a delightful topping or snack.
Here are the main ingredients you will need to get started:
- raw pecan halves
- egg whites—it’s fine to crack an egg, but I love to keep egg whites in a carton in the fridge. It’s so much easier than separation.
- brown sugar and white sugar
- cinnamon
- vanilla
How to Make Candied Pecans in a Slow Cooker
Prep work: grease a slow cooker (crock pot) with nonstick cooking spray and add pecans to the slow cooker.
Steps 1–3: Add egg whites to a mixing bowl and beat until foamy and light. Pour the egg white mixture onto the pecans and mix well to coat all the nuts evenly.
Steps 4-6: Add white and brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla to a slow cooker and mix well again.
Steps 7-8: Place a lid on the slow cooker and heat nuts on low for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Around the 2-hour point, mix well and add water, which helps glaze the nuts. Then finish cooking. Remove the pecans from the crock pot and spread them (in a single layer) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cool on a baking sheet.
Step 9: Once cool, break apart any pecans that might be stuck together and enjoy them as a snack, give them as a gift, or add them as a topping to a salad or dessert. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
FAQ’s
Can you bake candied pecans?
You can make candied pecans in the oven over a slow cooker. Try this oven baked candied pecans recipe if you prefer something quicker!
What kind of desserts have pecans?
These pecans are fantastic in several desserts like homemade chocolate fudge or as a crunchy topping in things like ambrosia salad, Watergate salad, and Hawaiian cheesecake salad! Use for praline candies, fudge, salads, gifts, and much more!
Are pralines the same thing as a candied pecan?
Nope! Pralines include caramel.
My candied pecans are still sticky; how do I unstick them?
Keep in mind that all sugared nuts have to harden a bit FIRST. The pecans should safely harden after they are done roasting in the crock pot and left out to dry.
However, if you find yourself in the issue of sticky pecans, turn to the oven. Place pecans on parchment paper and bake them at 325 for about 10 minutes. Then let the pecans cool.
Can candied pecans be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze pecans in an airtight ziplock bag to use later. They last about 2 months in the freezer and 3 weeks in the fridge.
How long do pecans last on the counter?
This question might not even be needed as you will find that you probably eat the whole bag pretty quickly. But they can be stored for 7-10 days if the humidity isn’t high. As always, make sure they are free from too much air.
Related Holiday Dessert Options
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Candied Pecans (Crock Pot)
Ingredients
- 4 cups raw pecan halves
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- How to make Candied Pecans
- Grease a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and add pecans to crock.
- Add egg white to a mixing bowl and beat until foamy.
- Pour onto pecans and mix well to evenly coat. Add sugars, cinnamon and vanilla and to slow cooker and mix well to evenly coat.
- Place a lid on the slow cooker and heat nuts on low for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Around the 2-hour point, mix well and add water, which helps glaze the nuts. Then finish cooking.
- Remove pecans from the crock pot and spread them (in a single layer) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cool on a baking sheet.
- Remove from crock and spread onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper in a single layer. Cool on a baking sheet.
- Once cool, break apart any pecans and enjoy.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
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