No Candy Thermometer Candied Pecans

What are candied pecans?

Candied pecans are pecans that have been covered in a sweet caramel syrup.  

Do candied nuts/pecans have other names?

Candied pecans have many different names but they are essentially all the same. Absolutely delicious nuts sweetened with a sugary coating. Sigh.  Here are just a few names that these holiday treats may go by:

• Candied pecans
• Caramel pecans
• Toffee pecans
• Holiday nuts

I always associate certain foods with the holidays and this is certainly one of them. There is something extra special about candied pecans that makes them perfect for holiday celebrations, gatherings, or just to enjoy as a little treat.

They are also amazing on a berry salad.

One Pot Stove top Candied Pecans

This particular recipe is special because of its simplicity. Throw everything in a heavy sauce pan and cook until the nuts are fully coated and the liquid is absorbed. No fuss.

The result is a caramelly covered nut with a slightly chewy texture, not too hard, which I love.

Do I need a candy thermometer to make candied pecans?

When I told you this recipe is easy, I meant they are incredibly easy.  It is a one pot wonder that you made directly on the stove top. 

…and no candy thermometer.

Phew.

How long does it take to make candied nuts?

It’s also very quick to make, less than 15 minutes including cooling time.

The recipe can be customized for your taste. Don’t like pecans? Substitute with walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts instead.

Can I use other nuts other than pecans for this recipe?

Absolutely.  Most nuts will work very well with this recipe.  Almonds, cashews, and walnuts are just a few of my favorites.  

How do I make candied nuts [stove top method]?

Put all of the ingredients for the candied pecans into a heavy sauce pan. Bring the sugar mixture to a boil over medium to medium high heat and continuously stir with a heat proof spoon to keep the caramel from burning.

Continue to cook and stir until the sugar mixture has thickened and reduced, about 4-5 minutes. When the caramel looks like this, it is ready to remove from the heat.

Continue stirring off the heat for about 1 minute or until almost all of the caramel has coated the pecans.

Pour onto a heat proof, parchment lined surface (not wax paper) and quickly spread out. Careful as the pecans are EXTREMELY HOT!

Yes, that is wax paper in the picture below and no, it did not go well.

Let the nuts cool for several minutes or until just cool enough to handle. Break apart any pieces that are stuck together.

Don’t these look just amazing? These are the perfect treat to add to your holiday to-do list.

Still unsure of what to get your family and friends for Christmas?

Now you know! These make the perfect edible gift. They store well, can be made in large batches, and can be packaged with very little effort or expense.

Want to take these nuts to the next level? Check out these Chocolate Covered Toffee Nuts. You may want to make an extra batch though. These things are seriously addicting!

Looking for other Missouri Girl Holiday treats?  Check out some of these wonderful desserts:

• chocolate cherry chunk cake
• Hot chocolate cookies
• apple strudel braid