Maple Pecans - 3 Ingredients

Name: Maple Pecans - 3 Ingredients
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup pecans (halves or pieces); 1 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp maple syrup

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These Maple Pecans are sweet and crunchy. The perfect addition to salads, oatmeal, desserts, or great for snacking on their own. Got 10 minutes? That's all you need for these addictive nuts.

Mapled pecans in jar with pan in background — Maple Pecans are a fast and easy version of candied nuts that can be made in under ten minutes.

I love making these little guys. They elevate whatever I put them in. They do not take long to make, but it is important not to multi-task while making them. Inevitably something distracts me, so I like to set my timer to remind me when it's time to stir.

🍁 Ingredients

Pecans: halves or pieces can be used. I have also used almonds or walnuts with this same method.
Butter: Just a small amount of butter. I always use salted.
Maple syrup: I love using this over more processed sweeteners. It is important to use the real deal here, not pancake syrup. Just a small amount has a big flavor payoff.

Pecans in skillet — For best results, cook maple pecans in a cast iron or non-stick skillet.

🔪 Instructions

The best skillet for this recipe is cast iron. It retains the perfect amount of heat after the pan has been removed from the stove. However, I have used a nonstick skillet many times with good results.

Start by preheating your skillet over medium heat. Add in the pecans and stir while they toast. The easiest way to tell that the nuts are toasted is with your nose. Once they begin to smell fragrant, it's time to add in the butter. As soon as the butter has melted and coated each pecan it's time for the magic to begin.

Pour on the maple syrup. It should bubble and sputter. Immediately reduce the heat to low. Stir until the maple syrup and butter have formed a light candied crust on the pecans. Remove the pan from the heat and, for the next five minutes, stir the pan thoroughly once each minute. This will allow the residual heat in the pan to set the maple butter mixture onto the pecans. If they are not stirred often enough they will burn. Once the pecans have cooled, they are ready to eat!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For a crowd

If you plan on making these for a large group, my best piece of advice is to not overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will make it hard to get the right candied texture and will increase the cooking time (which increases the chance of burning!). If a double recipe won't fit in your pan, just cook them in two rounds.

🙋 Questions & Answers

How do I use Maple Pecans?

Candied nuts go well with lots of things! Try some of these:
- Add them to your morning bowl of oatmeal.
- Toss them on your salad - SO good on this Autumn Chopped Salad!
- Fold them into your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough. Sublime!
- Serve over vanilla ice cream drizzled with a good caramel sauce.
- Mix them into yogurt with granola and fresh fruit.
- Top pancakes or waffles.

How do I store Maple Pecans?

These are simple to store in a jar or airtight plastic container at room temperature.

How long do Maple Pecans last?

Candied nuts hold well for 3-4 weeks, if you don't eat them before then.

Close up of mapled pecans in a jar — That sweet candied crust and crunchy pecan are irresistible!

📖 More easy snacks

For another simple sweet treat, try this White Chocolate Churro Popcorn. Only 4 ingredients and 15 minutes for a perfect movie night snack!
For a more savory snack, chips and salsa is always a winner. Try this Cooked Street Taco Salsa for subtle smoky flavors or this Roasted Pineapple Habanero Salsa for some heat.

👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & Tricks

Use a skillet that will allow for the pecans to be in one layer. Crowding the pan will keep them from forming their coating correctly.
Don't add the maple syrup until the butter has covered each pecan. It helps the syrup form an even coating on every nut.
After adding the syrup you want to remove the nuts from the heat and stir them each minute for five minutes.

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