Candied Pecans Recipe by Joanna Gaines for Sweet Snacking

Joanna Gaines’s candied pecans transform mundane snacking into a symphonic flavor experience that electrifies taste buds.

These golden-kissed kernels shimmer with a mesmerizing caramel embrace that whispers culinary elegance.

Warm spices weave through each pecan, creating a sensory tapestry of comfort and indulgence.

Gaines masterfully blends simple ingredients to craft an irresistible treat that transcends ordinary nibbles.

Every crunchy morsel carries the signature of her Texas-inspired creativity, promising pure delectable magic.

Effortlessly sophisticated yet wonderfully approachable, these candied pecans will seduce you with their addictive charm.

Grab a handful and let your palate embark on a delightful journey of pure gastronomic bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Calories: 226 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients for Joanna Gaines’ Candied Pecans

• Brown Sugar: Select dark, rich crystals for deeper caramel undertones.
• Cinnamon: Choose fresh, fragrant ground cinnamon for warm, aromatic flavor.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt to enhance overall sweetness and balance.
• Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla for authentic, robust taste.
• Water: Use filtered water for clean, pure liquid base.

• Pecans: Select fresh, whole pecans with rich golden color and crisp texture.

• Parchment Paper: Pick high-quality, non-stick sheet for easy removal and clean presentation.
• Silicone Mat: Choose heat-resistant mat for even cooling and smooth surface.

Utensils for Cooking Candied Pecans by Joanna

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat metal pan for even spreading and cooling of candied pecans.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Non-stick surface for easy pecan removal and effortless cleanup.
• Medium Skillet: Essential for creating and coating pecans with glossy caramel sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and evenly coating pecans without scratching the skillet.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tool for measuring sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract.
• Measuring Cup: Helps accurately add water to the caramel mixture.

Recipe Method for Joanna Gaines’ Candied Pecans

Craft Irresistible Caramelized Pecans

• Prepare Sweet Sauce Mixture

Grab a skillet and combine brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and water. Swirl the ingredients together over medium heat, watching as the mixture transforms into a glossy, bubbling concoction that promises delicious flavor.

• Coat and Transform Pecans

Toss pecans into the simmering sauce, stirring with enthusiasm to ensure every single nut gets completely drenched in the magical caramel coating. Keep moving the pecans around the pan, letting them dance in the sweet mixture until they develop a gorgeous glossy sheen and caramelized edges.

• Spread and Cool Crunchy Treats

Carefully spread the coated pecans onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a single layer that allows each pecan to cool and crisp up. Let them rest until completely cool, then break apart into individual clusters of crunchy, sweet goodness perfect for snacking or gifting.

Joanna’s Tips for Flavorful Candied Pecans

• Personalize Your Sweet Crunch: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to give these candied pecans a unique twist that reflects your taste preferences.
• Swap and Substitute Sweeteners: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different depth of flavor that adds natural sweetness and complexity to your candied pecans.
• Master Precise Temperature Control: Use a candy thermometer to ensure consistent caramelization and prevent burning, guaranteeing perfectly glazed nuts every single time.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging Ideas: Store cooled candied pecans in decorative mason jars or festive gift bags, creating a homemade treat perfect for holiday sharing or thoughtful edible presents.

Serving Up Joanna Gaines’ Candied Pecans

• Decorate Dessert Platters: Sprinkle these candied pecans on top of creamy cheesecakes, chocolate brownies, or vanilla ice cream for an elegant and crunchy garnish.
• Elevate Salad Crunch: Toss these caramelized pecans over mixed green salads, adding a sweet and spicy texture that transforms ordinary greens into gourmet dishes.
• Gift Gourmet Snacks: Package these glossy pecans in clear gift bags tied with rustic ribbons, creating a homemade treat perfect for holiday gifts or hostess presents.
• Breakfast Topping Magic: Scatter these candied pecans over morning yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes to bring a delightful crunch and caramelized sweetness to breakfast.

Storage Tips for Joanna’s Candied Pecans

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Spread the candied pecans in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring each nut has breathing room to cool and harden without clumping together.
• Airtight Storage Solution: Transfer completely cooled pecans into a glass jar or sealed container with a tight-fitting lid, protecting them from moisture and maintaining their crispy texture for maximum freshness.
• Shelf Life Insight: Stored at room temperature in a dark, cool pantry, these candied pecans will remain delectable for up to two weeks, retaining their signature crunch and sweet-spicy flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare a larger batch of candied pecans in advance, knowing they serve as perfect snacks, salad toppers, or delightful homemade gifts that impress family and friends with minimal effort.

Homemade Joanna Gaines Candied Pecans Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Joanna Gaines candied pecans offer a sweet Southern delicacy that combines cinnamon-sugar caramelization with roasted nutty goodness. Crunchy, glossy pecans make perfect holiday gifts or party snacks you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (6 oz or 170 g) pecan halves
• 6 tbsps (75 g) brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsps ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tbsps water
• 2 tsps orange zest
• Pinch cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to create a non-stick surface for cooling candied pecans.
2. Sauce Creation: In a medium skillet over medium heat, whisk brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, water, orange zest, and cayenne into a glossy, bubbling caramel sauce, stirring continuously until ingredients meld into a smooth, uniform mixture.
3. Pecan Coating: Gently fold whole pecans into the simmering sauce, ensuring each nut is comprehensively glazed with the sweet and spicy caramel, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to develop a glistening exterior without burning.
4. Cooling and Setting: Spread the candied pecans in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing them to cool at room temperature until the caramel hardens into a crisp, delicate shell around each pecan.

Notes

• Prevent Burning Carefully: Maintain constant stirring and watch heat closely to avoid scorching the delicate sugar mixture, which can quickly turn bitter and ruin the entire batch.
• Perfect Cooling Technique: Spread pecans in a single layer during cooling to ensure each nut develops a crisp, even caramelized coating without sticking together.
• Sugar Sauce Consistency: Aim for a glossy, bubbling sauce that coats pecans completely, creating a balanced sweet-spicy glaze that clings perfectly to each nut.
• Storage Tip: Once cooled, store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to preserve their crunchy texture and rich flavor.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 226
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg