Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans

Yum

These sweet and spicy pecans could be seen as a healthier alternative to a traditional dessert…or you could be like me and eat them on a giant sundae. Either way, these are a perfectly unique twist on a sweet classic—thanks, Cayenne! *Cheesy 1950s commercial smile*

Why You Should Make Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans

These are delicious little morsels that are incredibly versatile in use and, honestly, I mostly just eat these alone as a snack (without shame, in case you were wondering). While I personally wouldn’t classify these pecans as very spicy (it’s more of a slight kick to me), I also have a medium tolerance for spicy food, so you can always use less cayenne, if you want. Live your life!

Here are some other reasons to make this delish little snack:

• They take no skill at all: Can you work a pan, wooden spoon and a stove knob? Great! You can make these pecans.
• Perfect for a quick snack or ‘healthy-ish’ dessert: Sooo snackable (I’m making that a thing) and the perfect small sweet thing to end a meal
• Use them on salads or sundaes: or, honestly, like anything else (think sweet potatoes, cookies, cakes, etc)

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make These Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans?

• Pecans
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper

How Do I Make Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans?

1. Combine sugar and spices and prepare baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, spices, salt and vanilla. Stir with a fork until completely combined.Prepare a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper and set aside.
2. Warm pecans. Add pecans to a small nonstick pan and toast over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes until all pecans are warm. Do not allow pecans to brown or burn as they will become bitter.
3. Add brown sugar mixture and stir. Empty the sugar and spices on top of the pecans and wait for sugar on the pan to start to dissolve. If sugar begins to brown too quickly, turn off burner and immediately remove pan from the heat for about 30 seconds to a minute before turning the burner back on to low. Once this begins to happen, use a wooden spoon to gently fold over the pecans to keep the melted sugar from burning (because sugar burns very quickly) and expose the unmelted sugar to the heat. Repeat this process until all sugar is melted and all pecans are covered and all sugar is melted.
4. Place hot pecans on a prepared baking sheet. Once all pecans are covered and all sugar is melted, place onto the prepared baking sheet to allow pecans to cool and sugar to harden for about 2-3 minutes before eating.

What are the best ways to eat Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans?

There are so many ways to enjoy these pecans

• Enjoy on salads
• On cheese boards
• Place on top of sweet potatoes
• Place on top of ice cream
• Give as gifts
• Eat them solo!

Can I Use White Sugar In This Recipe?

Yes you can! Typically, most stovetop recipes actually use white sugar in place of brown sugar. I used brown sugar instead to get the deeper molasses flavor incorporated (aka I was just trying to be different). You can use white sugar in equal amounts to the brown sugar.

How Can I Store Candied Pecans?

You can store these pecans in an airtight container (or, honestly, a plastic bag works too) and keep them in a cool dry place. They should last for about two weeks or more before going bad.