Sweet Candied Pecans Recipe

Today I'm sharing my recipe for candied pecans. This simple skillet recipe will take your praline pecans to the next level, as well as that fall fresh salad, dessert, or even side dish. Ready to elevate your cooking + baking? Use this candied pecans tutorial to seriously level up.

How to make candied pecans

You only need 1 pot for this recipe. Heat a skillet (I like using a cast iron skillet for these) over medium high heat. Then add in the coconut oil and allow to melt + coat the skillet. Carefully add the pecans to avoid oil splashing, and brown 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid over-browning on a side.

Once toasted, sprinkle the coconut sugar, maple syrup, and sea salt. Lower the heat to medium, then constantly stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a thick syrup starts to form. Be careful not to let this caramelized syrup get too dark, as this will burn the pecans. Turn off the heat and add the vanilla as well as cinnamon. Stir well, then serve immediately or allow to cool for the pecans to fully become candied.

Cooling + storing

Once the candied pecans are done crisping, they can be used right away, or stored for later use. Simply spread them out piece of parchment or a silicone baking mat, allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container. No need to refrigerate, and these can be heated up slightly in a toaster oven or skillet just before serving if desired.

A plant powered ingredient list

While your grandma's candied pecans are soaked in butter and brown sugar, I dare you to compare them with my plant powered version. It's got a rawkstar ingredient list, including:

• coconut oil- used as a higher heat oil, and a great dairy free option. Surprisingly, I don't notice any kind of coconut-y taste either.
• coconut sugar- this has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. Contains several minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium.
• pure vanilla extract- imitation vanilla extract is exactly that, not real. Since the 'imitation' is made with wood byproduct and typically loaded with sugar or corn syrup, pure vanilla extract is the way to go in this candied pecan recipe. In my book Simple Green Smoothies, you can even learn how to make your own vanilla extract.

Candied pecans ingredient swaps

Love the idea of this recipe, yet need some swaps? No problem! If you aren't able to have pecans, then swap them with another nut or seed. Toasting times vary, depending on the nut/seed used, so just watch the skillet to ensure they are browning instead of burning. Maple sugar lately is a great swap for coconut sugar. Maple sugar is a bit sweeter in my opinion, so start with a slightly smaller amount, then add to taste.

Also, don't be afraid to switch up the spices in this candied pecans recipe! Pumpkin spice is a great swap for just cinnamon, as well as a cardamon (start out with a pinch!).

Minimally Processed Ingredients

I love finding better replacements for traditional foods, and love sharing them with you! For this recipe, I think the biggest less-processed swap comes from the coconut sugar. Ever heard of it? It's starting to make its way to that prime, eye-level spot on grocery store shelves, and is a better option than traditional brown sugar/table sugar.

Why? Well, it's minimally processed (meaning it takes fewer chemicals and steps to make), which helps keep a good nutritional profile. Don't get me wrong, it is still sugar, so consume it sparingly.

Where to use candied pecans

Now that you are a master at making these praline pecans, where can you use them? Here are a few more plant based recipes that pair perfectly with this topping:

• Pear candied pecan salad- this topping was originally created to top this fall green salad!
• Roasted sweet potato- looking for a healthier dessert to share at your next family dinner? Just roast a sweet potato (no fail roasting directions!), then top with these candied pecans.
• Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes- my mouth is watering just thinking about topping already delicious pumpkin pancakes with this recipe.
• Coconut Yogurt Parfait- turn this cashew coconut 'yogurt' recipe into a fall staple by swapping the fruit compote with some praline pecans.

Where do you like to use candied pecans? Drop a comment and let me know!