These Crock Pot Candied Pecans are a sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping desserts. The slow cooker makes it easy to create these flavorful pecans with minimal effort, and the warm spices and sweet coating make them irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Hands-Off: The slow cooker does most of the work, requiring minimal stirring.
- Perfect for Gifting: These candied pecans make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and optional cayenne creates a warm and sweet flavor with a hint of spice.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy them as a snack, topping for salads, or addition to dessert platters.
Ingredients
- Egg Whites: Helps the sugar coating adhere to the pecans.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm and sweet flavor.
- Pecan Halves: The main ingredient, provides a nutty and crunchy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the coating.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses flavor to the coating.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): Adds a touch of heat to balance the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm and aromatic flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Water: Helps to create a syrupy coating in the final stage of cooking.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Crock Pot Candied Pecans
Step 1: Prepare the Pecans
Place pecan halves in a greased slow cooker.
Step 2: Coat with Egg Whites and Vanilla
In a bowl, beat egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy. Pour over pecans and stir to coat.
Step 3: Add Sugars and Spices
Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the pecans.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes.
Step 5: Add Water
With 20 minutes remaining, stir in the water.
Step 6: Cool and Dry
Remove pecans from the slow cooker and spread them out on parchment paper to cool and dry completely. Store in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Stir Frequently: Stirring every 20 minutes ensures the pecans cook evenly and prevents burning.
- Cool Completely: Allow the pecans to cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming sticky.
- Adjust Spices: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and cayenne pepper to your taste.
- Use a Crock Pot Liner: A crock pot liner makes cleanup easier.
- Half the Recipe: You can easily halve this recipe for a smaller batch.
How to Serve
- Snack: Enjoy them as a sweet and crunchy snack.
- Gifting: Package them in decorative jars or bags for a homemade gift.
- Topping: Use them as a topping for salads, yogurt, or ice cream.
- Dessert Platter: Add them to a dessert platter for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the pecans.
FAQs
1. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can use maple syrup. Add it with the water in the final stage of cooking and adjust the amount of granulated sugar accordingly.
3. How do I prevent the pecans from sticking together?
Stir frequently during cooking and spread them out on parchment paper to cool completely.
4. Can I add other spices?
Yes, you can add other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to customize the flavor.
PrintCrock Pot Candied Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crock Pot Candied Pecans are a sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for snacking or gifting. The slow cooker makes it easy to create perfectly candied pecans with a crispy coating and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
- 2 egg whites
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 pounds pecan halves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Combine Pecans and Egg Whites: Place pecan halves in a greased 6-quart or larger slow cooker. In a bowl, beat egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy. Pour over pecans and stir to coat.
- Add Sugars and Spices: Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes.
- Add Water: With 20 minutes left of cooking time, stir in ¼ cup of water.
- Cool and Store: Remove candied pecans from the slow cooker and spread on parchment paper to dry completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- You can easily halve this recipe for a smaller slow cooker.
- Make sure pecans are completely cool before storing to prevent them from becoming sticky.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar.
- If desired, add other spices like nutmeg or ginger to the mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg