Caramelized Pecans
Delightful caramelized pecans offer a crunchy, buttery flavor, perfect for snacks or as a topping for desserts and salads.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves The star ingredient, adding a rich nuttiness.
- 1/4 cup water Helps dissolve sugar to create a syrupy coating.
- 1 cup light brown sugar Provides deep sweetness and caramel flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds aromatic flavor enhancement.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Introduces warm spice complementary to sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Adds subtle warmth to the flavor profile.
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the baking sheet by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large nonstick skillet, add pecan halves and toast for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often until fragrant. Transfer the toasted pecans to a bowl and set aside.
Cooking
- In the now-empty skillet, add water and brown sugar, stirring just until combined. DO NOT STIR AGAIN UNTIL PECANS ARE ADDED.
- Cook over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to boil.
- Once boiling, add the toasted pecans, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- Stir continuously for about 1 minute to coat the pecans with the sugar mixture.
- Turn the heat to low and continue stirring for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened and well-coated.
Cooling
- Let the nuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Spread pecans out on parchment or wax paper, breaking up large clumps. Allow them to fully cool before packaging or storing.
Notes
For the best results, always toast nuts first, be cautious with the temperature, and allow to cool completely before packaging. Experiment with spices for unique flavors.