Caramelized Pecan Nuts Recipe

Introduction

Caramelized pecan nuts are a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with a sweet, crunchy caramel coating. Perfect for snacking, topping desserts, or gifting, this recipe is simple and rewarding.

Ingredients

• 200g sugar
• 35g water
• 300g pecan nuts, lightly roasted
• 2g salt
• 0.5g vanilla powder
• 1g cinnamon powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Spread the pecan nuts on a baking tray lined with baking paper or a silicone mat and roast for 8-10 minutes. Allow the nuts to cool slightly.
2. Step 2: In a medium flat pan or wide pot, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then immediately add the roasted pecans. Stir constantly using a wooden spoon or heat-proof silicone spatula until the sugar turns white.
3. Step 3: Continue stirring as the nuts start to caramelize and the sugar turns a golden caramel color. Keep stirring to prevent burning, as caramelization happens quickly.
4. Step 4: Once the nuts are evenly coated with caramel, remove the pan from heat. Add cinnamon, salt, and vanilla powder, mixing thoroughly. Pour the nuts onto a baking tray lined with baking paper and spread them apart. Let cool completely before storing.
5. Step 5: Optionally, blend the caramelized pecans in a powerful food processor until smooth to create a sweet nut butter.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting pecans with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a different flavor.
• For extra crunch, you can sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramelized nuts before they cool.
• Use vanilla extract instead of vanilla powder if preferred, but add it after removing from heat to preserve flavor.

Storage

Store the cooled caramelized pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you make the nut butter, keep it refrigerated and consume within one week. To re-crisp the nuts, you can warm them briefly in an oven at low heat before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw pecans instead of roasted?

Yes, but roasting the pecans first enhances their flavor and helps achieve better caramel coating.

What if the caramel hardens too quickly?

Keep stirring continuously while cooking. If the sugar hardens before coating the nuts, remove from heat and try again with fresh sugar to avoid a grainy texture.

Caramelized Pecan Nuts Recipe

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4.7 from 630 reviews

Deliciously sweet and crunchy caramelized pecan nuts, lightly roasted and coated with a golden caramel glaze infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Perfect as a snack, topping, or transformed into a rich nut butter.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 200g sugar
• 2g salt
• 0.5g vanilla powder
• 1g cinnamon powder

Wet Ingredients

• 35g water

Nuts

• 300g pecan nuts, lightly roasted

Instructions

1. Preheat and Roast Nuts: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Spread the pecan nuts on a baking tray lined with baking paper or a silicone mat, and roast them for about 8 to 10 minutes. Once roasted, allow them to cool slightly before proceeding.
2. Prepare Sugar Syrup: In a medium flat pan or wide pot, combine the sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately add all the roasted pecan nuts. Stir constantly using a wooden spoon or heat-proof silicone spatula to prevent burning.
3. Caramelize the Nuts: Continue stirring as the sugar mixture starts to crystallize and turn white. Keep stirring until the sugar begins to caramelize and turns a golden caramel color, coating the nuts evenly. This process happens quickly once caramelization starts, so stay attentive.
4. Add Flavorings and Cool: Remove the pan from heat. Quickly add the cinnamon powder, salt, and vanilla powder, mixing thoroughly to coat the nuts. Immediately pour the caramelized nuts onto a baking tray lined with baking paper, spreading them apart to prevent clumping. Allow to cool completely before storing.
5. Optional Nut Butter: For a smooth and creamy caramelized pecan butter, blend the cooled caramelized nuts in a powerful food processor until smooth and spreadable.

Notes

• Any type of nut can be used in place of pecans, such as almonds or walnuts.
• Be sure to stir constantly during caramelization to avoid burning the sugar.
• Allow the nuts to cool completely before storing to maintain their crunch.
• The optional nut butter makes a great spread for toast or desserts.
• Store caramelized nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Keywords: caramelized pecan nuts, caramel nuts, sweet nuts, roasted pecans, caramelized nuts recipe, cinnamon pecans, vanilla caramel nuts