These sweet and spicy spiced pecans are the perfect snack or topping for salads, desserts, and more. With a perfect blend of cinnamon, sugar, and cayenne pepper, these pecans are both sweet and a little bit spicy. They are easy to make and can be stored for weeks, making them a great option for holiday gifts or party favors. Enjoy their irresistible crunch and addictive flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to the bowl and stir until the sugar mixture becomes a thick paste.
- Add the pecan halves to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
- Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the pecans are fragrant and slightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pecans cool completely on the sheet.
- Once cool, break apart any clusters of pecans.
- Transfer the spiced pecans to an airtight container or sealable bags for storage. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Interesting Facts
Pecans are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients like manganese, copper, and zinc.
The combination of sweet and spicy flavors in these spiced pecans creates a perfect balance for your taste buds.
These spiced pecans are a versatile snack that can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping for salads, desserts, and even ice cream.