If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness and crunch to your snacks or salads, this vegan candied pecans recipe is a must-try! Perfectly caramelized with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of spice, these candied pecans are completely plant-based and incredibly easy to make.
Whether you’re preparing a festive holiday treat, a crunchy salad topper, or a delightful snack to munch on throughout the day, these pecans will quickly become a pantry favorite.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and versatility. Using natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that fits perfectly into a vegan lifestyle.
Plus, they store well, making them a convenient make-ahead option for busy days or unexpected guests. Ready to dive into making the crispiest, most flavorful vegan candied pecans?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan candied pecans recipe combines the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch without any animal products or refined sugars. Unlike many store-bought versions, this homemade treat is free from preservatives and artificial additives.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes just about 20 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute snacks or party prep.
Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste—think cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Versatile Uses: Use these candied pecans as toppings on salads, oatmeal, vegan ice cream, or even on your favorite vegan desserts for an added texture boost.
Plus, they’re a fantastic gift idea packaged in a cute jar, perfect for sharing the love of wholesome, vegan treats with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw pecan halves
- 1/4 cup organic maple syrup (or agave syrup for a milder sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (adds a rich caramel flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the pecans: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the raw pecan halves with the maple syrup, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and optional cayenne pepper.
- Mix thoroughly: Use a whisk or spoon to toss the pecans until they are fully coated with the syrup and spice mixture.
- Spread evenly: Transfer the coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping for even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Stir the pecans halfway through baking to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning.
- Cool completely: Remove the pecans from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet or transfer to a cooling rack. They will crisp up as they cool.
- Store: Once cooled, store the candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips & Variations
For extra crunch, try tossing the pecans with a tablespoon of aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) before adding the syrup—this helps the coating stick better and creates a delightful crisp coating.
- Spice it up: Add ground nutmeg or allspice for a warm, holiday-inspired flavor profile.
- Sweetener swaps: You can use brown rice syrup or date syrup instead of maple syrup for different flavors and sweetness levels.
- Nut alternatives: Substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews to mix things up or cater to preferences.
- Salt balance: Adjust the sea salt quantity to balance the sweetness to your liking.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 1/4 cup (30g) |
---|---|
Calories | 190 |
Fat | 18g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Carbohydrates | 8g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 5g |
Protein | 3g |
Sodium | 40mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan candied pecans are incredibly versatile and can enhance a variety of dishes:
- Sprinkle over a fresh green salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a delightful crunch.
- Add to your favorite vegan oatmeal or porridge for a sweet and nutty breakfast boost.
- Use as a topping on vegan ice creams or frozen desserts for texture and flavor contrast.
- Incorporate into homemade granola or trail mix for a healthy, flavorful snack on the go.
- Gift them in decorative jars during the holidays—everyone appreciates a homemade, thoughtful treat!
For more delicious vegan snack ideas, check out our Peanut Brittle Recipe Vegan and Crunchy Delight or try the Vegan Soft Serve Recipe: Creamy, Easy, and Delicious Idea for a refreshing dessert.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan candied pecans at home is a rewarding and simple way to enjoy a sweet, crunchy snack without any animal products or unnecessary additives. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to tailor the spices and sweeteners to your personal taste, and it comes together quickly with everyday ingredients.
Once baked, these pecans offer a satisfying texture and a rich flavor that complements a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re adding them to a salad, enjoying them as a snack, or giving them as a gift, these candied pecans will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Don’t forget to explore other amazing vegan recipes on the blog like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to complete your plant-based culinary journey.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Candied Pecans
Description: Sweet and crunchy vegan candied pecans perfect for snacking or topping salads. Made with simple ingredients and no animal products.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 3 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw pecan halves
- 1/4 cup organic cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract; stir to combine.
- Toss pecans in the mixture until evenly coated.
- Spread pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Let cool completely before breaking apart and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 200 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 20g | Carbs: 10g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Candied Pecans”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Sweet and crunchy vegan candied pecans perfect for snacking or topping salads. Made with simple ingredients and no animal products.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “3 cups”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups raw pecan halves”, “1/4 cup organic cane sugar”, “2 tablespoons maple syrup”, “1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/4 teaspoon sea salt”, “1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 325\u00b0F (165\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract; stir to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toss pecans in the mixture until evenly coated.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool completely before breaking apart and serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “200”, “proteinContent”: “3g”, “fatContent”: “20g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10g”}}