Ingredients
– 2 cups pecan halves (6 ounces, 170g) forms the base with rich, nutty flavor
– 6 tablespoons brown sugar (75g) provides the sticky sweetness for caramelization
– 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon adds warm spice that enhances the overall taste
– ½ teaspoon fine sea salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract infuses a subtle aroma for extra depth
– 1 ½ tablespoons water (or more as needed) helps mix everything smoothly for even coating
– 2 teaspoons orange zest (optional) offers a fresh citrus note if you want to mix it up
– Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional) introduces a hint of heat for those who like a kick
Instructions
1-First: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step ensures your pecans don’t stick and makes the process mess-free.
2-Next, in a large bowl, combine the pecans with the brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and water; mix well to coat evenly.
3-Once mixed, spread the pecans on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer for even cooking. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to avoid uneven browning remember to keep an eye on them as they can go from perfect to burnt quickly. After baking, let them cool completely on the sheet so the coating hardens and turns delightfully crunchy.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🌡️ Keep a close eye on pecans while baking to prevent burning.
🍊 Adding orange zest enhances the flavor with a fresh citrus note.
🌶️ A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick balancing the sweetness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Baking: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking and coating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup