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Spiced Candied Pecans (Paleo, gluten-free)

Feb 6, 2021 · 16 Comments

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Spiced Candied pecans in a white bowl and the individual ingredients in bowls on a wooden cutting board
Spiced Candied pecans in a white bowl and the individual ingredients in bowls on a wooden cutting board

These easy Spiced Candied Pecans are the perfect combination of sweet, savory and even spicy if you like!

Roasted pecans are glazed with honey and maple syrup and then tossed with warm, fragrant spices for an irresistible snack or salad topping.

These are naturally Paleo and gluten-free, plus it’s so easy to make them keto or vegan, too. And they use no egg or egg whites, so they’re great if you’re egg-free, too.

easy, healthy roasted pecans in a white bowl on a blue table runner next to a baking sheet with pecan crumbs on it

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Why this recipe works

Oven-roasted pecans are a fun, healthy snack, whether sweet (candied) or savory (spiced).

But why choose? By glazing them in honey and maple syrup and then coating them with cinnamon, ginger and cardamom (plus cayenne, if you want them spicy), you get the best of both worlds.

The spices are warm, fragrant and, even without the cayenne, have a bit of heat from the ginger.

And by using honey and maple syrup, we’re avoiding highly refined white sugar and corn syrup like so many other candied pecan recipes.

Plus, if you use keto-friendly versions of honey and maple syrup, you’ve got keto candied pecans!

 

What you need for Spiced Candied Pecans

the individual ingredients to make spiced pecans in bowls on a wooden cutting board

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups / 680g / 24 oz. pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional)

Equipment:

  • 2 baking sheets
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 small mixing bowl
  • measuring spoons (these are my favorite because they actually fit into spice jars!)
  • a heat-proof spatula or wooden spoon
  • oven mitts

How to make Spiced Candied Pecans

Step 1: Heat the oven to 350°.

Step 2: Spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until toasted and fragrant, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Pour the honey and maple syrup over the nuts and carefully toss them with a heat-proof spatula or wooden spoon (the baking sheets will be hot so hold them with oven mitts) until the nuts are evenly coated. Spread back out in a single layer. Bake for another 10 minutes.

Step 4: Meanwhile, combine the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, salt and cayenne (if using) in a small bowl.

Step 5: Once the nuts are done, scrape them and any remaining honey and maple syrup on the baking sheet into a large bowl. Toss and stir the nuts with a heat-proof spatula or wooden spoon while adding the spices a third at a time, until evenly coated. The nuts will be sticky but keep at it until they’re all coated.

Step 6: Spread the nuts out on a new, clean baking sheet and let cool, breaking up any large clusters. The nuts will dry out, lose their stickiness and get all crunchy. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

How to use Spiced Candied Pecans

  • Eat as is for an irresistible snack.
  • Use some of these spiced candied pecans for a salad, like this kale salad.
  • Chop some up and sprinkle over a soup, like this sweet potato soup.
  • Sprinkle over vanilla, chocolate or your favorite ice cream.
  • Stir some into regular or Greek yogurt.
  • Chop them up and sprinkle over your favorite muffins before baking.
oven roasted pecans coated in spices in a white bowl on a blue table runner

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make substitutions?

You can use all honey or all maple syrup.

To make vegan candied pecans, use all maple syrup.

To make keto candied pecans, use keto sweeteners like a keto honey substitute and/or keto maple syrup substitute.

Want to make them even more interesting? Omit the honey and maple syrup and use 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses instead. This is pomegranate juice that has been reducing until thick and syrupy. It’s wonderfully sweet, bright, sour and tart and works perfectly with the spices. It often has sugar added to it so if you use it the recipe will not be refined sugar-free anymore.

I wouldn’t use other types of nuts for this specific recipe. Since they’re all different sizes, they can bake at different times and aren’t as easy to stir with the spices.

You can leave out any of the spices if you don’t have them or don’t like them.

Can I double the recipe?

You can double the recipe and use 2 baking sheets. Be sure to swap and rotate the pans halfway through both baking times.

Won’t the baking sheets be difficult to clean without using parchment paper?

If you use parchment paper, it will soak up a lot of the honey and maple syrup and the pecans won’t come out right. To clean the baking sheets, use very hot water and lots of soap. The hot water will cut through the stickiness.

Can I make these Spiced Candied Pecans ahead of time?

These nuts will last in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Can I freeze these Spiced Candied Pecans?

To freeze them, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the nuts in a single layer on the parchment and freeze. Once they’re frozen, add them to a freezer-safe container or baggie and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Other snacks you might like:

  • Everything Bagel Cashews
  • PB&J No-Bake Energy Bites
  • Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
  • Caesar Deviled Eggs
  • Everything Bagel Guacamole-Stuffed Mini Peppers
easy, healthy roasted pecans in a white bowl on a blue table runner next to a baking sheet with pecan crumbs on it

Spiced Candied Pecans (Paleo, gluten-free)

Don Baiocchi
Roasted pecans are glazed with honey and maple syrup and coated in spices for a sweet, savory and spicy (if you want) snack. They're so easy to make and are perfect as is, with cocktails or on a salad.
5 from 8 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 270 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups / 680g / 24 oz. pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (the darker the better)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven to 350°.
  • Spread the nuts out on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake until toasted and fragrant, 8-10 minutes.
  • Pour the honey and maple syrup over them and carefully (the baking sheet will be hot) toss on the sheet until evenly coated. ⁣Spread back out in an even layer. Bake for another 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine the spices and salt in a small bowl. ⁣
  • Scrape the nuts and any extra honey and maple syrup on the baking sheet into a large bowl. Toss and stir with a heat-proof spoon or spatula as you add the spice mixture a third at a time. The nuts will be sticky but just keep at it until they're all evenly coated.
  • Spread them out on a new, clean baking sheet. Break up any clusters as much as possible and let cool so they dry out, lose their stickiness and get all crunchy, about 10-15 minutes.

Notes

You can double the recipe and use 2 baking sheets. Be sure to swap and rotate the pans halfway through both baking times.
Substitutions and variations
  • You can use all honey or all maple syrup.
  • To make vegan candied pecans, use all maple syrup.
  • To make keto candied pecans, use keto sweeteners like a keto honey substitute and/or keto maple syrup substitute.
  • Want to make them even more interesting? Omit the honey and maple syrup and use 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses instead. This is pomegranate juice that has been reducing until thick and syrupy. It’s wonderfully sweet, bright, sour and tart and works perfectly with the spices. It often has sugar added to it so if you use it the recipe will not be refined sugar-free anymore.
  • I wouldn’t use other types of nuts for this specific recipe. Since they’re all different sizes, they can bake at different times and aren’t as easy to stir with the spices.
  • You can leave out any of the spices if you don’t have them or don’t like them.
How to use Spiced Candied Pecans
  • Eat as is for an irresistible snack.
  • Use some of these spiced candied pecans for a salad.
  • Chop some up and sprinkle over a soup.
  • Sprinkle over vanilla, chocolate or your favorite ice cream.
  • Stir some into regular or Greek yogurt.
  • Chop them up and sprinkle over your favorite muffins before baking.
Make ahead
These nuts will last in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
To freeze them, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the nuts in a single layer on the parchment and freeze. Once they’re frozen, add them to a freezer-safe container or baggie and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 3gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gSodium: 389mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 3gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
Keyword candied pecans, pecans for salad, roasted pecans, spiced pecans
Tried this recipe?Mention @paleoglutenfreeguy or tag #paleoglutenfreeguy!

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Recipes, Snacks appetizer, cardamom, Christmas, cinnamon, ginger, Halloween, honey, maple syrup, New Year's, nuts, paleo appetizer, paleo party food, pecans, Thanksgiving

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Comments

  1. Nicole says

    July 22, 2021 at 7:53 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! I made the recipe exactly as is, including the cayenne, and they were a perfect snack to pair with wine for Girls’ Night In! The cayenne added a nice kick without being overpowering. My favorite part is how quick and easy these are to make. I was worried I’d be scrubbing the sticky honey off my baking sheet for hours but it cleaned up so easily! This is going to be my new go-to for bringing to get-togethers and holiday parties!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      July 22, 2021 at 9:08 pm

      Thanks, Nicole! So glad you liked them. And yeah, it’s surprising how easy the clean-up is!

      Reply
  2. Erin says

    February 14, 2021 at 1:03 pm

    I love that you added cardamom! It’s such an underused ingredient. I bet it makes these nuts extra special!

    Reply
  3. Yang says

    February 13, 2021 at 7:29 pm

    5 stars
    I use a very similar spice combo… and it’s amazing!!! I especially like the kick from cayenne. 🙂

    Reply
  4. ChihYu says

    February 10, 2021 at 8:30 pm

    5 stars
    I could eat the whole bowl of these pecans! Sweet and spicy – so delicious!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      February 12, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      Me too 😉

      Reply
  5. Megan Stevens says

    February 10, 2021 at 10:35 am

    5 stars
    Yum, so delicious, and we love the cardamom in them. A fun treat to set out!…and they become a conversation piece!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      February 12, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      So cool! Yeah, they’re just different enough to be interesting without being too weird. 😉

      Reply
  6. Stacey Crawford says

    February 9, 2021 at 12:17 pm

    5 stars
    These take my salad to a whole new level of yummy! Love how sweet & crunchy these are.

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      February 12, 2021 at 4:36 pm

      They’re so good on salad!

      Reply
  7. tina says

    February 8, 2021 at 7:05 pm

    5 stars
    Dang! These spices go soooo perfect with the pecans! Yum!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      February 12, 2021 at 4:36 pm

      Thanks 🙂

      Reply
  8. Jean Choi says

    February 8, 2021 at 5:43 pm

    5 stars
    These are dangerous! So crunchy, and the spices are just perfect.

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      February 12, 2021 at 4:36 pm

      They really are! I could eat the whole batch. 😉

      Reply
  9. jennifer says

    February 8, 2021 at 4:29 pm

    5 stars
    So addictive, I could eat the ENTIRE batch in one sitting.

    Reply
5 from 8 votes

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Well hello there! I’m Don, the creator behind Paleo Gluten Free Guy. I share fun, vibrant recipes for good health and pure enjoyment. All of my recipes are gluten-free and the majority of them are also Paleo, meaning they’re free of grains, dairy, refined sugar and legumes.

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