Made with only 4 ingredients, these vegan candied pecans are deliciously irresistible! Sweetened with maple syrup and oven-roasted, the pecans work as a simple treat, a salad topper, or even as a homemade food gift.
Candied, crunchy, and deliciously simple.
There are two ways to make candied pecans: stovetop or in the oven.
And though the stovetop may be faster, the oven is definitely easier!
So, skip the coconut sugar, fire up the oven and make a snack you can't put down!
Roasting the pecans in the oven allows the syrup to “candy” and gives an added crunch to the pecans.
This means that these maple-roasted, candied pecans are sweet, crunchy, and definitely delicious!
The Ingredients
Maple syrup: In place of brown sugar or coconut sugar, these candied pecans use maple syrup instead! Make sure to use real maple syrup for a deliciously sweet, smoky flavor and not man-made stuff.
Vanilla: the better the vanilla the better the flavor! If possible, I like to use Madagascar vanilla.
Cinnamon: an added hint of sweetness but a subtle flavor. You only need a tiny bit or the flavor will overpower.
Pecans: make sure to use unsalted pecans in their full form whenever possible.
Hack: want to enjoy these candied pecans through fall and winter? Add a dash of pumpkin pie spice in with the cinnamon and enjoy the festiveness!
Step By Step Photos
Step 1: Whisk to combine the maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Step 2: Pour the sweetened syrup over the pecans and stir until they’re coated.
Step 3: Spread the pecans flat and bake, stirring halfway through. Let cool fully on the pan.
Important Teaching Tips
It’s easy to burn nuts in the oven when roasting. So, make sure to not overcook the vegan candied pecans and keep an eye on them for the last 1-2 minutes.
Want to make the maple candied pecans even better? Add a bit of sea salt for a salted, caramel-like twist!
The pecans harden when cooling. Thus, make sure to let them cool fully on the pan so that you don’t miss out on the “crunchy” texture.
Some of the syrup will be caramelized onto the pan and look as if it’s burning while cookies- this is normal.
Make sure to use pure maple syrup and not a man-made one. Real maple syrup will give a candied flavor to the candied pecans. Likewise, the natural sugars in the sugars will evaporate slightly and harden onto the pecans.
Using a commercial/man-made syrup that has added oils and sugars will result in a sticky mess.
Making The Maple Candied Pecans Into A Homemade Gift
These easy candied pecans not only make a tasty snack for you but they also make a thoughtful homemade gift!)
Once cooled, portion the pecans into a mini mason jar and top it off with some twine and a cute note.
The candied pecans last on the countertop at room temperature for roughly one week but they also stay fresh in the fridge for 4-6 weeks.
Other Healthy Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate peppermint patties
- Salted chocolate fudge
- White chocolate fudge
- How chocolate bombs
- Dairy-free protein brownies
- Candy cane peppermint fudge
- Dairy-free hot chocolate
- Paleo cookies with chocolate frosting
- Healthy dessert recipes
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Candied Pecans
If the pecans have not been cooked long enough the sugars will not fully evaporate which will leave the pecans feeling sticky rather than crunchy.
Traditional vegan candied pecans are made with a sugar coating and should be eaten in moderation for special occasions. Candied pecans made with honey or maple syrup are still sugar-based but normally slightly healthier.
If the vegan candied pecans have not been cooked long enough in the oven often they will come out soft. This is because there is so much liquid coating that the syrup does not have time to "candy" or burn off. Likewise, the pecans need to sit for thirty full minutes in order to crunch up.
Candied pecans will last on the countertop for roughly one week. In an airtight container in the fridge, they will last 4-6 weeks.
Though most stovetop candied pecans are made with coconut sugar or brown sugar, that may not work for this recipe. These pecans require the syrup to crystalize and candy in the oven as it burns off and powdered sugar won't have the same effect.
Other Easy Snacks and Side Dishes
Maple Candied Pecans (Oven Roasted & Gluten-Free)
Equipment
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecans
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Farhenheit.
- In a small bowl, combine the syrup, cinnamon and vanilla. Whisk well.
- Place the pecans into a large bowl.
- Pour the syrup mixture over the pecans and mix to combine.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the pecans on the tray until they are all laying flat. Try not to overlap them.
- Bake for 6 minutes. Remove from oven, stir the pecans (making sure they are laying flat again) and bake for 2-3 more minutes. You want the maple syrup to be bubbling but not burnt.
- Leave to cool on the pan for 30 minutes and they will harden.
Notes
- It’s easy to burn nuts in the oven when roasting. So, make sure to not overcook the pecans and keep an eye on them for the last 1-2 minutes. However, you want the maple syrup to be bubbling a bit at the end as this is what candies them!
- Want to make the pecans a bit more addictive? Add a bit of sea salt for a salted, caramel-like twist!
- The pecans harden when cooling. Thus, make sure to let them cool fully on the pan so that you don’t miss out on the “crunchy” texture.
- Some of the maple syrup will be caramelized onto the pan and look as if it’s burning while cookies- this is normal.
- Make sure to use pure maple syrup and not a fake version like Aunt Jemima. Real maple syrup will give a candied flavor to the pecans. Likewise, the natural sugars in the sugars will evaporate slightly and harden onto the pecans.
- Using a commercial/man made maple syrup that has added oils and sugars will results in a sticky mess.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Skip the coconut sugar (or brown sugar) and whip up these maple candied pecans instead!
These pecans are the perfect dessert in a pinch, they're gluten-free, vegan, and deliciously simple.
Shelby aka Mama Bear
Raia Todd
Only four ingredients?! I can do that! Especially if one of the ingredients is maple syrup... 😉
fitasamamabear
Haha right? Simple is a necessity.
linda spiker
I love putting candies pecans in salads, oatmeal etc! Love that you use maple!
fitasamamabear
mmm in salads they're so freaking perfect! Sometimes I think I live off of maple syrup though...
Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama
I am actually going to use this recipe in my daughter's class next week! I was stuck trying to figure out what a bunch of 6-12 year olds could all make and this is perfect! Thank you!
fitasamamabear
Oh yay! This literally makes my day 😀 let me know how they like them! My toddler helped me with our (third haha) batch and it was perfect because they're so simple!
Emily
I love your version, they're so yummy! Maple sweetened is the best! These are so great for the upcoming holidays and chillier months.
fitasamamabear
Yummy yes, but so freaking addictive! Next thing you know, you've consumed about 1100kcals lol
Kiran Dodeja Smith
I mean - how easy are these?!! Totally making them!
fitasamamabear
Haha easy yes. Addictive. Yes. You've been warned 😉
Michelle
What temperature do you bake them at?
fitasamamabear
Super sorry! When I updated the recipe card I deleted the line, 350 degrees Fahrenheit.