Candied Pecans Recipe- Gluten Free & Vegan

With only four ingredients, this candied pecans recipe still manages to wow a party and become a family favorite. Quick and easy dessert type snacks are kind of my thing (umm peppermint patty bars anyone?!). Though I do tend to make these dessert like snacks include some sort of chocolate 😉 Until now! These homemade maple candied pecans are probably the simplest dessert recipe to whip up and they are far too easy to munch on.

So a secret fact about me.. I eat a lot of nuts. Like a lot a lot. This normally isn’t an issue but every so often I notice it getting out of control and have to scale back.

The issue is that nuts – all of them- are just so good! Seriously between raw nuts, nut butters and other health fats like avocados and coconut I’ve learned I can consume a lot of calories!

Thank god they’re all healthy fats and my body loves them.

Don’t want to read? JUMP to the recipe

Simple Desserts For Busy Moms

Do you ever get that panic feeling where you have a weekend of gatherings coming up and you have no idea what to make? Or really, no time to make anything?

That exact scenario is where this candied pecans recipe comes in handy.

With only four ingredients these maple candied pecans are the simplest dessert to whip up an half the cook time is letting them sit on the pan out of the oven.

They’re also insanely addictive. I’ve yet to make them and not have the bowl licked clean by the end of the night. 

And while this dessert typically reminds me of Christmas, a candied pecans recipe works all through the year. Though I have to say, so does Pecan Pie!!

Pecans & Health Benefits

Pecan are high in calcium (just like almonds!). Which is another reason why cow’s milk doesn’t have to be the basis of our calcium intake (check this blog post out on some dairy free tips)..

Pecans also contains a good amount of magnesium, zinc and selenium. Actually, pecans are a super source of vitamins!

As a Nutrition Coach, I love that pecans (nuts in general) contain so many healthy fats. Especially for kids, this helps boost brain development and better cell membranes. Plus, fats make everything taste delicious, more satiating and help keep us full.

While this candied pecans recipe can’ be considered a health food (it is sugar based!), you do get some benefits from the nut itself.

The Maple In Maple Candied Pecans

Most candied pecans recipes call for a lot of sugar, like,  a lot. We live in a time of processed everything so this recipe normally made using white or brown sugar.

I like to limit my processed sugar intake (here’s five tips on reducing your daily sugar!) and instead opted for maple syrup instead. Plus maple candied pecans just taste better.

Truthfully, I find the traditional recipe a bit too sweet and it hurts my stomach.

Instead, these pecans are glazed with my favorite sweetener- maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon for flavor.

These easy candied pecans are still sugar-based though so don’t be fooled. They’re made as a dessert, to enjoy occasionally and not as a daily snack. 

Nuts For Kids 

Maple syrup candied pecans make an awesome treat for my daughters also.

While she definitely doesn’t get a whole lot of sugar (I even avoided it for her first birthday!) I’m alright with her having a bit of maple syrup and lots of healthy fats.

Make sure you’ve introduced nuts to your kids before (here’s my process) and that they’re able to chew through them properly. My two year old is awesome at downing nuts (I still watch her) but many kids aren’t. For some, this candied pecans recipe is best for kids over age five.

Ingredients in the Candied Pecans Recipe

• 2 cups pecans
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

Note: all of these health boosting ingredients can be purchased through my favorite retailer Well.ca– and the best part is that they offer free shipping!

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Silicone spatula
• Silicone Baking Sheet

How To Make The Maple Candied Pecans

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

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.

Bake for 6 minutes. Remove from oven, stir the pecans (making sure they are laying flat again) and bake for 2-3 more minutes.

Leave to cool on the pan for 30 minutes and they will harden.

Don’t forget to pin these maple syrup candied pecans!

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Healthy Candied Pecans - Gluten Free & Vegan

Healthy candied pecans make a super quick dessert when you're in a pinch. These pecans are maple cinnamon flavored, gluten free and utterly addictive.

Prep Time 2 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 209 kcal

Author Fit as a Mama Bear

Ingredients

• 2 cups pecans
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the syrup, cinnamon and vanilla. Whisk well.
2. Place the pecans into a large bowl.
3. Pour the syrup mixture over the pecans and mix to combine.
4. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the pecans on the tray until they are all laying flat.
5. Bake for 6 minutes. Remove from oven, stir the pecans (making sure they are laying flat again) and bake for 2-3 more minutes.
6. Leave to cool on the pan for 30 minutes and they will harden.

Nutrition Facts

Healthy Candied Pecans - Gluten Free & Vegan

Amount Per Serving

Calories 209 Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Sodium 1mg0%

Potassium 132mg4%

Carbohydrates 13g4%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 14IU0%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 34mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

These easy candied pecans are a simple dessert recipes made from real food ingredients. The pecans are the perfect dessert in a pinch, they’re gluten-free, vegan and utterly addictive.