Fit as a Mama Bear

Helping make fitness, healthy food and natural living PRACTICAL for busy moms!

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
    • Snacks
    • Breakfast
    • Smoothies
    • Main Meals
    • Desserts
  • Motherhood
    • Healthy Pregnancy
  • DIY
  • Get Fit
    • Full Body Workouts At Home For Moms
    • Basic Weight Loss Calculator
  • Healthy Living
  • Podcast
  • Shop
    • Organic Beauty Products
    • Energizing Coffee
    • Diy Beauty Ingredients
    • Pantry Ingredients

Disclosure: I have an advertisement relationship with the stores and ads in this post. Check out my disclaimer here.

You are here: Home / Healthy Recipes / Desserts / Candied Pecans Recipe- Gluten Free & Vegan

Last Updated on Mar 26th, 2020 fitasamamabear

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!!

Maple pecans Pecans

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.

Maple cinnamon candied pecans

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!

maple pecans pecans

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.

Maple pecans

Place the pecans into a large bowl.

Maple pecans

Pour the syrup mixture over the pecans and mix to combine.

Maple pecans

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the pecans on the tray until they are all laying flat.

Maple pecans

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

Maple pecans

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

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

Maple candied pecans

Grab your printable

Healthy candied pecans, cinnamon, maple syrup, vegan, gluten free, healthy dessert, paleo, dessert ideas, recipes,
0 from 0 votes
Print

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.

Related Posts:

  • Candied Pecan Spinach SaladCandied Pecan Spinach Salad
  • Easy Raw Spiralized Zucchini Salad (Paleo & Whole30)Easy Raw Spiralized Zucchini Salad (Paleo & Whole30)
  • Candied Brussels Sprouts (Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts) -  Gluten-Free & VeganCandied Brussels Sprouts (Maple Roasted Brussels…
Last updated on 03/26/2020

Filed Under: Desserts, Healthy Recipes Tagged With: candied, dessert, gluten free, nuts, pecans

Comments

  1. Raia Todd says

    10/02/2018 at 7:07 pm

    Only four ingredients?! I can do that! Especially if one of the ingredients is maple syrup… 😉

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      10/02/2018 at 8:09 pm

      Haha right? Simple is a necessity.

      Reply
  2. linda spiker says

    10/02/2018 at 11:06 pm

    I love putting candies pecans in salads, oatmeal etc! Love that you use maple!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      10/03/2018 at 12:26 pm

      mmm in salads they’re so freaking perfect! Sometimes I think I live off of maple syrup though…

      Reply
  3. Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama says

    10/24/2018 at 4:18 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      10/25/2018 at 1:00 am

      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!

      Reply
  4. Emily says

    10/28/2018 at 11:08 pm

    I love your version, they’re so yummy! Maple sweetened is the best! These are so great for the upcoming holidays and chillier months.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      10/29/2018 at 4:27 pm

      Yummy yes, but so freaking addictive! Next thing you know, you’ve consumed about 1100kcals lol

      Reply
  5. Kiran Dodeja Smith says

    10/29/2018 at 4:21 pm

    I mean – how easy are these?!! Totally making them!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      10/29/2018 at 4:28 pm

      Haha easy yes. Addictive. Yes. You’ve been warned 😉

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Primally Pure Natural Deodorant that works

About Me

About Me

Hey There! I’m Shelby, a Certified Strength Coach (CSCS) and certified nutrition coach (PN) in everyday life as well as mama to two beautiful girls! I’m a chronic foodie, workout junkie and feeder of stray cats. I love heavy lifting but am a firm believer that as a mama you’ve got to do whatever the hell that works FOR YOU and I’m here to give you a few ideas. I believe food is fuel but indulgences are a must because well, as you’ll see… I’m a chocolate fiend!

Categories

RSS Fit As A Mama Bear Podcast

  • How To Start Eating Real Food (and make it practical for busy moms!)

Don't Miss a Post!
Get the Weekly Newsletter Sent Right to Your Inbox!

Top Post:

  • Pinterest image with text: homemade raspberry mocktail in a mason jar with fruit behind it Five Tasty, Healthy Pregnancy Mocktails For Summertime
  • Homemade body butter photos in different jars and text. The Do’s & Don’ts Of Natural Skincare Products
  • Four images of homemade bath bombs, the first of the bath bombs complete and being held and the other three of in process images making the bath bombs. How To Make Bath Bombs- Tips & Tricks
  • 6 Hip Exercises You Should Do While Pregnant
  • Pinterest image with text: yogurt pancakes on plate with jam on top and maple syrup behind in ramekin High Protein Yogurt Pancakes
Use Code mamabearfit For Discount
Use Code mamabear15 For Discount

Get the Newsletter

Sign up and get weekly updates sent right to your inbox!

DISCLAIMERS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The content on Fit as a Mama Bear is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No products mentioned are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

  • Contact
  • Podcast Guest
  • Work With Me
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
  • Advertise
DISCLAIMERS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The content on Fit as a Mama Bear is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No products mentioned are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy