Slow Cooker Candied Pecans are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, offering a delightful snack or a topping for desserts. This easy, budget-friendly recipe is ideal for holiday treats, snacking, or adding a crunchy touch to your favorite dishes. The slow cooker does all the hard work, and you’ll enjoy a batch of cinnamon-sugar coated pecans that are irresistible.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making Slow Cooker Candied Pecans is not only simple, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The slow cooker allows you to make a large batch without constant supervision. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and granulated sugar creates a fragrant and addictive treat. Plus, you can make these candied pecans in advance and store them for later use, saving time during busy holiday seasons or snack cravings.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Candied Pecans
- Pecans: The star of this recipe, offering a crunchy texture and a rich flavor.
- Egg White: Helps the sugar and spices stick to the pecans for a crispy coating.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note to the sweet pecans.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor with a caramel-like richness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Offers the signature warm spice that enhances the sweetness.
- Water: Helps create the outer crunchy shell during the final stages of cooking.
- Non-stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Nuts: While pecans are the traditional choice, you can easily swap them for walnuts, almonds, or cashews, all of which work wonderfully with the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist or nutmeg for a more autumn-inspired flavor.
- Sweeteners: If you prefer a more natural option, swap granulated sugar with maple syrup or honey, adjusting for sweetness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Candied Pecans
- Prepare the Pecan Coating: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy (about 1-2 minutes). Pour the mixture over the pecans and toss to coat evenly.
- Mix the Sugar and Spices: In a separate bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Once mixed, pour this over the pecans and toss again, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cook in the Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray and add the pecan mixture. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Create the Crunchy Shell: For the last 30 minutes, stir in the water to help create a crisp outer shell on the pecans.
- Cool and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, spread the candied pecans out on a baking sheet and let them cool for 20-30 minutes before serving or storing.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Candied Pecans
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure the pecans are spread out evenly in the slow cooker so they can cook uniformly.
- Let Them Cool Completely: Rushing this step can lead to soft pecans instead of crispy ones.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Stir Frequently: Stir the pecans every 30 minutes to ensure an even coat of cinnamon-sugar and avoid burning.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
- Sweet and Savory Snacks: Serve these candied pecans as a topping for salads, especially those with spinach or arugula for a contrast in flavors.
- Ice Cream Topping: These pecans make a delicious crunchy topping for vanilla or caramel ice cream, adding a sweet and nutty flavor.
- Charcuterie Board: Incorporate them into a cheese and meat platter to add a delightful sweetness to complement savory options.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Why Slow Cooker Candied Pecans Are a Must-Make
These Slow Cooker Candied Pecans are perfect for busy holiday seasons or simply for a tasty snack that will impress friends and family. With minimal preparation and just a few hours in the slow cooker, you can create a crunchy, sweet treat that’s ideal for any occasion. The slow cooker does the work, leaving you with perfectly coated pecans ready to enjoy.
Whether you serve them on a charcuterie board, sprinkle them over desserts, or simply snack on them, these candied pecans will quickly become a favorite. Make a large batch and enjoy this sweet treat throughout the week or gift them as a delicious homemade present!
Conclusion: Why Slow Cooker Candied Pecans Should Be Your Go-To Snack
Slow Cooker Candied Pecans are not just a treat—they’re a versatile, easy-to-make snack that adds flavor to any occasion. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a crunchy snack, add a delightful topping to desserts, or gift a homemade treat, these pecans will not disappoint. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can make a big batch of these sweet, cinnamon-sugar-coated delights. Plus, the slow cooker makes everything even easier, freeing up your time for other tasks while it works its magic. Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy snack, Slow Cooker Candied Pecans are sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other nuts besides pecans for this recipe?
Yes! You can easily swap pecans with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Each type of nut will give a slightly different texture, but they will all work well with the cinnamon-sugar coating. Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts.
2. How long do Slow Cooker Candied Pecans last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, these candied pecans will stay fresh at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge, where they may last a bit longer.
3. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the slow cooker?
Yes, you can! If you prefer not to use a slow cooker, you can bake the candied pecans in the oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure an even coat. This will give you a similar result without the slow cooker.
More Relevant Recipes
Slow Cooker Candied Pecans
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Slow Cooker Candied Pecans are a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a cinnamon-sugar coating that will satisfy your snack cravings. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients and the slow cooker to create a crunchy treat that’s ideal for snacking or topping desserts.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Pecans Halves
- 1 Large Egg White
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ cup Water
- Non-stick Cooking Spray
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites with the vanilla extract until the mixture is combined and frothy (about 1-2 minutes). Stir in the pecans to coat them evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Pour this mixture over the pecans and toss until fully coated.
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Add the pecan mixture to the crockpot and cover.
- Cook on low for 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in the water to help form a crunchy outer shell on the pecans.
- Spread the candied pecans on a baking sheet and let them cool for 20-30 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a variation, you can try using other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
- If you prefer a spicy twist, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture.
- Ensure the pecans cool completely to achieve a crunchy texture. Rushing this step may lead to soft pecans.
- If you’re short on time, consider using parchment paper on the baking sheet to make cleanup easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
- Calories: 332 kcal
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 7mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
