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Candied Pecans from Darcy
Candied Pecans are a classic snack and holiday treat, cherished for their irresistible balance of crunchy texture and rich, caramelized sweetness. This version includes a festive twist with dried cranberries or cherries, enhancing the flavor profile and making it a colorful addition to any dessert spread or charcuterie board. Originating as a Southern delicacy, candied pecans have found their way into countless American kitchens for gifting, snacking, and baking.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 8
Calories 305 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ½ cups pecan halves
  • ¼ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • 1 ½ cups dried cranberries (or cherries)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat oven to 250°F. Grease a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan.

Step 2: Combine Syrup Base

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, mix corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until boiling (watch carefully to prevent overflow).

Step 3: Add Flavor

  • Stir in vanilla extract and baking soda.

Step 4: Coat Pecans

  • Drizzle the mixture over the pecans. Spread them evenly on the greased pan.

Step 5: Bake & Stir

  • Bake, stirring every 20 minutes, for up to 1 hour.

Step 6: Final Touch

  • Transfer to waxed paper and mix in dried cranberries or cherries. Allow to cool completely.

Step 7: Store

  • Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 2 weeks.

Tips

  • Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans for a different nut profile.
  • Add ½ tsp cinnamon for a warm holiday flavor.
  • Stir in a pinch of cayenne for sweet-spicy candied nuts.
  • Replace cranberries with dried cherries (as the card suggests) or chopped dried apricots.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle coarse sea salt after baking.
  • Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for richer flavor.
  • Keep nuts spread in a single layer to ensure even caramelization.
  • Stir more frequently if your oven runs hot to prevent scorching.

Nutrition

Calories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 3gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 2.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11.8gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 66mgPotassium: 134mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 55IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 0.7mg
Keyword candied nuts, caramel, holiday snacks, holidays, homemade gift, oven baked, pecans, sweet treat, vintage recipe
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