Easiest and BEST Sugared Pecans

Name: Sugared Pecans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 egg whites; 1 cup white sugar; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 4 cups raw pecan halves

Sugared Pecans

By Marissa Stevens

5 from 14 votes

Published Nov 30, 2020

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This is the easiest recipe for Sugared Pecans! Just 4 simple ingredients: pecans, egg whites, sugar and salt. Raw pecan halves are tossed in a frothy meringue and baked in a low oven until perfectly crisp and delicious. So versatile! Perfect for snacking (look out, they’re addictive!), or for topping salads and desserts or packaged up as an edible gift.

I paid $8 for my first handful of sugar coated pecans. They were called “Mashuga Nuts” and it was a moment of weakness I admit, but the odds were against me: it was too late to leave the hotel room; the movie was great; the sweet cravings were unbearable; the minibar snack basket beckoned.

More Edible Gift Ideas
FAQ
Recipe Options
How to make Sugared Pecans
More Homemade Treats
Sugared Pecans Recipe

Mashuga Nuts is a brand name, but the word ‘Mashuga’ is Yiddish for ‘Crazy’. Which seems appropriate since pecans coated in snappy sugar are crazy good. Too much? Sorry.

I came home inspired to make my own version, but I never expected it to be so easy.

More Edible Gift Ideas

During the holidays, I love to make batches of these sugared nuts and package them up with an assortment of cookies (Butter Cookies, Soft Sugar Cookies, Praline Pecans, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies) as holiday gifts for neighbors and friends. Or simply pile the nuts into a little glass jar and tie with a ribbon for a perfect host / hostess gift!

Sugared Pecans in a white square bowl with tissue and ribbon

FAQ

How long can you store candied pecans?

You can store candied pecans (sugared pecans) in and airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Recipe Options

To add vanilla flavor, whisk 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the egg white and sugar mixture.
Add some spice with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or some heat with a pinch of cayenne.

How to make Sugared Pecans

Step 1: Whisk egg whites until frothy. Whisk in sugar and salt. Add pecans and stir to coat evenly.

Step 2: Spread coated pecans in an even layer on parchment lined baking sheet.

placing meringue coated pecans onto baking sheet

spreading coated pecans into a single layer

Step 3: Bake at 250˚F for 45 minutes, gently stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside until completely cool before serving. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.

More Homemade Treats

Praline Pecans

Date Caramel

Homemade Marshmallows

Homemade Salty Black Licorice

Sugared Pecans

5 from 14 votes

By: Marissa Stevens

Prep: 10

Cook: 45

Total: 55

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 221

Servings: servings

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Sugared Pecans are easy to make and deliciously addictive! Delicious for snacking and as a sweet and crunchy topping for salads or desserts. And a perfect edible gift for the holidays!

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Ingredients

▢ 2 egg whites
▢ 1 cup white sugar
▢ 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 4 cups raw pecan halves

Instructions

Preheat oven to 250°F.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites until smooth and foamy. Whisk in sugar and salt. Add pecans and stir to coat evenly.
Pour coated pecans onto prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer with a rubber spatula.
Bake, stirring gently every 15 minutes, for 45 minutes total, until coating is a light golden brown.
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before serving. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.