Maple Vanilla Candied Pecans – Easy 5-Ingredient Holiday Snack

Sweet, crunchy, and full of cozy flavor, these maple vanilla candied pecans are an easy homemade treat. They are coated in rich maple syrup, fragrant vanilla, and a touch of warm cinnamon, then roasted until toasty. They are perfect for holiday snacking, topping salads, adding to dessert boards, or gifting in pretty little jars.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Bake Time: about 20 minutes | Oven: 325°F (165°C) | Yield: 2 cups

Why You’ll Love These Maple Candied Pecans

• Just 5 ingredients. Pecans, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
• No white sugar. Pure maple syrup gives the sweet, glossy coating.
• One bowl, one pan. Toss, spread, bake, and you are done.
• Made for the holidays. They make an easy edible gift and a great addition to any snack board.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

How to Make Maple Vanilla Candied Pecans

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Coat the pecans. In a bowl, combine the pecans, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Toss until the pecans are evenly coated.
3. Arrange on the baking sheet. Spread the pecans in a single layer, leaving a little space between them.
4. Roast until fragrant. Bake for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pecans are fragrant and lightly toasted. Watch closely to prevent burning.
5. Cool completely. Remove from the oven and let the pecans cool on the baking sheet. The maple coating will become firmer as they cool.
6. Store and enjoy. Transfer the cooled pecans to an airtight container and enjoy them as a snack or use them to add a sweet, crunchy touch to your favorite dishes.

Helpful Tips

• Use pure maple syrup. It gives the best flavor. Pancake syrup is thinner and will not coat the nuts the same way.
• Watch the last few minutes. Nuts can go from toasted to burnt very quickly.
• Cool completely before storing. This keeps the pecans crunchy.
• Package them as gifts. Small jars with a ribbon make a thoughtful homemade holiday present.

Ways to Use Candied Pecans

• Sprinkle over fall salads with apples and goat cheese
• Top oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes
• Add to a holiday charcuterie or dessert board
• Spoon over vanilla ice cream or sweet potato casserole

How to Store Candied Pecans

Store the cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If they soften, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them at 325°F (165°C) for 3–5 minutes, then let them cool again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my candied pecans sticky?

They were most likely stored before cooling completely, or they needed a few more minutes in the oven. Let them cool fully on the baking sheet so the maple coating can firm up.

Can I use walnuts or almonds?

Yes. Walnut halves work the same way. Whole almonds may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Can I make them spicy?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the cinnamon for sweet and spicy pecans.

More Pecan Recipes to Try

• Small Batch Pecan Pie Bars
• Butter Pecan Fudge
• Pecan Pie Cobbler
• Pecan Upside-Down Cake