Get ready for your home to smell like Christmas morning! These Slow Cooker Candied Pecans are the definition of an easy, hands-off recipe that delivers an incredibly delicious result. We’re talking crunchy, sweet, cinnamon-spiced pecans with a perfect candy coating, all made effortlessly in your crockpot. Forget standing over a hot stove; this set-it-and-forget-it method is a game-changer for holiday snacking and gift-giving.
Whether you’re looking for a simple snack to set out for guests, a festive topping for salads and desserts, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe is your new best friend. The slow cooker does all the hard work, gently toasting the nuts and melting the cinnamon-sugar mixture into a flawless, crunchy shell. It’s truly one of the simplest and most rewarding recipes you’ll make all season.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Candied Pecans
If you’re not already convinced, here’s why this will become your go-to holiday recipe. First, the ease is unbeatable. There’s minimal prep, and the slow cooker ensures they cook evenly without any risk of burning. Second, the aroma is absolutely intoxicating! The scent of warm cinnamon and toasted nuts will fill your entire house. Finally, they are incredibly versatile. Serve them at a party, pack them for a snack, or check out our list of sweet potato casserole recipes to use them as a topping!
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of common pantry staples to create this addictive treat. The magic lies in the simplicity and the slow-cooking process that melds these flavors together perfectly.
Pecan Halves: The star of the show. Use fresh, raw pecan halves for the best texture and flavor.
Egg White: This is the secret ingredient that creates a light, crispy coating and helps the sugar mixture adhere perfectly to the nuts.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A combination of both creates the perfect caramelized sweetness and texture.
Ground Cinnamon: Provides that classic warm, holiday spice. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra if you’re a cinnamon lover!
Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
How to Make Candied Pecans in a Slow Cooker Step-by-Step
Making these crockpot candied pecans is as simple as mix, dump, and stir. Follow these easy steps for a foolproof result every time.
Prep the Coating: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla extract until it becomes frothy. This should take about 30 seconds.
Combine Sugars: In a separate small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Coat the Pecans: Add the pecan halves to the bowl with the frothy egg white mixture. Stir gently until every pecan is evenly coated.
Add Sugar Mixture: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the coated pecans. Stir again until the pecans are fully covered in the sweet, spiced goodness.
Slow Cook: Transfer the coated pecans to the basin of your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 3 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Cool and Crisp: Once cooked, spread the pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. As they cool, they will harden and become wonderfully crisp. Break apart any clumps once they are completely cool.
Letting them cool completely is the secret to ultimate crunch.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Crisp Candied Pecans
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few key tips will guarantee your slow cooker candied pecans turn out perfectly crisp and not sticky.
The Secret to a Crunchy Coating
The key to that signature crunch is two-fold. First, the frothy egg white acts as a binder that crisps up beautifully in the slow cooker’s gentle heat. Second, stirring every 30-45 minutes is crucial. This helps the moisture evaporate evenly, allowing the sugar to crystalize into a hard candy shell rather than a sticky syrup.
Don’t Skip The Final Step
Spreading the pecans on parchment paper to cool is non-negotiable. This allows air to circulate around each nut, helping them dry and harden properly. If you leave them clumped together in the slow cooker, the trapped steam will make them sticky. Give them space and let them cool completely for the best texture.
Fun Flavor Variations to Try
This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the sugar mixture for a spicy-sweet kick. For a warmer spice blend, add a dash of nutmeg and cardamom. You can even swap the vanilla extract for maple extract for a different flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with our Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls.
Look at that perfect candy coating!
How to Store Your Candied Pecans
Once completely cooled, store your candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. If you live in a humid environment, you can place a paper towel in the container to help absorb any excess moisture. They make for a perfect snack, just like our easy cream cheese sausage balls.
Creative Ways to Use Your Candied Pecans
These pecans are more than just a snack! Chop them up and use them as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream. They add a fantastic crunch to salads or can be a star ingredient on a cheese board. They are also the perfect complement to baked goods like our famous pumpkin cheesecake recipe.
Stickiness usually happens if there’s too much moisture. To prevent this, make sure to stir the pecans every 30-45 minutes during cooking to help moisture evaporate, and always spread them in a single layer on parchment paper to cool completely.
The egg white is highly recommended as it creates a light, crispy, and meringue-like coating that helps the sugar mixture adhere perfectly. While you can make them without it using melted butter as a binder, the texture will be different.
Candied pecans, like these, typically have a rough, crystalline sugar coating made with egg whites. Glazed pecans usually have a smoother, harder, more transparent coating made from a cooked sugar syrup.
The Perfect Holiday Gift: Slow Cooker Candied Pecans
Package these delightful pecans in a decorative jar or cellophane bag with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. Friends, family, and neighbors will be thrilled to receive this festive treat. We hope you enjoy making and sharing these easy Slow Cooker Candied Pecans! If you love this recipe, be sure to save it and share it on Pinterest!
The easiest way to make perfect candied pecans is right in your slow cooker!
Slow Cooker Candied Pecans Recipe
FL Recipes
Slow Cooker Candied Pecans (The Easiest Holiday Treat)
The easiest Slow Cooker Candied Pecans recipe! These crockpot candied pecans are coated in a cinnamon-sugar glaze and cook to crispy, crunchy perfection. The perfect holiday treat for snacking and gifting.
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla extract until frothy, about 30 seconds.
In a separate small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Add the pecan halves to the egg white mixture and stir to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until well combined.
Transfer the coated pecans to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 3 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes.
Spread the pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool. Break apart any clumps.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcalProtein: 4gFat: 30gFiber: 4g
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Ensure you stir periodically to prevent the sugar from burning and to help the pecans crisp up.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
