Maple Pecans

These sweet and salty homemade candied Maple Pecans are the perfect addition to salads, cheese boards, or served in a bowl as a simple snack. They are very simple to make, and easy to customize with your favorite flavors and spices. The best part? They are made without sugar, using only the magic of maple syrup.

VEGETARIAN ✓ GLUTEN-FREE ✓

Recipe Notes

“Oh, those are my signature homemade Maple Pecans, I just threw them together.”

Sweet, salty, spicy maple pecans are one of my favorite salad toppers. They are very easy to make, all you need is half an hour and some simple pantry ingredients. Soon you’ll have a kitchen smelling like warm toasted maple with a bowl of these delicious nuts by your side, and you’ll be able to say “Oh, those are my signature homemade Maple Pecans, I just threw them together.”

The Ingredients

Pecans have a deliciously rich, buttery texture and sweetness. The pecan is a nut from a particular species of hickory trees which is native to Northern Mexico and the Southern United States. Pecans are full of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, and are cholesterol-free, sodium-free, and low in carbohydrates.

Maple Syrup is a natural sweetener made from the sap of sugar maple trees. It has a distinct, rich flavor, for which, there is no substitute. That being said, maple syrup itself is a great substitute for sugar and other sweeteners in baking and cooking. Did you know it takes about 40 gallons of sap from a sugar maple tree to produce just one gallon of maple syrup. Vermont, where I live, is one of the largest producers or maple syrup in the country.

Cinnamon is a spice that dates back to at least 2000 B.C. originating in the tropical regions of South Asia. It has a long history of use, being valued for its aromatic and medicinal properties. Cinnamon has a number of health benefits. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, reduces inflammation, and is a source of antioxidants, which is why I included it in my morning hydrating tonic – you can read more about that here: Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic

Cayenne Pepper (optional) is derived from chili peppers and originated in Central and South America. It was used by indigenous cultures for thousands of years as a spice and for its medicinal properties. Cayenne pepper boosts metabolism, aids digestion, and capsaicin, the active compound in cayenne, provides pain relief. It does come with some heat though, so if you are not a fan of spicy foods, you may want to reduce the amount of cayenne, or leave it out altogether.

Create Your Signature Homemade Maple Pecans

As a home cook, there is nothing more satisfying than creating signature recipes that your guests love. These nuts are one of those things. They are so simple to make and so easy to customize. Don’t like heat? Leave out the cayenne. Play around with other spices to make these your own. They also make a great gift for the holidays, especially as a hostess gifts. Here are some ideas on how to customize them:

• Ginger
• Chipotle
• Za’atar
• Sumac
• Vanilla
• Mustard

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few things that might help:

• Remove the pan from the oven and either remove them from the sheet soon and serve warm, or wait till they cool completely. Somewhere in the middle there is a sticky, taffy-like point, which will have you fighting with them (and probably eating them) as you try and get them off the parchment paper.
• If you use cayenne pepper, and toss this with your hands, wash your hands very well – and be careful touching your eyes afterwards.
• Store the maple pecans in an airtight container.
• Only use real maple syrup.

Recipes To Top With Maple Pecans

Fig And Goat Cheese Salad With Arugula & Frizzled Leeks

Kale Salad With Apples, Blue Cheese & Maple Pecans

Jammy Blue Cheese & Almond Endive Appetizer Bites

Mexican Street Corn Salad With Avocado & Greens

Delicata Squash Gruyère Gratin

If you make these Maple Pecans be sure to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you. And if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see!

How To Make: Maple Pecans