Maple Candied Pecans

These maple candied pecans are made on the stovetop using just one pan, combining butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar to create crisp, glossy, perfectly caramelized nuts without turning on the oven.

Hey folks – I hope you all are doing well!

I’m always drawn to simple stovetop treats that come together quickly and don’t require much planning. These caramelized pecans fit that bill perfectly: easy to make, deeply flavourful, and just a little dangerous. Good luck limiting yourself to only a handful of these nuts :) So, let’s dive into these maple candied pecans.

Why You’ll Love These Maple Candied Pecans

• Easy one-pan recipe: Everything comes together in a single saucepan or skillet.
• No oven required: A fully stovetop method that’s quick and reliable.
• Rich maple flavour: Maple syrup adds warmth and depth without being overly sweet.
• Perfect texture: Crisp, glossy pecans with just the right amount of caramel.
• Versatile: Great for snacking, salads, desserts, or gifting.

Flavour and Texture Profile

These stovetop candied pecans are rich and buttery with a deep maple sweetness balanced by a touch of salt. The glossy caramel coating sets into crisp clusters as the pecans cool, while cinnamon and vanilla add warmth and subtle spice without overpowering the nuts.

Ingredients You’ll Need for These Maple Candied Pecans

For this recipe, the ingredient list is short and straightforward, relying on pantry staples and good-quality pecans.

• Pecan halves: The star of the recipe, toasted and coated in caramel.
• Butter: Creates a rich base and helps the caramel coat the nuts evenly.
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and unmistakable maple flavour.
• Light brown sugar: Deepens the caramel and helps it set properly.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavour of the pecans.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Provides gentle spice; adjust to taste.

How to Make Maple Candied Pecans: Easy One-Pan Stovetop Method

This recipe is a great example of how maple candied pecans can be made quickly and cleanly using a simple stovetop technique, with no baking required.

1. Melt the butter in a small to medium heavy-bottomed saucepan or skillet over high-medium heat. Add the maple syrup, brown sugar, and salt, then bring the mixture to a boil. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened and lightly browned.
2. Reduce the heat to low-medium and add the pecans, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat them evenly in the caramel.
3. Continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the pecans are evenly browned and glossy. The mixture should bubble gently the entire time. Keep a close eye on the pan, as caramel can burn quickly and pecans brown fast. Lower the heat further if the bubbling becomes too aggressive.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon, then cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat.
5. Transfer the pecans to a large plate or tray lined with parchment paper or foil, spreading them out into an even layer. Let cool for about 30 minutes, then break into clusters.

Cleaning Tip

For easy cleanup, soak the saucepan, spatula, and whisk in hot water with dish soap right after cooking. Cold or warm water can cause the caramel to harden. Adding a little baking soda and lemon juice also helps loosen stubborn caramel residue.

More Caramelized Nuts Ideas

Are you looking for more candied nuts, just like these Maple Candied Pecans? Be sure to check more recipes:

• Lavender Maple Candied Nuts
• Dulce de Leche Candied Pecans
• Maple Candied Cashews
• Candied Pine Nuts
• Festive Toffee Orange Brandy Pecans – Easy Stovetop Recipe for the Holidays
• Stovetop Gingerbread Candied Nuts – A Festive Stovetop Recipe

I’d love for you to try these Maple Candied Pecans. If you give this stovetop candied pecans recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Maple Candied Pecans

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

Easy maple candied pecans made on the stovetop in one pan with maple syrup, butter, and brown sugar. Crisp, glossy, and irresistible.

Course: Snacks and Treats

5.0 from 2 votes

Print

Servings

6-8

servings

Prep time

4

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Cooling time

30-45

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 100 gr butter (~7 tbsp.)

• 1/2 cup maple syrup (~120 ml.)

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed (85 to 100 gr.)

• a good pinch of salt

• 3 and 1/2 to 4 cups of pecan halves (~350 to 400 gr.)

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/2 to 1 tsp. of cinnamon

Directions

• In a small-medium heavy-bottom saucepan or skillet melt the butter over high medium heat. Add the maple syrup, brown sugar and salt. Boil for 4-5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened and lightly browned.
• Decrease heat to low-medium. Add the pecans, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon, to coat.
• Keep them cooking, stirring often, for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the nuts are pleasantly browned (the mixture should be slightly bubbling all the time.) Keep an eye on the saucepan not to burn the caramel on the bottom; pecans also tend to brown fast (you might need to lower heat more if the mixture boiling too much.)
• At the end, stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon. Stir for 2-3 minutes or so and turn the heat off.
• Transfer the nuts on a large plate or tray, linen with parchment or foil, flattening with a spatula or spoon. Let it cool for about 30 minutes or so then break into clusters and enjoy. Store the leftovers in air-tight container.
• Tip: soak the pan along with spatula and whisk in hot water (cold or even warm water will harden the caramel) with some dish soap for easy cleaning. The addition of baking soda and lemon juice also works well when you need to clean things after making caramel.