Crockpot Candied Pecans: Easy Slow Cooker Treat

by Alli

Crockpot Candied Pecans offer a delightful twist on a classic treat. These sweet, crunchy nuts will fill your home with an irresistible aroma as they slowly caramelize in the slow cooker.

This recipe combines simple ingredients like pecans, sugar, and spices to create a versatile snack. These candied nuts are excellent for salads, desserts, or cheese boards. They also make thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Selecting quality ingredients is crucial for making delicious crockpot candied pecans. The right combination of nuts, sweeteners, and spices will elevate the final product. For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Raw Unsalted Pecan Halves – Store-bought pecans work fine, but if you know of a local farm with fresh pecans, that’s even better. Remove any nuts that are damaged or shriveled. 
  • White Granulated Sugar – A blend of different sugars (white and brown) creates a more complex flavor profile. 
  • Light Brown Sugar – adds a subtle caramel note. 
  • Large Egg Whites
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Vanilla Extract
  •  Salt
  • Ground Cloves

Ingredients needed to make crockpot candied pecans

Items Needed:

  • 6-Quart Crockpot
  • Large Baking Sheet or a Clean, Flat Surface
  • Parchment Paper

Step-By-Step Instructions (Full Printable Recipe Card Down Below!)

Add egg whites and vanilla extract to a medium mixing bowl, whisking or beating until foamy. 

foamy egg whites being poured over raw pecans in a glass bowl

Place the pecans in a medium mixing bowl and pour the egg white mixture over them. Toss/Stir until combined. 

egg whites on top of pecans in a clear bowl

Pour the coated pecans into the crockpot. Sprinkle the pecans with the cloves, cinnamon, salt, white sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until evenly coated.

Spice Ingredients in crockpot with pecans

Cover and cook on low for 2-2 ยฝ hours or until the pecans become hard to stir. Stir the pecans every 20-30 minutes to ensure they donโ€™t burn.

candied pecans in crockpot ready to cool

Line a large baking sheet or clean, flat surface with parchment paper. Spread the pecans over the parchment paper and allow to rest for 3 hours or until dry. Enjoy!

candied pecans cooling on a parchment lined baking pan

Cooking Tips

If a few of your pecans turn black while in the crockpot, theyโ€™re burning and need to be removed. Be sure to remove the black pecans, as they will taste bad. Leave the ones that arenโ€™t black; they will still taste fine. Itโ€™s important to note that these pecans look dark when finished but should not be black.

If you remove the pecans too soon, they will never fully set up and remain sticky. When this happens, place them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes at 350 and let them cool before checking to see if that did the trick. If not, too much sugar or liquid may have been added. Watch to make sure they donโ€™t burn.

You can use dark brown sugar in place of light. The results will be the same.

When stirring the pecans while cooking, push that utensil to the bottom and rotate the pecans off the bottom of the pot.

Storage Tips

Store cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, maintaining a crisp texture and sweet flavor.

Divide the pecans into small, sealed bags or jars for gifting. Label with the date of preparation and storage tips. 

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot candied pecans make a versatile and delicious treat. They can be enjoyed as a snack or incorporated into various dishes.

sweet and spicy pecans in a serving bowl ready to serve

Sprinkle candied pecans over oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes. They add a delightful crunch and flavor to morning meals.

These pecans also enhance salads. Toss them with mixed greens, goat cheese, and dried cranberries for a balanced flavor profile.

Candied pecans shine as a dessert topping. Sprinkle them over ice cream sundaes.

For a festive touch, package candied pecans in decorative jars or bags. They make excellent homemade gifts for holidays or special occasions.

For cheese boards, pair candied pecans with sharp cheddar or creamy brie. The sweet-savory combination is delicious! 

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Yield: 6 Cups

Crockpot Candied Pecans

Candied Pecans in a red bowl with cinnamon sticks and cranberries on the white background

Crockpot Candied Pecans offer a delightful twist on a classic treat. These sweet, crunchy nuts have an irresistible aroma as they slowly caramelize in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

  • 6 Cups Raw Unsalted Pecan Halves
  • 1 Cup White Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 3 Large Egg Whites
  • 1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Cloves

Items Needed:

  • 6-Quart Crockpot
  • Large Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Instructions

  1. Add the egg whites and vanilla extract to a medium mixing bowl and whisk or beat until fluffy. This takes 1-2 minutes.
  2. Place the pecans in a medium mixing bowl and pour the egg white mixture over them. Toss/stir to coat the pecans thoroughly. 
  3. Pour the coated pecans into the crockpot. 
  4. Sprinkle the pecans with the cloves, cinnamon, salt, white sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until evenly coated.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 2-2 ½ hours or until the pecans become hard to stir. Stir the pecans every 20 minutes to ensure they don’t burn.
  6. Line a large baking sheet or clean, flat surface with parchment paper.
  7. Spread the pecans over the parchment paper and allow to rest for 3 hours or until dry. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry area for up to 2 weeks. Do not freeze or refrigerate as the pecans become very sticky.ย 
  • If some of your pecans turn black while in the crockpot, theyโ€™re burning and need to be removed. Be sure to remove the black pecans, as they will taste bad. Leave the ones that arenโ€™t black; they will still taste fine. Itโ€™s important to note that these pecans look dark when finished but should not be black.
  • If you remove the pecans too soon, they will never fully set up and remain sticky. If this happens, throw them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes at 350 and let them cool before checking to see if that did the trick. If not, too much sugar or liquid may have been added. Watch to make sure they donโ€™t burn.
  • You can use dark brown sugar in place of light. The results will be the same.
  • When stirring the pecans while cooking, push that utensil to the bottom and rotate the pecans off the bottom of the pot.ย 
  • Nutrition Information

    Yield

    48

    Serving Size

    1 oz.

    Amount Per Serving Calories 123Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 0mgSodium 49mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 1gSugar 8gProtein 1g

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