Maple Glazed Pecans
Maple Glazed Pecans recipe uses only 4 ingredients and comes together in under 10 minutes. These nuts are delicious as a snack, on a charcuterie board, on salads, etc. A simple and healthy homemade treat that feels very decadent.
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Pecans Simplified: What You Need to Know About Pecans
- Freshness: For the most enjoyable Maple Glazed Pecans, the pecans should be fresh and not rancid. Fresh pecans have a pleasant aroma and a sweet, nutty taste. Check the packaging for the harvest date or expiration date to ensure freshness.
- Appearance: Inspect the pecans for any signs of damage or discoloration. Look for uniform color and a smooth surface. Avoid pecans with dark spots, cracks, or blemishes.
- Texture: Gently squeeze a few pecans to check for firmness. They should not feel soft or spongy, which can be an indication of staleness or moisture content. Opt for pecans that feel firm and solid.
Maple Syrup Options
There are different grades of maple syrup, ranging from light to dark, each with distinct flavors. Lighter syrups have a delicate taste, while darker ones are more robust. There is also organic maple syrup which is produced from maple trees grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
For those seeking distinct taste experiences, there is the single-origin maple syrup (aka single-source syrup) which refers to syrup produced from maple trees in a specific geographical region or a single community of trees. Like coffee or wine, the environment of the region can influence the flavor profile of the syrup.
Note: To keep the budget under control, using Costco’s Organic Maple Syrup is perfectly fine.
Ingredients Needed
- Pecans Halves– Costco has large bags of pecan halves at an incredible value.
- Unsalted Butter– If using salted butter, eliminate the pinch of salt.
- Maple Syrup– Use the best quality that you can afford.
- Pinch of Salt
How to Make Maple Glazed Pecans
- Line a cookie sheet with a layer of parchment paper.
- To a 10 inch or larger frying pan add butter, pecans, maple syrup and salt.
- Place pan over medium heat and cook stirring constantly until pecans have toasted and maple syrup and butter have caramelized and thickened.
- Transfer nuts to the parchment lined cookie sheet and separate the nuts from one another into a single layer as best as possible. Let the nuts cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Note: If packing as a gift, let the nuts sit to harden a few hours before packing.
Top Tips
- To help prevent nuts from sticking together, separate as best as possible on a parchment lined cookie sheet. This will allow the nuts to dry and harden more efficiently which will lessen the chances of sticking together.
- Larger sized stovetop burners can produce higher levels of heat. If using a larger burner, watch closely and lower heat if there any signs of burning.
- I highly recommend to use a 10 inch stainless steel frying pan because of its quick and even distribution of heat and because it is incredibly durable, allowing for scrubbing without any damage being caused to the pan.
- For the easiest clean up, immediately rinse the frying pan once the nuts have been transferred to the parchment paper.
Variations
- Spiced Maple Glazed Pecans: Add some warm spices to your maple glaze mixture for an extra kick of flavor. Try incorporating 1/2- 1 teaspoon of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
- Maple Bourbon Glazed Pecans: For a grown-up twist, add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the pan before cooking. The bourbon adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup. Just be mindful that the alcohol will cook off during the cooking process.
- Maple Ginger Glazed Pecans: Add a hint of ginger to your maple glaze for a zesty and aromatic twist. 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger powder is the perfect amount to infuse the glaze with a delightful spiciness.
- Maple Rosemary Glazed Pecans: Combine the earthy aroma of rosemary with the sweetness of maple for a unique flavor profile. Use 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary at the start of cooking.
Uses For Maple Glazed Pecans
- Salads: Add maple glazed pecans to your favorite salads for a sweet and crunchy element. They pair well with Chicken Berry Salad, Apple Pecan Salad, Arugula Pear Salad and Pecan Cranberry Chicken Salad.
- Baked goods: Incorporate Maple Glazed Pecans into your baked goods. Chop them up and add them to muffins, cookies, cakes, or quick breads such as Orange Cranberry Bread and Banana Bread for added flavor and texture.
- Trail mix: Combine maple glazed pecans with other nuts, dried fruits, and seeds to create a customized trail mix.
- Topping: Use maple glazed pecans as a topping for ice cream, cereal or waffles. Additionally, they are wonderful on Oat Flour Pancakes, Yogurt Parfaits and Cherry Overnight Oats.
- Stuffing: Incorporate maple glazed pecans into stuffing recipes for a unique twist.
- Cheese platters: Serve alongside a selection of cheeses on a charcuterie or cheese board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store these glazed nuts?
To maintain their freshness, store pecans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
How long do these nuts last?
When the maple glazed pecans are stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will stay fresh for about one week. When refrigerated, they’ll stay good for approximately two weeks.
Do I need to pre-toast the nuts?
It is not necessary to pre-toast the pecans. However, toasting then on a sided cookie sheet in 350℉ oven for approximately 3-4 minutes can enhance the nutty flavor.
How do you keep Maple Glazed Nuts from sticking?
The best way to prevent the nuts from sticking together is to arrange in a single layer on a parchment lined cookie sheet once made. Separate the nuts as best as possible and let cool for at least 30 minutes.
How long does it take for them to harden?
These Maple Glazed Pecans will be edible within about 10 minutes of cooling. However, to allow them to harden for 30 minutes, ideally a few hours.
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Maple Glazed Pecans
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter *cut into cubes, see note #1 below
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups pecans halves
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with a layer of parchment paper.
- To a 10 inch or larger frying pan add butter, pecans, maple syrup and salt.
- Place pan over medium heat and cook stirring constantly until pecans have toasted and maple syrup and butter have caramelized and thickened.
- Transfer nuts to the parchment lined cookie sheet and separate the nuts from one another into a single layer as best as possible. Let the nuts cool completely, about 30 minutes.If packing as a gift, let the nuts sit to harden a few hours before packing. See Note #2 below for storage.
These are so very good! I started out making them for a friend,but when I forgot to give them to her, I just kept them for myself. I eat them often “alone” as a snack anytime of day, but I also add them to homemade granola, or fruit or salads;you name it, these are great by themselves or with other foods. I’m so glad I found this recipe. Thank you! 😊
That is so wonderful to hear. I can hardly resist them when I make them. Thank you so much for taking the time to make them and also for coming back to comment.