Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans with Aleppo Pepper: The Ultimate Snack Recipe
A fusion of sweet caramel and gentle spice that transforms ordinary snacks and salads.
Candied pecans are the holiday and party snack that everyone loves—but with the addition of Aleppo pepper, these nuts are elevated with an intriguing, subtle heat and deep, complex flavor. Whether you’re looking to add a crunchy texture to your salads, searching for an easy edible gift, or simply craving a sweet-salty treat, this recipe is a must-have in your repertoire.
Why You’ll Love These Candied Pecans
- Quick & Easy: The recipe requires just one bowl and one baking sheet, and can be assembled in minutes.
- Perfectly Balanced: A mix of sugars, salt, and spices with Aleppo pepper for depth, yielding nuts that are not too sweet, not too spicy, but just right.
- Incredibly Versatile: Use as snacks, salad toppers, garnish for desserts, or homemade gifts.
- Customizable: Switch up the spices or adjust the level of heat to suit your taste.
What Makes Aleppo Pepper Special?
Aleppo pepper, named after the Syrian city, is known for a mild, fruity heat, gentle smokiness, and notes of sun-dried tomatoes and raisins. Its uniquely subtle warmth sets it apart from hotter dried chilies, and its coarse texture makes it ideal for sprinkling onto foods where you want flavor without overwhelming spice. In candied pecans, Aleppo pepper brings a well-rounded heat—warming but not overpowering—perfectly complementing the caramelized sugar coating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 large egg white
- 2 cups (about 200g) pecan halves
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1 to 1½ teaspoons Aleppo pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for extra dimension
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. - Beat the Egg White
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy and slightly thickened. This helps the sugar-spice mixture adhere evenly to each pecan half for a crisp, glossy coating. - Add Pecans and Mix
Toss the pecan halves into the egg white, making sure every piece is lightly coated. This is crucial for binding the sugar and spices onto the nuts. - Season and Coat
Combine the sugar, salt, Aleppo pepper, cinnamon, and black pepper (if using) in a small bowl. Pour over the egg white–coated pecans and stir thoroughly with a spatula or your hands until the nuts are coated with the seasoned sugar blend. - Bake
Spread the pecans out in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, turning the nuts with a spatula every 10-15 minutes to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning. - Cool and Serve
Once the nuts are deep golden brown and the coating crisp, remove from the oven. Let cool completely on the baking sheet—they will continue to harden as they cool, forming a crunchy outer shell.
Pro Tips for Perfect Candied Pecans
- Don’t skip the egg white: It’s the secret to glossy, shatteringly crisp candied pecans.
- Use parchment or a silicone mat: This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
- Stir halfway through baking: This is essential for even candying and to keep the nuts from clumping.
- Cool thoroughly: The coating fully crisps up as the nuts cool, so be patient before transferring to jars or containers.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a stand-alone snack with cocktails or coffee.
- Sprinkle over mixed green salads, especially those with blue cheese, pears, or apples.
- Garnish roasted vegetables, such as butternut squash or Brussels sprouts.
- Toss into grain bowls for sweetness and crunch.
- Gift in jars during the holiday season or share at potlucks.
Variations: Customize Your Candied Pecans
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are some delicious variations to inspire your next batch:
- Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot smoked paprika for an even more pronounced kick.
- Citrus Zest: Mix in a little orange or lemon zest to the sugar blend for brightness and aromatic lift.
- Warm Spice Blend: Swap out cinnamon for five-spice powder, pumpkin pie spice, or ground ginger.
- Brown Sugar or Maple: Replace some or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a softer, caramel flavor, or drizzle in a touch of maple syrup before baking.
- Other Nuts: Use this technique with walnuts, almonds, or cashews—just adjust baking time as needed.
What others are reading
Storing and Shelf Life
Candied pecans keep beautifully. Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months. Make sure the nuts are completely cool and dry before transferring, as any residual moisture may lead to stickiness.
What is Aleppo Pepper? A Quick Guide
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Heat Level | Mild to medium (around 10,000 Scoville units), gentle rather than sharp |
| Flavor Profile | Fruity, savory, with raisin and tomato notes and a touch of saltiness |
| Texture | Flaky and slightly oily, coarse without being granular |
| Common Uses | Sprinkled on pizzas, kebabs, vegetables, egg dishes, and sweets. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute another chili for Aleppo pepper?
Yes. While Aleppo pepper is unique, you can substitute an equal amount of mild crushed red pepper flakes mixed with a pinch of sweet paprika for a similar effect. Adjust quantities to achieve the same gentle heat and deep red color.
Do I need to use egg white? Is there a vegan option?
The egg white is crucial for obtaining the ideal glossy, crackling candy shell. If you prefer a vegan version, try substituting with aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas), whipped until frothy, which performs a similar function.
Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely. Walnuts, cashews, and almonds all work beautifully with this method. Adjust total roasting time, as some nuts have different densities and oil contents.
How do I prevent candied pecans from sticking together?
Stir the nuts during baking and immediately break apart any clusters as soon as they are cool enough to handle but not yet fully set.
What do I do if my candied pecans are sticky?
If the nuts feel tacky, they may need slightly longer in the oven. Bake in 5-minute increments, checking often so as not to burn the sugar.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Pecans not crunchy? Bake longer, stirring every few minutes, until crisp. Cool completely before storing.
- Coating not sticking? Ensure you use enough egg white and toss the nuts thoroughly before adding the sugar-spice mix.
- Nuts burned? Ovens vary, so check frequently and use parchment to insulate the pecans. Don’t let the nuts sit too long in hot spots on the baking sheet.
- Looking for a sweeter option? Increase the sugar by 1/4 cup or add a say drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra gloss and depth.
Gift and Presentation Ideas
- Decorative Jars: Package cooled nuts in glass jars with a ribbon for an easy edible holiday or hostess gift.
- Party Favors: Fill small cellophane bags and tie off with festive twine for weddings or dinner parties.
- Snack Boards: Add a handful of candied pecans to cheese and charcuterie boards for a beautiful contrast to salty and creamy elements.
Advanced Add-Ins and Twists
- Espresso powder: For a subtle coffee note that heightens the sweetness.
- Herbs: A tiny pinch of rosemary or thyme complements the nuts’ richness.
- Sesame seeds: For added crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
Nutrition Information (Estimate Per 1 oz / 28g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~112 |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Sugar | 4.5 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sodium | 74 mg |
Conclusion: Why These Candied Pecans Belong in Your Kitchen
Combining sweet simplicity with a grown-up twist, these candied pecans with Aleppo pepper are a recipe you’ll turn to for everything from effortless snacking to thoughtful gifting. The balance of flavors—caramelized sugar, warm spices, nutty depth, and gentle peppery heat—makes them truly irresistible. Keep a batch on hand for salads, cheese boards, or whenever you crave something sweet with a bit of intrigue.
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
