Joanna Gaines Candied Pecans Recipe

Joanna Gaines’ candied pecans recipe is a confirmed favorite treat in my house. Yep everyone agrees as shown by the empty bowls!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward process: melt butter, mix in brown sugar, and coat your pecans before toasting them to perfection.

One little trick I found was to use a cast-iron skillet, which helps distribute heat evenly and gives the pecans a lovely texture.

What I love most is the versatility; these candied pecans are perfect for snacking or as a salad topping. Mmm!

How to Make Joanna Gaines Candied Pecans

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 cups Pecans
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Melt the butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Stir until the mixture is well combined and slightly bubbling.

Step 2:

Add the pecans to the skillet.

Stir to coat them evenly in the butter and sugar mixture.

Keep mixing continuously.

Step 3:

Continue to cook the pecans, stirring frequently.

After about 8 minutes, the pecans should appear toasted and nicely glazed.

Step 4:

Remove the skillet from heat.

Spread the pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool.

This prevents them from sticking together.

Step 5:

Store the cooled pecans in an airtight jar or ziplock bag.

They will stay fresh and crunchy for future use.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Control the Heat:

Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the sugar mixture while melting the ingredients together.

A slow, steady heat is essential for a good caramelization.

Constant Stirring:

This ensures that every pecan is coated evenly and prevents the mixture from sticking or burning.

Using a wooden spoon works best.

Cooling Method:

Give the pecans enough space while they are cooling to avoid them clumping together.

If you have a wire rack, that can help with cooling more evenly.

Flavor Variations:

Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.

This can make for a tasty alternative that still stays true to the original recipe.

Storage Tip:

If you want these pecans to last, make sure the container is truly airtight.

Humidity can make them go soft quickly if not stored properly.

What to Serve with Joanna Gaines Candied Pecans

Fresh Green Salad

A fresh green salad is a classic pairing for candied pecans.

You can use a mix of spinach, arugula, or mixed greens as your base.

Add some sliced apples or pears for a sweet contrast, and sprinkle with goat cheese for a creamy touch.

Cheese Platter

Candied pecans also work beautifully with a cheese platter.

Choose a variety of cheeses like sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy blue cheese.

The nuts provide a sweet balance to the savory flavors of the cheeses.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are an unexpected but delightful partner.

Toss Brussels sprouts or butternut squash with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

After roasting, add the pecans to bring a sweet crunch to the dish.

Vanilla Ice Cream with Caramel Sauce

For a sweet dessert option, serve the pecans with vanilla ice cream.

Drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent treat that’s irresistible!

The nuts add texture and warmth to the creamy ice cream.

Warm Brie with Honey

Warm brie topped with a drizzle of honey and candied pecans is divine.

Bake the brie until it’s soft and gooey, and then sprinkle the nuts on top.

Serve with crackers or a sliced baguette for a delectable appetizer.

Variations and Substitutions

Spice It Up

You could really make these pecans your own by playing with the spices.

Add some cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or swap the cinnamon for nutmeg if you prefer a warmer spice profile.

A little touch of chili powder can really surprise your guests when they take their first bite!

Sweet and Savory

To enhance the sweet and savory contrast, think about using maple syrup in place of brown sugar.

It adds a rich, deep sweetness that can really bring out the nuttiness in the pecans.

You could also use honey for a milder taste.

Nuts for Variety

If you’re looking to try something different with this recipe, try substituting walnuts or almonds for pecans.

Each type of nut has unique properties, contributing different flavors and textures.

Just ensure that they are coated well so each nut is packed with flavor!

Dairy-Free Options

If you’re avoiding dairy, replace the butter with coconut oil or your favorite plant-based butter substitute.

These alternatives provide that luscious coating without compromising on flavor.

Coconut oil adds an extra layer of aroma, which is a bonus!

How to Store Leftover Joanna Gaines Candied Pecans

You might find yourself wanting to keep these around for later.

When it comes to storing leftover candied pecans, there are a few options.

Using an airtight container is best for short-term storage.

Keep them at room temperature and they’ll remain tasty for up to a week.

If you’re planning to enjoy them over a longer period, the refrigerator is your friend.

Place them in an airtight container here as well.

This method can extend their freshness by a couple of additional weeks.

For very long-term storage, you might consider your freezer as an option.

Package them securely in a freezer-safe bag or container.

They should last up to two months without losing their wonderful flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Heat

You might be tempted to speed up the process, but don’t turn the heat too high.

Using high heat can quickly burn the sugar and butter mixture, resulting in bitter pecans.

Keep the heat at medium for a consistently delicious result.

Not Stirring Enough

It’s easy to step away for a moment, but constant stirring is crucial here.

If you don’t stir frequently, the pecans may cook unevenly, leaving some overcooked and some undercooked.

Make it a habit to stir gently and often to ensure every pecan gets a tasty coating.

Improper Cooling

Cooling the pecans is just as important as cooking them.

When you don’t spread the pecans out properly, they’ll clump together as they cool.

Be sure to lay them out in a single layer to maintain their individual texture.