Irresistible Crockpot Candied Pecans: Your Easy Guide to Sweet Holiday Treats

Imagine the delightful aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your home, signaling the arrival of the holiday season. Our Crockpot Candied Pecans recipe makes this dream a delicious reality! These sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible pecans are coated in a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar, all cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker. Whether you’re seeking a unique DIY holiday gift, a festive snack for guests, or simply a delightful treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these slow cooker candied pecans are guaranteed to be a hit.

Why Crockpot Candied Pecans Are a Holiday Must-Have

The slow cooker isn’t just for savory meals; it’s an absolute game-changer for creating delectable sweet treats too! Our Crockpot Cinnamon Pecans recipe is a prime example of how this versatile kitchen appliance can simplify your holiday baking. You’ll fall in love with how incredibly quick, easy, and flavorful these candied nuts turn out. The set-it-and-forget-it nature of the slow cooker means less active cooking time and more time enjoying the festive atmosphere. There’s no need to constantly monitor a hot oven or stovetop, freeing you up for other holiday preparations.

Effortless Elegance for Holiday Gifting and Entertaining

One of the best aspects of these slow cooker candied pecans is their versatility as a homemade gift. There’s something truly special about receiving a thoughtful, edible present made with love and care. I’ve personally made batches of these as DIY Christmas gifts for family members, and they were met with rave reviews! My husband, John, couldn’t keep his hands off them, constantly “taste testing” to ensure perfection. His appreciation, and my mother-in-law’s immediate request for the next batch, confirmed just how much everyone adores these cinnamon sugar-coated delights.

Preparing these candied pecans for holiday events also fills your home with an absolutely incredible aroma, instantly creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. Imagine guests arriving to the comforting scent of cinnamon and caramelized sugar – it’s the perfect prelude to a fantastic gathering. Plus, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack ready to serve that is sure to impress. They are perfect for holiday parties, family get-togethers, or simply enjoying by the fireplace with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.

The Magic of Slow Cooking for Candied Nuts

Using a slow cooker for candied pecans offers several distinct advantages over traditional oven baking or stovetop methods. The gentle, consistent, and low heat ensures that the sugar coating melts evenly and adheres beautifully to each pecan, creating a uniform, crunchy shell around every single nut. This method also significantly minimizes the risk of burning, which can easily happen when attempting to candy nuts with high heat. The extended, gentle cooking process allows the warm flavors of cinnamon and rich vanilla to deeply infuse into the pecans, resulting in a more profound and satisfying taste that can’t be rushed. This hands-off approach truly simplifies what can sometimes be a finicky process, making it accessible and enjoyable even for novice bakers or those with limited time during the busy holiday season.

Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Flavor

You don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients to create something truly special and memorable. Our Cinnamon Candied Pecans recipe relies on common pantry staples to deliver exceptional flavor and a delightful texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the perfect sweet and crunchy coating:

Ingredients:

• White Sugar: This provides the primary sweetness and contributes to the crisp, caramelized exterior of the pecans.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, richer molasses flavor and helps create a slightly chewier, more complex texture compared to using only white sugar.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice of this recipe, providing its signature warmth, aromatic appeal, and a classic holiday flavor profile. Ensure your cinnamon is fresh for the best impact.
• Salt: A crucial ingredient! Just a tiny pinch of salt expertly balances the intense sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, preventing the candied pecans from being overly cloying.
• Egg White: Acts as a natural binder, creating a frothy mixture that helps the sugar and spice coating adhere uniformly to each pecan. It also contributes to the desired crispness of the final product.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a layer of complex sweetness, depth, and a comforting aroma that perfectly complements the cinnamon and pecans.
• Pecans: The foundation of our recipe! High-quality pecan halves are key here. Freshness makes a big difference in both the taste and texture of the finished candied nuts. Consider buying them in bulk if you plan on making multiple batches for gifts or larger gatherings.
• Water: Added during the final stage of cooking, water is surprisingly important. It helps to dissolve and then re-crystallize the sugar mixture, which is essential for achieving that beautifully crisp and crunchy coating we all love.

Essential Equipment for Perfect Candied Pecans

Having the right tools can make your candied pecan journey even smoother and more enjoyable. While the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, a few other items will ensure your success and make the process effortless:

Equipment Needed:

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker): The star of this recipe! We highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “keep warm” setting after the cooking time is complete. This feature is invaluable for preventing overcooking and gives you peace of mind, knowing your delicious candied pecans won’t burn if you’re briefly distracted during the busy holiday season.
• Parchment Paper: An absolute essential for easy cleanup and preventing sticking! Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper makes sure the finished candied pecans don’t adhere as they cool, and it also simplifies transferring them from the baking sheet to storage or serving dishes.
• Baking Sheet with Sides: Using a baking sheet with raised edges is a simple yet practical tip to prevent any pecans from accidentally sliding off while you’re spreading them out to cool. Trust us, it saves potential messes and wasted deliciousness!
• Large Mixing Bowl with Handle: A sturdy glass batter bowl with a handle is ideal for mixing your ingredients, especially when coating the pecans. The handle provides better grip and stability, making the coating process much easier and less messy.
• Whisk or Fork: Essential for frothing the egg white mixture and thoroughly combining the dry ingredients.
• Heat-Resistant Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For safely and easily stirring the pecans in the slow cooker throughout the cooking process.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Candied Pecans

Achieving perfectly coated, crunchy candied pecans is easy when you follow these insider tips and best practices. These small details can make a big difference in the final texture and flavor:

• Prepare Your Slow Cooker Properly: Always spray the inside of your slow cooker crock with a generous amount of non-stick cooking spray before adding the pecan mixture. This crucial step prevents the sticky sugar coating from adhering to the sides and bottom, making cleanup significantly easier and ensuring all your pecans release cleanly.
• The Water Trick for Crispness: The addition of ¼ cup of water during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking is a secret weapon for achieving a beautifully crystallized, crunchy sugar coating. This burst of moisture helps to dissolve the sugar, which then re-crystallizes as the water evaporates, creating that desirable crispy texture. If you prefer a less crunchy, slightly chewier coating, or want a more “clumpy” cinnamon-sugar appearance (as seen in some traditional methods), you could slightly reduce the water or even experiment with skipping it, but for maximum crispness, always follow this step.
• Consistent Stirring is Essential: Do not skip this step! Set a timer and make sure to stir the pecans every 20 minutes throughout the entire cooking process. This constant agitation is vital for two main reasons: it prevents the pecans from clumping together into a single mass, and it ensures that every single pecan gets evenly coated and toasted, resulting in a consistent texture and flavor across the batch. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for easy and effective stirring.
• Cooling Correctly for Optimal Crunch: Once cooked, it’s imperative to immediately spread the candied pecans out in a single layer on baking sheets that you’ve lined with parchment paper. Allowing them to cool completely and dry undisturbed is vital for the coating to harden properly. This process ensures they remain separate, distinct, and delightfully crunchy when packaged or served. Rushing this step can lead to sticky, clumped nuts.
• Batch Size Matters for Quality: While this recipe can theoretically be doubled, be very mindful of the capacity of your slow cooker. If you’re attempting to make a very large batch, it might be more effective and yield better results to cook it in two separate, smaller batches. Overcrowding the slow cooker can lead to uneven cooking, inconsistent coating, and increased clumping, compromising the quality of your delicious candied pecans.

DIY Holiday Gifts: Packaging and Presentation

Homemade slow cooker candied pecans are not just a delicious treat; they are also incredibly thoughtful and impressive gifts that truly convey warmth and care. Here’s how you can package them beautifully to delight your friends, family, and neighbors:

• Classic Mason Jars: These timeless jars are perfect for showcasing the golden-brown pecans. Fill them up, ensuring the nuts are completely cool and dry to prevent any condensation from forming inside the jar, which could make them sticky.
• Festive Ribbons and Custom Labels: Elevate your gift by tying a festive ribbon – perhaps in holiday colors – around the neck of the jar. Add a charming, cute label. You can handwrite a personalized message, print elegant tags with the recipe name, or include a simple “Handmade with Love” note.
• Clear Cellophane Bags: For smaller portions, party favors, or when creating a gift assortment, clear cellophane bags tied with a pretty ribbon or twist tie also work wonderfully. These allow the recipient to see the delicious treat inside.
• Thoughtful Gift Baskets: Incorporate these candied pecans into a larger holiday gift basket alongside other homemade goodies, artisan coffee or tea, a gourmet hot chocolate mix, or even a nice bottle of wine for a truly luxurious present.

The deliciousness of these slow-cooked pecans, coupled with charming and personalized presentation, will make your gift truly memorable and appreciated by everyone who receives it.

Crock Pot Cinnamon Candied Pecans Recipe

This easy-to-make homemade recipe for slow cooker cinnamon candied pecans yields an amazing holiday DIY gift or a delightful snack for any time of year. Below you’ll find the full recipe details, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information to guide you to perfection.

Crock Pot Cinnamon Candied Pecans

Easy to make homemade slow cooker Cinnamon Candied Pecans in the crockpot. These make an amazing holiday DIY gift.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (based on 5 votes)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 345 kcal per serving

Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cup White Sugar
• 1 ¼ cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon Salt
• 1 Egg White
• 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 3 cups Pecans
• ¼ cup Water

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well until all dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
2. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla extract together until the mixture becomes light and frothy.
3. Add the pecans to the frothy egg white mixture and toss thoroughly, ensuring each pecan is evenly coated.
4. Now, add the dry cinnamon sugar mixture to the coated pecans. Toss everything together diligently until all pecans are completely and evenly coated with the sweet spice blend.
5. Generously spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Carefully pour the entire pecan mixture into the prepared slow cooker.
6. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. It is absolutely crucial to stir the pecans every 20 minutes during this cooking period. This consistent stirring prevents the nuts from sticking together and ensures they are evenly cooked and coated.
7. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, carefully pour the ¼ cup of water evenly over the pecans in the slow cooker and stir gently but thoroughly to incorporate. This step is key to achieving that desired crispy, candied finish.
8. Once cooked, immediately line a large baking sheet (or two, if needed) with parchment paper. Spread the candied pecans in a single layer on the parchment paper and allow them to cool completely and undisturbed. This cooling process helps them crisp up and prevents them from clumping together.

Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Large and medium mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheet(s)
• Parchment paper

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 345 kcal

Fat: 17g (26% Daily Value*)

• Saturated Fat: 1g (6% Daily Value)

Sodium: 35mg (2% Daily Value)

Potassium: 141mg (4% Daily Value)

Carbohydrates: 47g (16% Daily Value)

• Fiber: 3g (13% Daily Value)
• Sugar: 44g (49% Daily Value)

Protein: 2g (4% Daily Value)

Vitamin A: 15IU (0% Daily Value)

Vitamin C: 0.2mg (0% Daily Value)

Calcium: 49mg (5% Daily Value)

Iron: 0.9mg (5% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Enjoy these delightful Crockpot Cinnamon Candied Pecans as a snack, topping, or festive gift!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your slow cooker candied pecans have completely cooled and hardened, they are ready to be stored or enjoyed immediately. For optimal freshness and crunch, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Placed in a cool, dry pantry, they will remain delightfully fresh for up to two weeks, though in most homes, they rarely last that long! You can also extend their freshness by storing them in the refrigerator for up to a month. For longer-term storage, freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for several months; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

These versatile treats are perfect on their own as a satisfying snack, but they also make fantastic additions to a variety of dishes:

• Salads: Sprinkle them over mixed greens with fresh fruit, goat cheese, or a light vinaigrette for an extra crunch and burst of sweetness.
• Desserts: They are an excellent topping for ice cream, yogurt parfaits, or even as a garnish for cakes and pies.
• Breakfast: Add a handful to your oatmeal, breakfast cereals, or even pancakes and waffles for a delightful morning treat.
• Baked Goods: Incorporate them into muffins, quick breads, or cookies for added texture and flavor.
• Appetizer Boards: Serve them as part of a sophisticated cheese board or charcuterie platter, offering a sweet counterpoint to savory elements.

Explore More Delightful Holiday Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with making holiday nuts in your slow cooker, you’ll be thrilled to discover more of our fantastic holiday-inspired recipes and simple dessert ideas:

Don’t forget to check out all of our Dessert Recipes for more sweet inspiration, and explore our vegetarian slow cooker recipes to simplify your meal planning with delicious, meat-free options.

We also feature a wide array of copycat recipes, general delicious recipes, and many more Crockpot Recipes designed to simplify your meal prep and entertaining all year round.

Make Your Home Smell Amazing for the Holidays!

Beyond delicious snacks, you can also use your crockpot to effortlessly create wonderful holiday aromas that instantly make your home feel festive and welcoming. Try our Homemade Crockpot Holiday Simmering Potpourri for an easy way to fill your home with the warm, inviting scents of the season, perfect for welcoming guests and setting a cozy atmosphere.

Stay connected for more incredible recipes and helpful tips! Follow Tammilee Tips on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our latest posts.

This delightful recipe for Crockpot Candied Pecans was originally published on November 30, 2013, and has been thoroughly updated on April 16, 2020, to provide more detailed instructions, helpful tips, and enhanced content for an even better culinary experience.