Slow Cooker Candied Pecans with Orange Zest and Cinnamon
If you’ve ever followed your nose to the candied pecan stand at a fall fair, this one’s for you. These slow cooker candied pecans have a cinnamon sugar crunch and a hint of orange, and you can make a big batch right at home.
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Key Notes
- Makes a large batch (2 lbs. of pecan halves)
- Cooks 3 hours on low, stirring every 20 minutes
- The orange zest is my little twist. Don’t skip it!
- Want a little heat? Add 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
- Add 1/4 cup water for the last 20 to 30 minutes (optional, but it helps)
- Cool for 30 minutes before storing
Anytime I’m at a fair, a carnival, or an outdoor event in the fall, I smell them before I see them.
Candied pecans. My mouth starts to water instantly.
And the best time of year for them? Christmas. Every time!
That’s why this is my go-to holiday treat. I make this pecan recipe all through the holiday season, and I add a little twist: the zest of one orange. The smell while they cook is amazing. The taste is even better: warm, sweet cinnamon pecans with a bright little hint of citrus.
It’s an easy recipe with simple ingredients, and the slow cooker does most of the work. A delicious treat with very little cleanup. Yes, please!
What You’ll Need
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups white sugar
- 1 3/4 cups brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper, optional (for a little kick)
- Zest of one orange.
- 2 lbs. pecan halves, unsalted
- 1/4 cup water
- Nonstick cooking spray
You’ll also need a medium bowl, a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and parchment paper (wax paper works too).
How to Make Candied Pecans in the Slow Cooker
Whisk the egg mixture. In the medium bowl, whisk the egg whites and vanilla extract for one to two minutes until very frothy.
Mix the sugars and spices. In another bowl, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. If you want to add a little shot of cayenne pepper, now’s the time!
Coat the pecans. Dump the pecans into a large bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the top and stir until every pecan is well coated.
Next, pour the sugars and spices over the wet pecans. Stir until everything is covered in that cinnamon sugar mixture.
And my little candied pecan twist? Zest the orange right over the bowl and stir again.
Prep the crock pot. Give the inside of the slow cooker a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. Then add the pecan mixture.
Cook, stir, cook, stir….Put the lid on the crockpot, set it to low, and cook for 3 hours.
Stir every 20 minutes the entire time. This is important as it keeps them from burning.
Add the water. For the last 20 to 30 minutes, stir in 1/4 cup of water. It keeps the pecans from sticking together and gives them a hint of shine.
Cool, and try to keep your hands off! Pour the pecans onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them in a single layer and let them cool for 30 minutes.
This is the hard part. You’re going to want to eat them! Don’t worry, it’s okay to sneak!
Missy’s Notes
Hot pecans will look and feel a little sticky. Totally normal! They get that crisp texture as they cool, so don’t judge them straight out of the crockpot. For the best results, set a timer for the stirring. Slow cookers get sneaky!
Want a little kick? Stir 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in with the sugars and spices. Sweet, spicy, and orange is a combo that’s hard to beat. Love heat? Go up to 1/2 teaspoon. Start small, though. You can’t take it back once it’s in the crock!
Slow Cooker Candied Pecans with Orange and Cinnamon
Equipment
- 1 Slow cooker (crockpot)
- 1 medium bowl
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 Zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Airtight container or mason jars, for storing
Ingredients
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Zest of one orange
- 2 lbs pecan halves, unsalted
- 1/4 cup water
- non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites and vanilla extract until very frothy.
- Place the pecans in a large bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the pecans and stir until well coated.
- Combine and pour the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the wet pecans. Stir until evenly coated.
- Zest the orange over the bowl and stir again.
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Add the pecans.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes the entire time.
- For the last 20-30 minutes, stir in ¼ cup of water (optional). This helps keep the pecans from sticking together and gives them a hint of shine.
- Pour the pecans onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread in a single layer. Cool for 30 minutes before storing.
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symphony chocolate brownies
brown jug cheese soup
Ways to Enjoy them
These are a great snack straight from the bowl. Set them out at holiday parties, toss them on a salad, or scatter them over a cheese board. They’re a wonderful addition just about anywhere!
How to Store Candied Pecans
Let them cool completely first. Warm pecans in a sealed container trap steam, and then you’ve got soggy, sticky pecans. Nobody wants that!
Once they’re cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Mason jars work great too.
Making them ahead? Freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then thaw at room temperature.
Gifting Candied Pecans
These are great gifts, and homemade gifts don’t get much simpler. Teachers, neighbors, coworkers, the mail carrier…Candied pecans are a great way to say thank you.
Here’s how to dress them up:
- Cellophane bags: fill them, twist the top, and tie with a pretty ribbon.
- For Christmas: tuck a dried orange slice or cranberry sprig under the ribbon.
- Mason jars: fill, add a fabric topper or a little tag, and you’re done.
One Last Handful
Slow cooker candied pecans are one of those great recipes that look like you worked way harder than you did. Make a big batch, give some away, and hide some for yourself. I won’t tell!
What’s your favorite way to eat delicious candied pecans? Tell me in the comments!
Cheers!
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hi! I’m missy. so nice to meet you!
“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness!”
I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.
I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends for a delicious meal.
Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!
– cheers! –
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