Easy Maple Syrup Candied Pecans {gluten free + paleo + vegan}

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This recipe for easy maple syrup candied pecans is a delicious naturally sweetened, oven baked treat that’s perfect for snacking, cheese boards, holiday side dishes, or your favorite salad! Made without eggs, and just a handful of real food ingredients. This recipe is gluten free, paleo friendly, and vegan.

Easy Maple Syrup Candied Pecans {gluten free + paleo + vegan} - nyssa's kitchen (1)

A quick note on this recipe! The original version of this post was published back in 2016. Since then I’ve re-tested the recipe, updated the photographs, and the content. I’m republishing it for you today to enjoy! I hope you continue to make and love these delicious candied pecans. xo

These easy maple syrup candied pecans are a classic recipe that we make all the time – especially around the holidays! Made with just a few simple ingredients and sweetened only with maple syrup – which means they are 100% refined sugar free.

They are incredibly delicious snack material, and perfect for holiday dishes, cheese boards, or your favorite salad. They would also make the cutest little gifts packaged up in a jar and wrapped with some ribbon or twine! No doubt friends & family would love these as an edible porch drop gift 🎁

Made without butter, dairy, eggs, or sugar. Just pure naturally sweetened vegan crunchy goodness!

Why you’ll love these easy maple syrup candied pecans:

These healthier candied pecans are:

Simple
Easy
Festive
Crunchy
Sweet + salty
Delicately spiced
Plant based
Gluten free
Super tasty!

Easy Maple Syrup Candied Pecans {gluten free + paleo + vegan} - nyssa's kitchen (2)

Ingredients for these easy maple syrup candied pecans

This cinnamon candied pecans recipe is made with a few simple ingredients that you probably already have stocked in your pantry.

(If you’re already ready to get started, scroll all the way down to the bottom for the full recipe!)

Here’s exactly what you need to make this healthy candied pecans recipe:

Easy Maple Syrup Candied Pecans {gluten free + paleo + vegan} - nyssa's kitchen (3)

Easy Maple Syrup Candied Pecans {gluten free + paleo + vegan} - nyssa's kitchen (4)

How to make these easy maple syrup candied pecans

When I say that these candied pecans are easy to make, I mean they are super duper easy to make. We’re talking a literal handful ingredients, and a parchment lined baking sheet. No bowl, no candy thermometer, and barely 15 minutes to make!

Here’s the step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Combine all ingredients on sheet pan

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with with parchment paper for easy clean up.

Spread pecans on parchment paper and top with maple syrup, avocado oil or melted coconut oil, cinnamon, vanilla, and sea salt. Toss until well coated, and transfer to the oven.

Step 2: Bake pecans in the oven

Bake for 6 minutes, and remove from the oven to stir, so the pecans roast evenly and are evenly coated with the maple syrup mixture. Then continue to take out and stir every 2 minutes or so for a total of about 12-14 minutes – until bubbles slow dramatically and the maple syrup mixture is thick and clings to the pecans. Keep in mind that the candied maple syrup will continue to harden as it cools. It should still be a little sticky, but quite thick.

Step 3: Allow baked candied pecans to cool

When they are done, remove pecans from the oven and spread out evenly – separating as much as possible so they don’t all harden in one big piece.

Allow to cool until maple syrup coating has hardened.

What to do with candied pecans

Maple syrup sweetened candied pecans are delicious on their own for snacking, but if you’re looking for other ways to use them here’s a few ideas.

These candied pecans are:

The perfect addition to a festive cheese board
A delicious crunchy + sweet topping for your favorite salad
Very tasty option to add to holiday side dishes
The perfect homemade food gift!

Do candied pecans have gluten?

These candied pecans do not have gluten – they are 100% gluten free.

Do candied pecans need to be refrigerated?

Nope! They do not need to be refrigerated. If you are looking to prolong their “shelf life”, you could pop them in the refrigerator where they will keep for up to a month or two. Otherwise, these candied pecans will keep at room temperature for up to several weeks. Of course, they might not last that long 😉

Can you freeze candied pecans?

Absolutely. These candied pecans can be frozen in a sealed airtight container for up to a year. Thaw at room temperature until ready to use.

How to make these candied pecans without cinnamon

If you want to make these candied pecans without cinnamon, it can easily be left out of this recipe. You could replace it with another spice, or just skip it all together. Some alternative spices could be nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or cardamom.

How to make these candied pecans spicy

This candied pecan recipe is delicious with a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice it up. All you have to do is add it to the maple syrup mixture, and toss with the pecans before baking. You can add as much cayenne as you like. I usually go with a generous pinch if I’m making these candied pecans spicy.

Easy Maple Syrup Candied Pecans {gluten free + paleo + vegan} - nyssa's kitchen (8)

Love this sweet treat? Try these other NK dessert recipes!

Vegan Chocolate Mousse
No Bake Birthday Cake Energy Bites
Paleo Baked Cinnamon Apples

If you love these maple syrup candied pecans, please let us know by leaving a REVIEW and RATING below!

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