Name: Sweet and Crunchy Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 225 min
Ingredients: 1 pound pecan halves (Provides the perfect crunch; fresh pecans are recommended for best flavor.); 2 large egg whites (Helps the sugar adhere; substitute with aquafaba for a vegan version.); 1 cup granulated sugar (Adds sweetness and forms the candy coating.); 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark) (Contributes depth and moisture to the candy shell.); 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon (The spice that gives these pecans their warm flavor.); 1/8 teaspoon salt (Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (Infuses aromatic flavor for a more delightful treat.); 1/4 cup water (Added in the last cooking stage to create a glossy finish.)

The aroma wafting through the kitchen as the pecans caramelize is nothing short of enchanting. These Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans become a festive staple, perfect for sharing with loved ones or just treating yourself during the busy holiday season. With minimal effort required, this recipe allows for a hands-off approach, giving you more time to celebrate and enjoy. They’re not only a crowd-pleaser but also a delightful addition to salads and desserts—who doesn’t love a sweet crunch? So grab your slow cooker and let’s transform simple pecans into a sugary, spiced indulgence that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Curious to see how this delightful treat comes together? Keep reading!

Why Are These Pecans a Must-Try?

Sweet, crunchy bliss: These Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans offer perfect harmony between sweet and spiced, making them an irresistible holiday treat for everyone.

Effortless transformation: With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a scrumptious snack that requires minimal effort—giving you more time to enjoy the festive season!

Versatile delight: Whether you’re gifting them to friends, using them as party snacks, or topping your favorite desserts, these pecans bring a touch of cheer to any occasion.

Aromatic experience: The delightful aromas that fill your kitchen while they cook will have everyone eager to dig in—who can resist the scent of cinnamon and caramelized sugar?

Make-ahead magic: Great as make-ahead treats, they store beautifully in airtight containers, ensuring they remain fresh and crunchy for whenever you need a sweet fix.

Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans Ingredients

For the Pecans
• 1 pound pecan halves – Provides the perfect crunch; fresh pecans are recommended for best flavor.
• 2 egg whites – Helps the sugar adhere, creating a delightful crispy coating; substitute with aquafaba for a vegan version.

For the Sweet Coating
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and forms the candy coating; feel free to reduce slightly, though it may affect crispness.
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark) – Contributes depth and moisture to the candy shell; can be replaced with all white sugar, but flavor will differ.
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon – The spice that gives these pecans their warm flavor; add a pinch of nutmeg for a unique twist.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.

For Flavor and Finish
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Infuses aromatic flavor for a more delightful treat; use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
• 1/4 cup water – Added in the last cooking stage to create a glossy finish; helps achieve that shiny candy coating.

Dive into this simple, delightful recipe, and enjoy the festive sweetness of your Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans

Step 1: Mix the Coating
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk 2 egg whites and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until frothy. This frothy mixture will help create that delightful coating for your slow cooker candied cinnamon pecans.

Step 2: Coat the Pecans
Next, add 1 pound of pecan halves to the egg white mixture, stirring gently until they are fully coated. Once coated, sprinkle in the sugar mixture and toss everything together until the pecans are evenly coated. You should see the sugar mixture sticking beautifully to the pecans, creating a sweet embrace that will caramelize perfectly during the cooking process.

Step 3: Slow Cook
Spray the interior of your slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Pour the coated pecans into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly for consistent cooking. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat, cooking for 3 hours. Make sure to stir the mixture every 30 minutes, ensuring all the pecans cook evenly and absorb that delicious syrupy goodness.

Step 4: Final Gloss
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, drizzle 1/4 cup of water over the pecans and stir gently. This step is crucial for achieving that glossy finish, giving your slow cooker candied cinnamon pecans an inviting shine. Continue cooking, and enjoy the fragrant aromas wafting through your kitchen that signal a delightful treat is on the way.

Step 5: Cool and Store
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully transfer the pecans onto a sheet of parchment paper to cool completely. This cooling process helps the coating crisp up nicely. After they are completely cool, store your sweet and crunchy slow cooker candied cinnamon pecans in an airtight container. They will remain fresh and ready to delight anyone who enjoys a festive snack!

Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans

Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh pecans are crucial to avoid rancidity and ensure the best flavor in your slow cooker candied cinnamon pecans.
Stir Regularly: Stirring every 30 minutes during cooking helps to prevent sticking and ensures even coating and cooking.
Watch the Clock: Keep an eye on your cooking time, especially during the last hour, as slow cookers can vary.
Cool Completely: Allow the pecans to cool fully on parchment paper; this ensures they stay crispy, maintaining that delightful crunch.
Storage Matters: Store in an airtight container to keep your slow cooker candied cinnamon pecans fresh and ready for enjoy whenever a sweet craving hits!

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans

The delightful crunch and sweet-spicy aroma of these pecans can elevate any dish, creating the perfect holiday dining experience.

Creamy Goat Cheese Salad: The tangy creaminess of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet crunch of candied pecans, adding richness to each bite. A drizzle of balsamic dressing will elevate the flavors further.
Savory Charcuterie Board: These pecans make a fabulous addition to a charcuterie board, balancing the salty meats and cheeses with a sweet, crunchy element that guests will adore.
Spiced Hot Chocolate: Serve these pecans alongside a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate for an indulgent treat that will warm your heart. The sweetness complements the rich cocoa perfectly.
Apple Crisp: Top your homemade apple crisp or pie with candied pecans for an added layer of flavor and crunch, enhancing the classic dessert with a delightful twist.
Holiday Cheese Platter: Pair with a selection of sharp cheeses and dried fruits; the pecans’ sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory profiles, creating a memorable tasting experience.
Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Enjoy these pecans as a topping on pumpkin spice muffins, giving a delightful crunch to the soft, spiced cake. It’s the ultimate comfort food combo perfect for cozy mornings.
Festive Wine: A glass of sweet dessert wine or a warm spiced cider perfectly complements the flavors in the pecans, making for a delightful pairing that enhances your holiday gatherings.
Warm Cinnamon Oatmeal: Stir in a handful of candied pecans into a bowl of warm oatmeal for a delicious breakfast treat. The sweet crunch will kickstart your day with a burst of flavor.

How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans

Room Temperature: Store your cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the pecans in a sealed container. This can extend their freshness for an additional week, but they may lose some crunch.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag; they’ll maintain quality for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply let them sit at room temperature to thaw or briefly warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their crunch.

Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans Variations

Feel free to embrace your creativity with these candied pecans, turning them into a personalized delight!

Nutty Swap: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor that still delivers the crunch.
Maple Magic: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a unique twist—this gives a lovely depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Spicy Addition: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon mixture for those who enjoy a spicy kick; the heat balances the sweetness perfectly.
Nut-Free Option: Swap out the nuts for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, making these crunchy treats perfect for nut-free diets.
Vegan Delight: Use aquafaba in place of egg whites to create a vegan-friendly version of this sweet treat—your guests will never know the difference!
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled pecans for an indulgent finish—chocolate and cinnamon? Yes, please!
Coconut Twist: Mix in some shredded coconut during the coating process for a tropical twist; it adds both flavor and texture that’s wonderfully surprising.
Holiday Spice Blend: Instead of just cinnamon, experiment with a pumpkin pie spice blend for a warm, festive flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

These variations inspire you to create your own version of Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans. And if you’re curious about other delightful recipes, check out my Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars for another treat that’s perfect for gatherings!

Make Ahead Options

These Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans are perfect for meal prep and can easily save you time during the bustling holiday season! You can coat the pecans (step 1 and 2) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the coated pecans in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy, just transfer the pecans to your slow cooker and proceed with the cooking instructions (steps 3 through 5) as usual. This method ensures that they’ll taste just as delicious and maintain their irresistible crunch—perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings!

Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right pecans?
Absolutely! For the best results, use fresh pecans. Look for nuts that are plump and have a slight sheen, avoiding any that have dark spots or a rancid smell. Fresh pecans will provide the perfect crunch and richness in flavor for your Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans.

How should I store my candied pecans?
Great question! Store your cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. For an extended shelf life, you can refrigerate them for another week, although they may lose some of their delightful crunch over time.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans?
Certainly! For future sweet cravings, freeze the cooled pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, making sure to remove excess air. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven to restore their crunch!

Why are my pecans sticking together after cooking?
Very! To prevent sticking, be sure to stir the pecans every 30 minutes while they cook. If you notice them clumping together, you can also break apart any sticky pieces once they’re out of the slow cooker and still warm. Additionally, ensure you’re using enough nonstick spray in your slow cooker to maintain even coating and prevent the pecans from sticking.

Are these pecans safe for people with nut allergies?
Good point! Unfortunately, if someone has a nut allergy, these Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans wouldn’t be safe. However, you could substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. Just note that the flavor profile will differ slightly, but you’ll still get a delightful crunch!