Make Microwave Candied Pecans in 11 Minutes with Only 2 Ingredients

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Sneak Preview: Learn how to make microwave candied pecans with only two ingredients (not counting water and salt,) and 11 minutes. That’s what I call a superb last-minute gift idea or hostess gift. These crunchy candied nuts are unbelievably addicting.

microwave candied pecans in a bowl ready for snackingPin

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Are you frantically looking for a quick snack to take to a party? Or maybe you need a last-minute Christmas or Valentine’s gift with a handmade touch. How about a few caramelized or candied pecans to sprinkle on top of a pie, decorate some cookies or a cake, or… (gasp) add some extra flavor to your salad.

I bet you’ve heard of people making caramel popcorn in the microwave. This recipe isn’t that different. Watching the video will give you confidence.


Happy Cooks Speak Up

“This recipe worked great! Only took 5-1/2 minutes in my microwave to get to golden, so definitely watch your time. The nuts taste great, they remind me of Cracker Jack. Will definitely use this recipe again and try some of the variations.” CELERYSTX

Addendum: I used to list a temperature reading for the sugar to indicate when it was time to add the pecans. Because of reader feedback, I removed those numbers from the recipe. They caused more confusion than they helped. Watching for the amber color is the best guide.

Recipe Inspiration

Thanks to Dorie Greenspan for giving me the idea for these candied pecans in her recipe, Rosy Pear and Pistachio Tart from Baking(paid link). She made caramelized pistachios on top of the stove as a garnish.  I prefer to make them in a microwave.

Practice helps:

I highly recommend a practice run or two if you have never made this recipe. Every microwave cooks a little differently depending on the size, power, and age of the microwave. (The temperature of the pecans will also make a difference.)

The times given in the recipe are only suggestions. You will need to figure out the exact time based on the power output of your microwave.


How Long Does It Take To Make These?

  1. 2 minutes: How long does measuring a cup of sugar, some water, and some nuts take?
  2. 8 minutes: Microwave the water and sugar for 6-7 minutes (depending on your microwave oven), add the nuts, and cook one more minute.
  3. 1 minute: Pour the nuts onto a buttered baking sheet or a silicone mat.

The only thing between the caramelized nuts and your mouth is about 5 minutes of cooling, so you don’t burn your tongue.


Can You Make Candied Pecans Without Butter or Egg Whites?

Yes. This recipe only requires two ingredients if you don’t count water! Sugar and pecans (or your nut of choice). That’s it! Could it be any easier? Salt and cinnamon are optional.

CRUNCHY CARAMELIZED NUTS - in a gift boxPin
Try packaging these nuts in small festive containers to give as gifts or as a Christmas favor on your dining table.

Variations

  • Add ground cinnamon or ground cardamom to the raw pecans if you like. Think cinnamon rolls sans flour and butter.
  • Use pistachios, cashews, or almonds instead of pecans. I think walnuts would be good, too, but I haven’t tried that since I’m not a walnut fan.
  • Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sugar for a sweet and spicy delight.
  • Try chopping up a few pecans and adding them to your Chex or Party mix. The sweet and salty flavor is quite tasty.

How To Use Your Microwave To Make This Candied Pecan Recipe

HEADS UP: Please use a microwave-safe Pyrex glass container(paid link) to make this recipe. The temperature of the sugar gets super hot and will shatter delicate, antique, or cheap glass from the dollar store. Surely I don’t need to warn anybody not to use plastic anything.

sugar in a Pyrex pitcherPin
Add 1 cup of sugar to a microwave-safe large bowl. I like a 2-quart batter bowl.
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Add 1/4 cup of water to the sugar. DO NOT STIR or cover. Place into your microwave and cook on HIGH.

I set my microwave oven (1000 watts and full-size) for 7 minutes, but I usually have to add about 10-20 seconds more.

Microwaves vary!

Your oven may be a higher or lower power. The age and size of the oven also matter. The temperature of your water can also add or subtract time. To be safe, start watching after 4-5 minutes.

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Remove it from the microwave oven when the sugar turns golden brown, amber, or the color of butterscotch candy.
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Pour two cups of room-temperature nuts into the caramelized sugar, but don’t stir—microwave for 30 seconds on HIGH. Now, give the nuts a quick stir and microwave for 30 seconds.
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IMMEDIATELY spread pecans in a single layer on a large baking sheet that is well-buttered or covered with Silpat or parchment paper. Sprinkle the nuts with salt while they’re hot if desired.
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Use two forks to separate the pecans while they are hot.
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Use your fingers to break the pecans apart when they are cool enough to touch.

FAQ About Glazed Pecans

1. Why are my caramelized pecans sticky?

The nuts haven’t cooled long enough. THIS IS THE MOST COMMON REASON.

You should be able to pull the nuts apart with your bare hands. I had to put gloves on to make this picture so you can see what happens when you try to separate candied nuts that are still hot. You will get long, thin strands of sugary threads. They won’t change the taste, but the nuts won’t look as attractive.Pin

2. Why did my sugar mixture turn sugary and white (crystallize) when I added the pecans?

Most likely, the sugar mixture was not cooked long enough. The mixture will be amber-colored when it is ready.

Also, be sure your nuts are at room temperature and not frozen before pouring them into the sugar.

📌Kitchen Tip📌 Since pecans are expensive, here’s an idea to “save” crystallized pecans. Put them in a blender or food processor. Process until all chunks are pulverized. Voilá. You have praline sugar. It’s delicious sprinkled over whipped cream on top of many desserts. I like it on homemade yogurt.
nuts that have turned to sugar because the syrup had not carmelized properly.Pin

3. How long can I store candied nuts?

Store these in an airtight container so they won’t absorb moisture. I store these nuts in a glass Mason jar sealed with a handheld vacuum-pack machine, in the same way that I store chopped lettuce. Unlike the lettuce, store the vacuum-sealed nuts in a cool, dry place like your pantry (not your refrigerator). They will keep for 2-3 months inside the sealed jar.

If the nuts get soft, put them in a dehydrator or slow oven and dry them out. I’ve never had the opportunity to try it because people eat these before I get the chance.

4. Are these nuts gluten-free?

Yes.


Parting thoughts: The most challenging part of cooking with a microwave can be determining the exact time you need to cook something. Not only do microwaves vary wildly, but new ones are usually more powerful than old ones, big ones are more powerful than small ones, and brands vary in how evenly they cook food.

Other factors can change the time required to cook something. You must adjust the timing if you change the amounts and use more or less than the recipe listed. If the temperature of your ingredients is unusually cold or hot, that will also change the timing.

Experimentation is a must. Write it down when you figure out what works best in your microwave oven.

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bowl of candied pecansPin
Yield: 18 servings

Candied Pecans (Microwave Recipe)

Make these sweet and shiny candied nuts with a microwave in about ten minutes with only two ingredients. Great for parties, snacks, and salads.

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4 from 14 votes
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Video

Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (57 g) water
  • 2 cups (198 g) whole pecans or pistachios, cashews, or walnuts (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt (optional)

Instructions

  • Pour 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar into a 2-quart microwave-safe Pyrex glass batter bowl. Pour ¼ cup (57 g) water over the middle of the sugar (so water and sugar don’t splash up the sides.) Do not stir or cover. I highly recommend you buy an inexpensive glass 2-quart batter bowl (microwave-safe) if you often cook in a microwave.
  • Microwave on High for 6-8 minutes or until the sugar mixture turns golden brown, like a piece of butterscotch candy. Do not stir. (Times vary with different MW ovens, so watch carefully the first time or two until you figure out the exact time needed in your oven. The sugar is easy to burn.)
  • Add 2 cups (198 g) whole pecans mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional), but DO NOT STIR and MW on High for 30 seconds. Quickly pull the nuts out of the oven and give them a stir. Put them back into the microwave and cook for 30 more seconds on HIGH power.
  • Immediately pour the hot nuts onto a well-greased baking sheet or silicone mat. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt (optional) while the candy is hot if using. Use two forks to separate the hot nuts. Allow them to cool until you can touch them without burning your fingers.
  • Use your fingers to break up the nuts. If caramel pulls in to thin thread-like strands when you try to break up the nuts, let it cool longer.

Notes

Variation:
Spiced Caramelized Nuts: Stir 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or ground cardamom into the nuts before adding them to the caramelized sugar. Continue with step three.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 33mg | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 128IU | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.4mg

All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com

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20 Comments

  1. Hello
    Do I need to grease a silicone mat as well that is what I am thinking of using

    Thanks
    Kat

    1. Hi Kat,
      You shouldn’t have to grease it–nothing sticks to silicone.

  2. 5 stars
    love it with the cinnamon added. perfect step by step instructions. now, how to wash up the caramelized bowl?!

    1. Hi E,
      Fill that caramalized bowl with water and the sugar will dissolve in no time. Easy!

  3. 1 star
    I am not a beginner candy maker but I could not make these successfully. At least my only loss was 3 cups of sugar and some water. I used a quick read thermometer and cooked sugar until 365 degrees the first time and the mixture smelled burned to me. Backed off a few degrees the 2nd run but had the same outcome. 3rd time I backed off 10 degrees, added the walnuts, cooked another 30 seconds and the whole thing seized up into one huge crystallized lump. Had to chop them out of the Pyrex measure with a heavy metal spoon. I’ll look for another recipe🙁

    1. I’m so sorry, Sherry. Microwaves vary so much. It’s impossible to write directions for every brand and model of microwave out there. The size, age, and power output of your oven can make a huge difference.

  4. Didn’t work for me. I’ll stick to stove top method – comes out perfect every time.

    1. Hi Ann,

      How frustrating! This recipe can be tricky until you experiment and know exactly how it works with your particular microwave. But I don’t blame you for sticking to the stove-top method. You gotta do what works for you. Thanks for writing.

  5. Argh. My vintage glass mixing bowl blew up at 6 minutes – sugar not yet golden. Liquified sugar all over the microwave. Not for me I guess.

    1. Oh no! I’m so sorry about your bowl. That’s terrible. Evidently it was not microwave-safe. I’m so sad for you, but I’m glad you wrote. I would buy you another one but I’m guessing it’s irreplaceable. The best thing to use is a 2-quart Pyrex pitcher. They are easy to find and don’t cost much. If you decide to try again with any other cookware, look for the words “microwave-safe” on the packaging to be safe.

  6. Celerystx says:

    This recipe worked great! Only took 5-1/2 minutes in my microwave to get to golden, so definitely watch your time. The nuts taste great, they remind me of Cracker Jack. Will definitely use this recipe again and try some of the variations.

  7. I just set mine out to cool, they smell and look awesome.. BTW, all I had was California Almonds so, I will update the “different nuts” recipe…..

  8. Christine @ Fresh Local and Best says:

    This is a great recipe for party appetizers! I like how easy the recipe is.

  9. Thanks for the microwave version of this recipe. We all love nuts for a snack and these would be great with a little cayenne pepper added to them.
    Mimi

    1. Harold Bowdeb says:

      How much cayenne? 1/4 tsp or more?

      1. Cayenne is a GREAT idea. I would probably do 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon.

  10. These look delicious, as usual! I am sure they taste great too- especially for all of those “nut” lovers and snackers. Look great to have handy for the holidays!

  11. These look awesome. And so simple. Totally trying this. Might also try it with popcorn and nut mix.

    And I love those batter bowls. I bought one for 6$ and I liked it so much a couple days later I went back and bought another!

  12. Thank you so much for posting this! I can’t wait to try the microwave version. I just polished off the rest of the caramelized pistachios from the tart and they were so delicious. Love the skinny secret…so true!