I seriously love sugared pecans. I would say it’s pretty high on my list of my favorite things to indulge in. For more than 10 years now, its become my tradition to make a huge batch of sugared pecans a few days before Thanksgiving and give them as gifts. I also make extra to mix in salads, top on warmed brie and keep on hand through the holidays.
What’s really amazing about this recipe is that it only calls for four ingredients and it’s made in the microwave! 4-6 minutes at that! You would never know it. When I first tasted this recipe at my neighbors home, I just knew that these pecans were slow roasted for three days and coated with some rare sugar. Nope! They are incredibly easy and by far the best sugared pecans I have ever tasted!
Let’s just jump right into the recipe!
Sugared Pecans
2 Cups pecan halves
1/2 Cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 Tablespoons orange juice
1 Tablespoon butter
1) Begin by buttering a 12 x 18 inch microwave safe dish. The pecans will burn if you use a bowl and a shallow dish is critical (learned the hard way). I use a large oval dish that fits perfect in my microwave.
2) Mix brown sugar with orange juice and pecan halves.
3) Put mix in dish and mircrowave on high for 4-6minutes depending on how strong your microwave is and stir every 2 minutes! (Because my microwave is so strong, I set my microwave for 5 minutes 30 seconds and I stir every minute and half to two minutes). If you know your microwave is strong, I would stick with 5 minutes. If your unsure, still stick with 5 minutes on your first batch. The sugar needs to boil but there is a fine line between boiling and burning the pecans, which is why it’s necessary to stir and watch carefully.
4) Immediately pour pecans onto buttered tin foil and spread evenly. Pecans will slowly begin to crystallize.
5) Allow to completely cool (about 2 hours). Store in air tight bags or containers.
Sugared pecans make great gifts for Thanksgiving and Christmas for neighbors and friends because they are delicious by themselves or added to salads and warmed cheeses. I always include a copy of the recipe with the pecans as well.
Well friends, warm wishes to all of you and your families for a wonderful Thanksgiving. I will be back after the holiday with several decorating projects for us as we deck the halls!
Cheers!
Cyndy
Melanie York-Barrett says
OH YUM!! I LOVE sugared pecans! It looks so wonderfully easy! I can’t wait to make them! Thank you for sharing! I thoroughly enjoy your exchange!! Thank you!
Lisa Few says
These are super yummy…just made a batch to take to Thanksgiving Dinner. 🙂
Molly Stokes says
Question? Butter in dish , not in mix? Love your site.
Cyndy says
The butter is used to butter the inside of the dish and the foil. Do not add to mix. Enjoy!
Molly Stokes says
Duh! Thanks
Helen says
Hi Cyndy, I’m a new follower and hope you visit my blog soon. Oh….those pecans look fabulous! I really like that they can be made with the microwave! Thanks for posting this one. Merry Christmas! Helen
Amanda Stewart says
I am a new follower. I actually found you on Pintrest!! I would love a follow back at lefthandedideas.com
Sheila says
I loved the pecan! Easy to make and delish! Thanks!
Jo says
Help! I burned mine.
Cyndy says
Oh no! Your microwave must be strong. I would start over and reduce time and check every 30 seconds until you get the right amount of time.
Jo says
thanks
Kayla says
I found this recipe from here years ago, and started making them. They are SO good. My daughter was maybe 4 the first time I made them and they instantly became her favorite. She asks for them every Thanksgiving and Christmas – she’s 9 now. We use them in our broccoli salad, sweet potatoes casserole, and just to have on hand in little bowls to snack on. They are heavenly and will be a holiday staple in our family for years to come.
Cyndy says
Awe Kayla! You made my day! Those pecans are the same for us and always a special request and I do the same and make a big batch for the holidays and use them for everything! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you taking a moment to leave me such a special note! Happy Thanksgiving Kayla and thank you! 🙂
Kayla says
She’s 14 now, and we’re about to get started on our next batch. We haven’t missed a year. 😊