Easy Spiced Praline Pecans Recipe (Refined-Sugar-Free)
When I think about this time of year, I think of aromas like cinnamon, vanilla, and roasted nuts. This Holiday Spiced Praline Pecans recipe is such a simple recipe but always feels special. They’re warm, crunchy, and perfectly coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture that gives them that classic pecan pralines flavor. Plus, they’re refined-sugar-free and take less than 15 minutes to make.
Whether you call them spiced pecans, holiday fried pecans, cinnamon sugar pecans, or candy pecans, one thing’s for sure: they’re the kind of sweet snack that disappears fast during the holiday season.
You might also like: Salted Caramel Sauce, Chocolate Almond Butter Superfood Fudge, Chocolate Chip Brown Butter Cookies
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Why You’ll Love These Spiced Praline Pecans
This spiced pecans recipe is simple enough for a weekday snack but elegant enough for the holidays. They make a perfect addition to any party spread, charcuterie board, or salad. The light caramel coating made from coconut sugar gives these candied pecans a crisp, praline-style crunch without any refined sugar or corn syrup.
And the best part? You don’t need an oven, a candy thermometer, or even a mixer, just one pan, a spatula, and a few minutes of patience.
These holiday fried pecans are:
Naturally dairy-free and vegan
Sweetened with coconut sugar instead of refined white or brown sugar
Flavored with warm holiday spices
Quick and easy to make on the stovetop!
Ingredients You'll Need:
2 cups raw pecan halves
1½ tablespoon coconut oil
⅓ cup coconut sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
Wide pan: Nonstick pan
Silicone spatula: Heat-resistant spatula
Parchment paper: Unbleached preferred
Airtight glass jar: Perfect for storing or gifting
Baking sheet: Line with parchment for cooling
How to Make Candied Pecans
1. Toast the pecans:
Add pecans to a large nonstick or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Toast dry for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and nutty. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Make the coating:
In the same pan, melt coconut oil. Add coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir until everything looks like wet sand, then add the vanilla extract at the end.
3. Candy the pecans:
Once the mixture starts to bubble, add the toasted pecans back in. Stir constantly for 2–4 minutes until they’re glossy and evenly coated. (If the sugar starts to smoke, lower the heat immediately.)
4. Cool:
Spread the pecans out on parchment paper in a single layer. Separate any clumps with a fork and let them cool completely, they’ll crisp up as they cool.
Tips for Making Perfect Praline Pecans
Toast first: Always toast your pecan halves dry for 2–3 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor and help the sugar mixture stick evenly. This is one of the best ways to get deep, rich flavor.
Watch the heat: Keep it on medium or medium-low once the sugar mixture melts, coconut sugar burns fast! If it starts to smell smoky, pull it off the heat right away.
Stir constantly: Mix nonstop once the sugar mixture starts to bubble to coat the pecans evenly and prevent burning. Simple, steady stirring is one of the easy methods that ensures perfectly glossy candied nuts every time.
Spread fast: Pour coated spiced pecans onto parchment paper in a single layer right away, they harden quickly. Break apart clumps with a fork.
Don’t worry if they look wet: They’ll firm up and get perfectly crisp in about 10 minutes.
Add extra flavor: Sprinkle sea salt or cinnamon while they cool for that sweet-salty crunch.
Store properly: For the best results, store pecans in an airtight container or mason jar at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer.
How I Made This Recipe Healthier
Traditional pecan praline recipes often use butter, white sugar, and corn syrup. I wanted a version that tasted just as indulgent but was a little more wholesome.
Here’s what makes this version better-for-you:
Coconut sugar adds caramel flavor with minerals and a lower glycemic impact.
Coconut oil replaces butter, making it completely dairy-free.
No corn syrup or heavy cream like traditional pralines.
Warm spices create rich depth without needing extra sweetness.
Substitutions and Variations
Coconut sugar → Maple sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar, or date sugar.
Coconut oil → Avocado oil, olive oil, or butter.
Pecans → Walnuts, almonds, cashews, or a mixed nut blend.
Spices → Can swap for pumpkin pie spice or chai spice blend.
Vanilla → Swap for almond extract for a nuttier note.
You can also toss in a tiny pinch of cayenne or black pepper for a touch of heat. It adds just the right balance to the sweetness and makes these spiced praline pecans extra delicious.
How to Store and Gift Your Pecans
Once cooled, store your roasted candied pecans in an airtight container or mason jar at room temperature for up to two weeks. They will stay crisp, flavorful, and ready to enjoy as a snack or sprinkled over salads and desserts. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe jar or bag for up to two months.
Make these into thoughtful holiday goodies or easy last-minute gifts. I like to package the spiced praline pecans in little jars tied with twine and labeled with a festive tag. One week, I sent them to Olive’s teachers as small thank-you gifts, and they were such a hit. You can also include a printed recipe card for a sweet, personal touch that makes these holiday gifts and edible goodies feel extra special.
What to Eat With Spiced Pecans
These crunchy, caramelized nuts are endlessly versatile. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy them:
Toss on salads: Add to a Trader Joe’s harvest salad, Chick-fil-A Market Salad, or a Thanksgiving fruit salad for extra crunch and flavor.
Top your breakfast: Sprinkle over oatmeal, yogurt bowls, or smoothie bowls for a cozy, spiced crunch.
Upgrade holiday sides: Scatter over roasted sweet potatoes or green beans for a festive touch.
Build a better charcuterie board: The sweet, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with salty cheeses and fresh fruit.
Enjoy as a snack: They’re so addictive you’ll want to keep a jar handy for snacking.
Add to desserts: Chop and sprinkle over ice cream, baked apples, or holiday pies for an easy, elegant finishing touch.
Fall Dessert Recipes to Try
FAQs
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Yes! Maple sugar, brown sugar, or even pure maple syrup works great. Syrup gives a glossier coating, while granulated sugar makes them crunchier.
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In an airtight jar at room temp for 2 weeks, or freeze up to 2 months.
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Totally. Almonds, cashews, and walnuts all work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, smaller nuts cook faster.
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That usually means the heat was too high or the mixture wasn’t stirred enough. Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly once the sugar melts.
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Toasting wakes up the natural oils in the nuts and enhances the flavor. Otherwise, they can taste flat.
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Yes, you can! To make air fryer candied pecans, toss your coated pecans in a large bowl, then lightly spray a preheated air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the nuts in a single layer and cook at 300°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. Let them cool on parchment until they harden for that perfect crunch, then store in an air-tight container at room temperature. It’s one of those easy air fryer recipes that makes sweet, crispy air fryer pecans with almost no cleanup.
This Easy Spiced Praline Pecans Recipe is one of those quick, reliable go-tos I find myself making over and over. The warm spice mixture, light caramel flavor, and crunch make them good for just about anything, from snacking to topping salads or sharing as a simple holiday gift. It’s an easy recipe made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. These candied nuts turn golden brown and crisp as they cool, making them a tasty snack and a great addition to your list of favorite recipes. Whether you’re craving a little something sweet during the fall season or looking for the perfect snack to satisfy a sweet tooth, this candied pecan recipe never disappoints.
Easy Spiced Praline Pecans Recipe (Refined-Sugar-Free)
Warm, crunchy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, these spiced praline pecans come together in 15 minutes with simple ingredients. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to holiday desserts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw pecan halves
- 1½ tablespoon coconut oil
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Toast the pecans: Add pecans to a large nonstick or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Toast dry for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until they smell nutty. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the coating: In the same pan, melt coconut oil. Add coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir until everything looks like wet sand, then add the vanilla at the end.
- Candy the pecans: Once the mixture starts to bubble, add the toasted pecans back in. Stir constantly for 2–4 minutes until they’re glossy and evenly coated. (If sugar starts to smoke, lower the heat!)
- Cool: Spread pecans on parchment paper. Separate any clumps with a fork and let cool completely, they’ll crisp up as they cool.
Notes
If they look wet when you spread them out, don’t worry, they’ll harden in about 10 minutes.
Sprinkle extra sea salt or cinnamon on top while they’re cooling for extra flavor.
Store in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks.
Approximate values:
- Calories: 155
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 1g
Based on 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs total), using avocado oil and regular sugar. Makes approximately 6 servings. Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on the size of your potatoes and the type of oil or sweetener used.
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
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