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These pecans are super delicious and fabulous as a snack or cocktail nibble, on salads, yogurt, ice cream, desserts ... and they make a wonderful gift too!
This Maple Molasses Glazed Pecans recipe is one of those oldie but goodie recipes that got lost way back in the Café archives. I had totally forgotten about it (with over 1400 recipes, sometimes things slip a little) until I got these two emails recently:
I just made your Maple Molasses Glazed Pecans. Fantastic . . . especially when combined with the Buttermilk Maple Toffee Sauce over vanilla ice cream.
Of course these are good, but I can't believe what an incredible hit they've been with every single person I've gifted them to...family, friends and coworkers! These are going to become my annual holiday gift to everyone. Thanks so much for that!!
Intrigued, I quickly looked up the recipe, made a batch myself and was wowed by the delicious flavor, crisp, candylike coating and how crazy easy they are to make. How could I have forgotten about THIS one?
Ridiculously Easy
After seeing how quickly and easy this recipe comes together, I knew it needed to go into our Ridiculously Easy Recipe hall of fame, so I spiffed up the photos, post and recipe a bit and made a gift label to go along with everything. So here you go, a ridiculously easy, ridiculously delicious candied pecan recipe that I think will wow you too!
If you're not famililar with our Ridiculously Easy recipes, you can read all about them here but to quickly explain, they're a collection of our favorite recipes that are super easy and don't take a lot of hands-on time. My favorite way of describing this category is: "recipes that make you look like a kitchen rock star with minimal effort on your part".
Like that? Yep, me too!
Testing and tweaking
It took a few batches to get these pecans right. I was looking for a shiny, beautiful glaze and the first couple of tries just didn't make it. With a bit of testing and tweaking, I figured out a few little tricks to achieve the sheen I was looking for. I learned that the nuts need to be completely coated with the glaze before they go into the oven. Several little steps help me accomplish that. First, a short stint in the microwave (which thins out the syrup and molasses). A very thorough stir (one minute) after microwaving is also important. Lastly, having enough of the glaze makes a difference. After experimenting, I learned that ¼ cup of maple syrup is the perfect amount.
I love that the hands-on time (less than 5 minutes) and effort is pretty minimal with these delicious pecans (no one needs to know that). Maple, molasses and a touch of cinnamon wrap around the nuts to give a warm, wonderful flavor you can't quite put your finger on.
What to do with these Maple Molasses Glazed Pecans
I think you'll find lots of ways to use these fabulous sweet and salty nuts. Besides being an addictively delicious snack, they're also wonderful as a cocktail nibble, in salads, on yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream and they add a touch of crunchy gourmet, elegance to all kinds of other desserts. Just make plenty or hide them till you're ready to use them. Don't ask me how I know about this.
Want a super easy dessert idea that will wow everyone? Pick up some good vanilla ice cream, then whip up a batch of Microwave Caramel Sauce (the real deal) or this Ricidulously Easy Butterscotch Sauce. Scoop up the ice cream into pretty bowls, drizzle with the sauce then sprinkle your delicious sundaes with a few of these Maple Molasses Glazed Pecans - I promise, everyone will be in heaven (and you will have spent minimal time in the kitchen)!
Give them as a gift!
Need a little hostess, teacher or new-neighbor gift? Whip up a batch of these Maple Molasses Glazed Pecans, pack them up in a cellophane bag or gift box and add a pretty ribbon. They'll want to know which little gourmet market you picked them up at.
Because they make such a great gift, we've created a free printable gift tag to add to your packages. If you'd like to receive these gift labels, just scroll to the very bottom of this post and leave us a comment indicating that you'd like them. We'll email you the labels along with instructions on how to use them and links for the boxes and ribbon shown in the pictures.
So come on, whip up a batch of these Maple Molasses Glazed Pecans ASAP! You'll be deliciously happy you did!
Café Tips for making these Ridiculously Easy Maple Molasses Glazed Pecans
- This recipe calls for a microwave-safe bowl. What does that mean? Microwave-safe simply means that the bowl won't get hot or melt in the microwave. Glass, most ceramic ware and heatproof glass ware are safe in the microwave oven. The best type of bowl to use for these nuts is a 4 or 8 cup pyrex measuring cup with a handle. The handle on these types of cups doesn't get hot.
- If I'm giving these pecans as gifts, I like to pick out the prettiest pecans that aren't broken up. I save the broken ones to sprinkle over salads, oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, etc.
- If you store these nuts in an airtight container or ziplock bag, they'll stay fresh for a week to 10 days.
- Be careful when stirring these nuts, the glaze gets very hot.
- Don't skip lining your pan with foil and the greasing the foil. Otherwise the nuts will stick and make a mess.
- Work quickly in the final step as you turned the glazed nuts out onto the foil. Try to separate them as much as possible and spread them to a single layer.
Thought for the day:
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups pecans
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Preheat oven to 325˚F. Line a sheet pan with foil and spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray. (this will keep nuts from sticking to the pan). Layout a second piece of foil on a work surface and again spray with nonstick cooking spray. Rub each with a small piece of paper toweling to evenly coat with the oil.
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Combine all ingredients except pecans in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Stir well.
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Add pecans, then place bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 1 minute. This will thin out the maple mixture to help coat the pecans better. Stir continuously for 1 minute (no cheating, you want the syrup mixture to get in every little nook and cranny of the pecans), until pecans are thoroughly coated.
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Turn pecans out onto the prepared sheet pan, making sure to scrape out all of the maple syrup mixture as well. Spread out pecans to a single layer on the pan.
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Place pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and stir well to redistribute nuts then spread out again to a single layer. Bake until deep golden brown, about 8-12 minutes more. Watch them carefully towards the end as nuts can quickly burn.
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Stir again after removing from oven then spread out to a single layer on the prepared foil on your work surgace.
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Allow to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Kallene says
I just made these for the third time and gave them as gifts. I found these great plastic coated white paper sacks with an oval window and with a wire top from Hobby Lobby. They were perfect to use for these pecans. You could see the pecans through the window and they ddin't stick to the inside of the bag. I would love the label please. I'm an avid fan. Thanks for all the leg work you do in the kitchen and for sharing your recipes with us all. Merry Christmas. Kallene
Chris Scheuer says
That's so good to know, Kallene! Thanks for sharing your source. We'll be happy to send the labels.
Margie says
May I please also have the labels!
Chris Scheuer says
Of course, sending them now, Margie.
Robbie says
Once again you have created such a special gift recipe do i am requesting the labels as well. Thanks for your amazing site with the best recipes! Wishing you a very blessed Christmas!!!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you for your kind words, Robbie. We'll send the labels now.
Vouls Kara says
Yes I would love the labels for this recipe thank you. Can’t wait to make this great recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
Sending them now, Kara!
Linda Holmes says
Please send the labels for maple glazed pecans; dying to try them and gift them! Thanks! Linda Holmes
Chris Scheuer says
Hope you enjoy them, Linda. We'll send the labels now.
Katheryn Everett says
Please send the labels - these look like PERFECT last minute giftys. Thank you, and Merry a Christmas.
Chris Scheuer says
They will be, for sure, Katheryn! The labels should be in your inbox.
Deborah Leavelle says
These look delicious. I would love the labels. Thank you.
Chris Scheuer says
Hope you enjoy them, Debora! Sending the labels your way.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Deborah, just tried to send the labels but they were returned. Perhaps you typed an incorrect letter in your email. If you send us your email again, we'll be happy to try to resend the labels.
Edwina G Schild says
Looks delish, great gift idea! Please send labels,thanks!
Happy Holidays
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Edwina. We'll send them now.
Tim says
Please send printable gift tags for the pecans.
Chris Scheuer says
Coming your way, Tim!
Willa Swartz says
Would love to have link to labels for Maple Molasses Glazed Pecans. Thanks.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure! We'll be happy to send them, Willa!
Sunnysewsit says
Can't wait to make these, and OF COURSE I want the gift tags. Thanks so much Chris. Happy holidays to you and hubby.
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome, Sunny! The labels are on the way.
Wanda L Carter says
Yes please send me the labels!
Wanda L. Carter
Merry Christmas
Chris Scheuer says
They're on the way, Wanda!
Karen Labrosse says
Can I please have the labels for pecans, would like to make some & give as gifts.
Chris Scheuer says
Of course, sending them now, Karen!
Nancy says
Please send me the label for these yummy treats. Thank you and Merry Christmas
Chris Scheuer says
Merry Christmas to you, Nancy! The labels should be in your email shortly.
Janet Erickson says
Could you please send the labels ... thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, they're on the way, Janet!
Wanda Romero says
Please send me the file for the labels. I am anxious to make and gift these to my neighbor.
Chris Scheuer says
Hope you enjoy them, Wanda! Sending the labels now!
Alene says
Can't wait to make these! I made your spiced pecans recipe to go on your butternut squash,/sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving. It was a huge success! Thank you for that and for this recipe. I trust you completely with everything you create for your readers. And I would love getting the labels. If I can part with the pecans.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Alene. I really appreciate your kind words and confidence. We'll get the labels off to you now.
Cheryl Peltz says
Thanks for this and all your other recipes! I’d appreciate the labels for gifting.
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome, Cheryl! We'll send the labels now.
Phyllis says
Please send printable gift tags for the pecans. So yummy.
Chris Scheuer says
Hope you enjoy them, Phyllis! The labels should be in your email.
Joelly Belman says
These look scrumptious! Please send the label printable. Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Joelly! We'll send them now.
Jo Soderberg says
Could I please have a set of labels.
Merry Christmas
Chris Scheuer says
Sure! They should be in your email shortly, Jo!
Phyllis says
A welcome Christmas treat for friends. Easy to make.
Chris Scheuer says
Yes! Sending the labels shortly, Phyllis!
Liz says
Can't wait to try these. I make a lot of different candied nuts around the holidays but don't have a recipe using Maple Syrup. Please send labels. Thank you.
Chris Scheuer says
I think you'll love the maple syrup, Liz! We'll be happy to send the labels.
Nancy Galloway says
Chris,
I’d love to have the link for the labels and boxes. I have an embosser from W-S which I use with pretty foil stickers for tops of jars, but these labels look sweet, too for the boxes. Thanks for helping all of us who love food and baking look amazing! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Chris Scheuer says
Your embosser sounds so pretty, Nancy! Thanks for your kind comment 💕 We'll get the labels off to you now!
Trish says
These pecans look delicious and will make a lovely gift! I would love to have the gift tags to go with them. Thanks for sharing.
-Trish
Chris Scheuer says
We'll be happy to send them, Trish!