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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.
Cathy Wollenberg says
These look so good! Last minute gift…please send printable labels. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Cathy!
Suzanne says
Hi I would love the printable labels please
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Suzanne!
virginia medulla says
Lables, Please
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Viginia!
Dora Welsh says
Hi I have made this recipe for the last several holidays and it is always a big hit. Thanks for the great recipes. Please send me some labels and thanks so much. Dora Welsh
Chris Scheuer says
That's great, Dora! Sending the labels your way.
suzanne says
A new go-to Hostess gift. They are delish! Have you made them with almonds?? And labels, please.
suzanne says
A new go-to hostess gift! They are delish! Have your tried them with almonds? And labels, please.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Suzanne! I have not tried this with almonds. We are happy to send the labels your way.
Katie says
I don’t have a microwave. Can this step be done on the stovetop?
Chris Scheuer says
Yes, you can do that, Katie. Enjoy!
Marsha Sutton says
Just found your site, and can’t wait to make batches for Christmas! The maple molasses glazed pecans will be a great gift … please send me the gift tags as well. Thanks from Nova Scotia, Canada
Chris Scheuer says
Sending them your way, Marsha!
Marie Morgan says
Chris,
I've been following you for years and have thoroughly enjoyed your recipes, especially at the holidays. Somehow I missed this incredible Maple Molasses Glazed Pecan recipe and look forward to giving it to friends and family. I would greatly appreciate adoring the packages with your stylish printable labels.
I feel a special kinship to you as I am a night shift nurse and I live in the North Georgia Mountains (only a couple of hours from Asheville). I plan to retire soon and have more time in the kitchen creating wonderful meals and treats with your recipes.
Thank you in advance for your lovely printable labels.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you for the kind comment, Marie! We will send the labels your way.
Laura VanDeusen says
Would love the Maple Molasses Pecans labels, please. I’ll trade you for my Grandma Florence’s recipe:
Cranberry Ice
2 cups fresh cranberries
Pinch of salt
2 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
Add cranberries and salt to water, cover and cook until fruit is tender and pops open. Rub through a sieve to remove skin and seeds. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Put in lined muffin tins and freeze. Serve frozen. Makes 12.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Laura! We will send the labels your way.
Barb Mengle says
HI Chris,
This recipe for Maple Molasses Pecans looks amazing! I can't wait to try it and just in time for the holidays. Please send the printable gift tags. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Barb! Sending the labels your way.
jk says
Chris, how long can these pecans be stored for?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi JK, they are good for up to a week at room temperature but they freeze very well for longer storage.
Terry says
Thanking you in advance for your labels.
Amazing recipe and wonderful site.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Terry!
Noreen says
I'm going to make these
for Christmas gifts & would love to have the labels. They look delicious.
Thank you
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Noreen!
Anne says
Can't wait to try these! Please send the gift tags.
Thanks,
Anne
Chris Scheuer says
Sending them your way, Anne!
Ann Donaldson says
Thank you so much for this recipe. I want to make it and use as Christmas gifts for neighbors, Please send the labels!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Ann!
Bonnie Worthington says
We too are looking forward to making the Maple Molasses glazed pecans for Christmas gift-giving, as well as keeping a generous portion for ourselves. Please send along the printable tags. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Bonnie!
Sandy Kampen says
I would like some free printable labels for Maple Molasses Glazed Pecans.
Thank You
Sandy
Helene says
Could I use all kind of nuts for this recipe ?
Chris Scheuer says
Yes, any type of nut will work!
Helene says
Hi! I might have made something wrong since I ended up with with too much molasse and maple sirop in my pan ?!? It didn’t look as nice as yours but it’s good !
I’ll try them again with pacanes only. Thanks for the labels I’ve received yesterday !
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Helene, yes, try again, there shouldn't be too much liquid left in the pan.
Helene says
I’am a big fan of nuts and this one I will try right now !
I’d love to have the lovely presentation. I’ve made my sister so happy with her eatable birthday gift.
She doesn’t like to cook but I do 🙂
Thanks for your beautiful recipes !
Chris Scheuer says
That's great, Helene!
Kathy says
These are delicious!! I would love to have the gift tags for gift-giving. Thanks so much!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Kathy!
Pat Chappell says
Please send me the printable gift label. Thanks much!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Pat!
Jannine says
Looking forward to making the Maple Molasses glazed pecans for Christmas gift-giving. Please send along the printable tags. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Jannine!
Alex says
Thank you for the delicious treat of these pecans!
The sweetness of the maple syrup is countered beautifully with the smokiness of the molasses. And then you get a wee hit of the salt and warmth of the cinnamon . . . so wonderful! You can be assured it is added to my 'Nut' file!
The only change I made was to use 'regular' olive oil as we have an adverse extra virgin oil home!
Living in Canada, we use use maple syrup with great frequency and your recipe provides one more great way to highlight it!
I have just discovered your lovely site and I'm looking forward to exploring it further! I especially enjoyed reading how the naming of your site came to be and your personal background histories . . . very inspirational! Thank you for inviting us in!
Kind Wishes from the Canadian Prairies.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Alex, thank you for taking the time to leave such a kind comment! I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Welcome to the Café!
Sandy says
i was lookign for uses of molasses and found this recipe! I make hot honey pecans and definitely will try this version.
So gracious of you on sharing your printable, I would like them as well. Thank you in advance!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Sandy!