This Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans recipe is a sweet and spicy snack, which is made with crunchy pecans and a glaze of maple syrup. It’s the perfect party snack or holiday treat, ready in about 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans Ingredients
A simple list for a flavor-packed, versatile, and addictive snack.
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
How To Make Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly easy and delicious treat.
- Prep Oven and Glaze: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil. Stir in the maple syrup, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and cinnamon, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until combined and fragrant.
- Coat the Pecans: Turn off the heat and add the pecan halves to the saucepan. Stir until all the nuts are evenly and thoroughly coated in the glaze.
- Roast Until Golden: Arrange the coated pecan halves on the prepared baking sheet in a single, even layer. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until they turn a deep golden brown and the glaze is bubbly.
- Cool and Crisp: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pecans cool completely on the pan for about 20 minutes. They will crisp up significantly as they cool.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious, perfectly crispy candied nuts.
- How to prevent the pecans from burning? Watch them closely! The sugars in the maple syrup can go from golden to burnt very quickly in a hot oven. Check them after 8 minutes and pull them out as soon as they are fragrant and a deep golden brown.
- Can I make these on the stovetop? Yes. You can make the glaze and toss the pecans in a large skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for about 5-7 minutes until the glaze has thickened and the nuts are toasted. Then, spread them on parchment paper to cool.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! These are the perfect make-ahead snack. Once completely cooled, they can be stored for weeks, making them ideal for holiday gifting or party prep.
- Why aren’t my nuts crispy? The pecans will be a little soft and syrupy when you first take them out of the oven. This is normal. The magic happens as they cool down; the glaze will harden and they will become perfectly crisp and crunchy.
What To Serve With Sweet and Spicy Pecans
Perfect pairings for this versatile and addictive snack.
These candied pecans are fantastic on their own, but they are also a wonderful addition to other dishes. Try them:
- Sprinkled over a green salad with goat cheese or blue cheese
- As a crunchy topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream
- Served on a cheese board or charcuterie platter
- Packaged in small bags as a delicious homemade gift
How To Store Sweet and Spicy Pecans
Keeping your homemade snack fresh and crunchy.
- Room Temperature: Once the pecans have cooled completely, store them in a well-sealed, airtight container or a mason jar at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to 2-3 weeks.
Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 20 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, this recipe is fantastic with walnuts, cashews, or almonds. Just be sure to use raw, unsalted nuts as your base.
The cayenne pepper provides the heat. For a milder version, use just a pinch. For a spicier kick, increase the amount to ½ teaspoon or even more, to your taste.
Yes. Honey or agave nectar are great substitutes for the maple syrup and will provide a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Cruciferous Crunch Recipe
Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings5
minutes10
minutes220
kcalAn incredibly easy and addictive recipe for sweet and spicy candied pecans, roasted in a maple-cayenne glaze until golden and crispy. The perfect quick snack for parties or holiday gifting.
Ingredients
8 ounces (2 cups) pecan halves
2 tablespoons coconut oil
3 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil. Stir in the maple syrup, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the pecans to the pan and stir to coat them completely in the glaze.
- Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the pecans are a deep golden brown and the glaze is bubbling.
- Let them cool completely on the baking sheet for about 20 minutes to allow them to crisp up.
- Break apart and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Keep a very close eye on the pecans in the oven, as the maple syrup can burn quickly.
- The pecans will feel soft and sticky when they first come out of the oven but will become perfectly crisp as they cool.
- For a different flavor variation, try substituting the cayenne with 1 teaspoon of chili powder, or add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the glaze.
- These make a fantastic and easy homemade gift for the holidays.
