📝 About This Recipe
These handcrafted gems are the ultimate marriage of sweet, salty, and earthy flavors, featuring premium pecan halves enveloped in a rich, amber maple reduction. A hint of bourbon and a whisper of smoked paprika elevate these beyond your average snack, creating a sophisticated profile that is as at home on a charcuterie board as it is in a gift jar. The result is a glass-like crunch that shatters beautifully with every bite, followed by the buttery warmth of perfectly toasted nuts.
🥗 Ingredients
The Nuts
- 4 cups Raw Pecan Halves (high-quality, fresh, and unsalted)
The Glaze
- 1/2 cup Pure Grade A Maple Syrup (dark color/robust taste preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Light Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon Bourbon (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
The Spice Blend
- 1 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt (Maldon or similar)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon is excellent here)
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (adds a subtle wood-fired note)
- 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (just a pinch for a gentle back-heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the glaze doesn't stick to the pan.
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2
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground ginger until well combined. Set this spice blend aside.
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3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, packed brown sugar, melted butter, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the sugar has mostly dissolved into the syrup.
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4
Add the raw pecan halves to the bowl with the maple mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold the nuts gently, ensuring every nook and cranny of the pecans is coated in the liquid.
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5
Sprinkle the spice blend (except for the flaky sea salt) over the wet pecans and toss again until the spices are evenly distributed.
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6
Spread the coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet in a single, even layer. Avoid overcrowding; if the pecans are touching too much, they will steam rather than roast.
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7
Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
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8
Remove the tray from the oven and use a spatula to stir and flip the pecans. This redistributes the bubbling syrup that pools on the parchment paper.
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9
Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 8-12 minutes. Watch them very closely during the final minutes as the sugars can go from caramelized to burnt in seconds.
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10
The pecans are done when the glaze is bubbling and the nuts smell fragrant and toasted. They will still feel slightly soft but will harden as they cool.
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11
Immediately upon removing from the oven, sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the hot pecans. The heat helps the salt crystals adhere to the cooling glaze.
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12
Let the pecans cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes. As they cool, the maple coating will transform into a crisp, glassy shell.
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13
Once fully cooled and hardened, break apart any clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use 'Grade A Dark Color, Robust Taste' maple syrup for the deepest flavor profile; lighter syrups can get lost in the roasting process. If the pecans feel sticky after cooling for an hour, they likely needed 2-3 more minutes in the oven; you can pop them back in at 300°F for a quick fix. Never leave the kitchen during the last 5 minutes of baking, as pecans have a high oil content and burn very rapidly. For a vegan version, simply substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter stick or refined coconut oil. Store these in a glass jar rather than plastic to maintain the ultimate crunch for up to two weeks.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Scatter them over a fresh arugula salad with goat cheese and sliced pears for a gourmet crunch. Serve alongside a glass of neat rye whiskey or a smoky Old Fashioned to complement the bourbon notes. Coarsely chop and use as a decadent topping for vanilla bean ice cream or warm apple crisp. Incorporate them into a luxury cheese board featuring sharp aged cheddar and creamy brie. Package in cellophane bags with a silk ribbon for a sophisticated, homemade holiday gift.