Coconut Candied Pecans Recipe – Sweet & Crunchy Southern Snack
Enjoy the irresistible crunch of homemade Coconut Candied Pecans, a sweet Southern snack made with pecans, brown sugar, and coconut. Perfect for gifting or holiday treats!
Coconut Candied Pecans Recipe: A Sweet & Crunchy Southern Snack
There’s something irresistibly delicious about candied pecans. Add coconut to the mix, and you’ve got a down-home Southern treat that’ll be the highlight of any gathering.
These Coconut Candied Pecans are crunchy, sweet, and carry that distinct tropical hint of coconut that makes them extra special. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, giving them as a gift, or using them as a topping for desserts, these candied pecans are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines Southern flavors with a hint of coconut sweetness.
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of homemade candied pecans that taste like something straight out of a Southern candy shop.
The low, slow bake at 200°F ensures the pecans become perfectly golden and crispy, while the sugary coconut coating gives them a delightful crunch.
These Coconut Candied Pecans are perfect for:
- Snacking on during the holidays
- Gifting in jars to friends and family
- Sprinkling over desserts like ice cream or pie
- Adding to your favorite charcuterie or cheese boards
Ingredients:
- pecan halves
- shredded coconut (pulsed in a food processor until fine)
- brown sugar
- white sugaregg whites
- salt
- water
Instructions for my Coconut Candied Pecans:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the sugar mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, shredded coconut, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Whip the egg whites: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and water together until frothy and foamy. This step ensures the sugar mixture sticks to the pecans evenly.
- Coat the pecans: Add the pecan halves to the foamy egg white mixture, stirring gently to coat all the pecans. Then, pour in the sugar-coconut mixture and mix thoroughly, making sure each pecan is evenly coated.
- Bake the pecans: Spread the coated pecans evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking. When the pecans are golden and fragrant, they’re ready to come out of the oven.
- Cool and store: Let the candied pecans cool completely before breaking them apart. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight jar or container for storage.
Down-Home Southern Flavor
The combination of sweet brown sugar, white sugar, and coconut gives these candied pecans an authentic Southern flavor with a tropical twist.
They offer the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness, making them an excellent snack for anytime, or a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.
There’s something so comforting about a recipe like this – simple ingredients, a low baking temperature, and a whole lot of flavor. It’s a perfect reminder of that Southern hospitality we all love so much.
Tips for the Best Coconut Candied Pecans:
- Stir halfway through baking: This helps ensure that the pecans don’t stick together and get evenly coated with the sugary coconut goodness.
- Allow them to cool fully: It can be tempting to dive in right away, but letting them cool completely gives them that final crispy texture.
Serving Ideas
While these Coconut Candied Pecans are delicious on their own, they also make a wonderful addition to a variety of dishes:
- Salads: Toss them into a fresh green salad for a sweet and crunchy topping.
- Desserts: Use them as a topping for ice cream, cakes, or pies.
- Holiday Gift Jars: Package these candied pecans in a decorative jar and tie a ribbon around it for the perfect homemade gift.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying the deliciousness of Coconut Candied Pecans. With their sugary, coconut-infused coating and satisfying crunch, they’re a versatile treat that works for everything from snacking to gifting.
Whether you’re from the South or simply love the charm of Southern cooking, this recipe brings the sweet flavors of the South right into your kitchen.
So, the next time you’re in need of a sweet, crunchy snack, give these Coconut Candied Pecans a try – they’re sure to become a household favorite!
Coconut Candied Pecans
Equipment
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Large Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 4 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup shredded coconut (pulsed in a food processor until fine)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the sugar mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, shredded coconut, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Whip the egg whites: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and water together until frothy and foamy. This step ensures the sugar mixture sticks to the pecans evenly.
- Coat the pecans: Add the pecan halves to the foamy egg white mixture, stirring gently to coat all the pecans. Then, pour in the sugar-coconut mixture and mix thoroughly, making sure each pecan is evenly coated.
- Bake the pecans: Spread the coated pecans evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking. When the pecans are golden and fragrant, they’re ready to come out of the oven.
- Cool and store: Let the candied pecans cool completely before breaking them apart. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight jar or container for storage.
