Vegan Candied Pecans

Name: Vegan Candied Pecans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup aquafaba ((liquid from a can of chickpeas)); 1 cup vegan sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 3 cups halved pecans ((2 (6oz) bags); 1 spray nonstick cooking spray; 1/2 cup vegan butter; 1 1/2 cups vegan powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon

by Monica on Dec 15, 2022 (updated Dec 9, 2024) 1 comment

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5 from 1 rating

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These vegan candied pecans are a delicious treat that’s dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free. These sugar and cinnamon-coated pecans are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Candied nuts make a yummy snack, a delicious topping for ice cream, and a great homemade gift too.

Two jars filled with vegan candied nuts.

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Why make this recipe

Many classic candied nut recipes call for the use of egg whites, but I use whipped aquafaba to replace the egg whites in this recipe. They bake up perfectly with this replacement and no one will ever guess that they’re vegan!

You can bake them with a simple candy coating or toss them in cinnamon and powdered sugar.

Ingredients and substitutions

Pecans – this recipe will also work with almonds, walnuts, or cashews.
Aquafaba – this is the liquid from a can of chickpeas or white beans. Aquafaba whips up like egg whites to create a sweet foamy coating on the nuts. See my post about everything you need to know about aquafaba if you have never used it before.
Cream of Tartar – just a dash of cream of tartar to help the aquafaba whip up thicker. You can also swap this out with lemon juice.
Sugar – any vegan sugar will work well.
Vanilla Extract – for extra flavor.

For the optional coating

Powdered Sugar – look for organic powdered sugar to be sure that it’s vegan.
Cinnamon – to flavor the pecans. You can also add a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for added flavor. You can also add a dash of salt or even cayenne pepper to the cinnamon and sugar mixture if desired.

Helpful tools

A Stand Mixer – makes whipping the aquafaba easier, but a regular electric mixer will also work.
A large baking sheet with edges. Be sure that the cookie sheet that you use has high edges – the mixture bubbles up when baking and could spill over the sides of a low baking sheet.

How to make candied nuts without eggs

Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 325° F (162° C).

Step 2 – Beat 1/2 cup of aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas or white beans) with 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar for 6 minutes. Then slowly add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla and beat for 3 more minutes.

Step 3 – Add pecans to the whipped aquafaba and mix well.

A collage of 2 images showing the process of whipping aquafaba and sugar then adding pecans to it.

Step 4 – Grease a large cookie sheet with cooking spray then pour melted butter onto the greased pan. Spread the pecan mixture evenly over the melted butter.

Step 5 – Bake at 325° F (162° C) for 40 minutes, taking them every 10 minutes to stir well with a spatula. (Watch them carefully during the last 5 minutes of baking to be sure they don’t burn.)

A collage of 4 images showing the process of baking vegan candied pecans on a baking sheet and stirring every 10 minutes.

Toss to coat in powdered sugar and cinnamon

Step 6 – While baking, prepare a large gallon ziplock bag with 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.

Step 7 – Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes then transfer to a large Ziploc bag with the powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Step 8 – Toss to coat breaking any clumps of nuts apart with your hands. Pour into a candy dish or glass jar for storage. (Allow cooling completely before sealing shut to ensure all excess moisture has escaped.)

Someone taking a candied pecan from a candy dish with a pine bow on the side.

Use these nuts as a snack, give them as gifts, or use them to top your favorite vegan ice cream.

Pro Tips

You can line the bottom of the baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat, but I find that it’s not necessary and I think that they bake better without the liner.
Check on the nuts frequently during the last 5 minutes of baking time. The sugar can start to burn quickly if baked too long.
You can also swap out the pecans for any type of nut that you want.

Storage

These cinnamon and sugar candied nuts will keep well for up to 3 weeks in a sealed container at room temperature in the pantry or countertop. I like to store them in mason jars and tie a ribbon around them to give as gifts to friends