Ingredients

  • 4 cups pecan halves
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds, optional
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Make the coating: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt.
  3. Add the pecans: Pour the pecan halves into the bowl and toss thoroughly until every pecan is evenly coated.
  4. Spread the pecans onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
  5. Bake for 18–22 minutes, stirring every 7–8 minutes to prevent burning and ensure an even coating.
  6. Watch carefully near the end. The sugar coating can burn quickly. Remove the pecans when they are deeply toasted and glossy.
  7. Cool completely: Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 20–30 minutes. They will become crisp as the coating sets.
  8. Break apart any pecans that have stuck together and transfer them to an airtight container.