Easy Candied Pecans | Baked Bree (2024)

FAQs

Why are my candied pecans soft on the stove? ›

The sugar needs to bake long enough to caramelize and form a brittle coating on the nuts. How do you fix candied nuts that are too soft and sticky? You can place them back into the oven for 5 to 15 minutes or until they dry out more. They will continue to firm and dry out as they cool.

The candied nuts most likely didn't cook long enough on the stovetop. Sugar has to reach a certain temperature to achieve that brittle, candy coating state. Transfer parchment-lined baking sheet to 325ºF oven (do not put wax paper in the oven) and bake for 5-15 minutes, or until they are less sticky.

Under-cooking the pecans is the likely cause of stickiness, but the risk is low when they're oven-baked. After the sugar-coated nuts have darkened and turned very fragrant, about 20 minutes in the oven, stir the pecans and separate any pieces that have stuck together. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes.

How long will candied pecans keep? They will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, at least three weeks in the refrigerator, or up to two months in the freezer. No matter where you store them, keep in a tightly sealed, airtight container.

In hard candy making, it is important to cook all the water out of the sugar/corn syrup/water mixture. If the sugar mixture is not cooked to the proper temperature (the hard-crack stage 300-310° F {149-154° C.} or if you are working in a kitchen with high humidity, chances are your candy is retaining too much moisture.

Pecans should be stored in relative humidity of about 65-70%. Humidity higher than these values can cause the pecans to become soft and grow molds. Soft pecans are not good and should be discarded. Pecans with an air gap in their cross section will not storage as well or as long as a full meaty nut.

Fuzzy kernels occur when the kernels don't exert enough pressure on the packing material to compact it tightly together and against the shell. This occurs under two circ*mstances--not enough water or not long enough growing season.

Quick pecan pie tip—your pie should have a slight jiggle in the center when it's ready to take out of the oven. If it's still liquid-like in the middle, it's too soon. If you wait until the pie is 'set' in the oven, it will be as hard as a brick when it cools.....

Humidity above these values can cause kernel molding and pecan texture deterioration (pecans become soft and rubber-like), whereas lower humidities will cause excessive drying. In-shell pecan kernels will darken under high humidity as a result of the tannic acid being dissolved from the shell lining.

However, by soaking nuts and seeds in water, those anti-nutrients are neutralized, thereby resulting in a much more nutritious food. Nuts can be soaked in plain filtered water or water with a pinch of sea salt for a few hours or up to 12 hours.

Where do you store candied pecans? ›

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Keep your candied pecans away from sources of heat and moisture. This means avoiding storing them near your stove, dishwasher, or even on top of your refrigerator. Instead, store them in a cool pantry or cupboard.

Boiling pecans before cracking them can actually help prevent the shell from shattering.

Measurements and Substitutions

If you happen to have pecans in their shells, remember that 1 pound equals 3 cups shelled, about 4 cups pecan halves, and about 3 3/4 cups chopped nuts. Equivalents to know when using shelled pecans are that 1 pound equals 4 cups and 1 cup of pecan halves equals 3/4 cup chopped.

If your candied pecans are soft, that means you haven't cooked them long enough. To ensure your pecans are crunchy, it's important to spread them out evenly on the baking sheet and let them cool thoroughly. Once the nuts have cooled completely, the glaze will firm up and they will be crunchy.

Question: Do pecans need to be refrigerated? Answer: No, shelled pecans do not need to be refrigerated and will last up to 4 months if kept around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity above these values can cause kernel molding and pecan texture deterioration (pecans become soft and rubber-like), whereas lower humidities will cause excessive drying. In-shell pecan kernels will darken under high humidity as a result of the tannic acid being dissolved from the shell lining.

Candied Walnuts Recipe FAQs

These last for up to 1 week at room temperature, 2 weeks in the refrigerator, and 2 months in the freezer. Why are my candied walnuts soft? If they are soft you likely did not bake them long enough.

Failing to bake your pie at a high enough temperature could result in a raw, soggy crust. Because it was not baked at a high enough temperature, the butter in the crust begins to melt into the dough. To avoid this, always start your pecan pie at a high enough temperature, such as 425 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

They should have a firm, almost crunchy texture and a rich golden or amber color. On the flip side, bad pecans may show signs of spoilage, such as a rancid smell, a shriveled appearance, or a soft and rubbery texture. And if you're daring enough to taste some, it's likely a bit bitter and honestly, gross.