Maple Cinnamon Roasted Pecans Tasty and Simple Treat

Looking for a simple yet delicious treat? Maple Cinnamon Roasted Pecans are the answer! With just a few ingredients, you can create a tasty snack that impresses everyone. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these warm, crunchy nuts add a special touch. Join me as I share my easy step-by-step guide, tips, and variations to make this treat your own. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Required Ingredients

– 2 cups pecan halves

– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

– 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

– 1 tablespoon coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted

– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (optional)

Recommended Tools

– Baking sheet

– Parchment paper

– Medium mixing bowl

– Whisk

– Spatula or wooden spoon

Gathering the right ingredients is key for tasty maple cinnamon roasted pecans. You need pecan halves to give that great crunch. Pure maple syrup adds sweetness and depth. Ground cinnamon brings warmth, while nutmeg adds a hint of spice. Sea salt gives a nice contrast.

For richness, melt coconut oil or unsalted butter. Brown sugar is optional but can make your pecans sweeter.

Next, you’ll need some tools. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps with easy cleanup. A medium mixing bowl is perfect for blending all the ingredients. A whisk helps mix everything well, and a spatula or wooden spoon is great for coating the pecans evenly.

With these ingredients and tools ready, you’re all set for a fun cooking session!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

– Set to 350°F (175°C)

– Prepare the baking sheet

First, I set my oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for roasting. I line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup later.

Mix the Ingredients

– Combine maple syrup, spices, and oil

– Whisk until smooth and well combined

Next, I grab a medium mixing bowl. I pour in 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup. Then, I add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. I also add 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil or unsalted butter. Using a whisk, I mix until smooth and well combined.

Coat the Pecans

– Gently add pecans to the mixture

– Mix until evenly coated

– Add brown sugar if desired

Now, I gently add 2 cups of pecan halves to the mixture. I use a spatula to stir until every pecan is evenly coated. If I want more sweetness, I sprinkle in 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar. I mix again until the sugar sticks to the nuts.

Roast the Pecans

– Spread pecans on the baking sheet

– Bake and stir every 5 minutes

I spread the coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet. It’s best if they are in a single layer. I then place the sheet in the preheated oven. I set a timer for 15-20 minutes. Every 5 minutes, I stir the pecans. This keeps them from burning and helps them roast evenly.

Cool and Store

– Let cool on the sheet

– Transfer to an airtight container

When the pecans smell great and look slightly darker, I take them out. I let them cool completely on the sheet. This helps them get nice and crispy. Once cool, I break apart any clusters. I then transfer them to an airtight container. These tasty treats are ready to enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Roast

Stirring is key when roasting pecans. It helps heat spread evenly. Stir every five minutes. This step prevents burning and gives a nice color. The nuts are done when they smell great and look golden.

Customize Your Flavor

You can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Want more cinnamon? Add a bit more! You can also use different sweeteners. Try honey or agave syrup as a tasty swap.

Healthier Options

For a healthier twist, swap coconut oil for olive oil or avocado oil. Both options add good fats. You can also cut the sugar. Use less maple syrup or leave out the brown sugar altogether.

Variations

Adding Other Nuts

You can mix pecans with almonds or walnuts. These nuts add different textures and flavors. For almonds, slice them thinly before mixing. Walnuts can be added whole. Adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Almonds may need just a few extra minutes. Walnuts often roast in the same time as pecans.

Flavor Infusions

Try adding vanilla or ginger for a new twist. A splash of vanilla extract enhances the sweet flavor. Grate a small piece of fresh ginger for a spicy kick. You can also explore savory options. Adding a pinch of cayenne gives a nice heat. Mixing herbs like rosemary can create a unique taste too.

Using Different Sweeteners

Honey or agave syrup work well instead of maple syrup. They give a similar sweetness but with their own flavor. If using honey, remember it is stickier. You may need to adjust some of the other wet ingredients. For low-sugar diets, reduce the sweetener amount. You can also skip the brown sugar entirely. This keeps it tasty while lowering the sugar content.

Storage Info

Best Storage Practices

Store your maple cinnamon roasted pecans in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. I recommend using a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight lid. Avoid metal containers, as they can affect flavor. Keep the container in a cool, dark place like a pantry.

Shelf Life

These pecans will last about two weeks at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. In the fridge, they can last up to a month. Check for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or taste bitter, it’s time to toss them out.

Freezing Options

Yes, you can freeze maple cinnamon roasted pecans! To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. When you want to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature. This way, they stay tasty and crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can use other nuts. Almonds, walnuts, and cashews work well. Almonds give a light crunch. Walnuts have a rich taste. Cashews add creaminess. Each nut brings its own flavor, so feel free to mix them.

How do I make the pecans less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, cut back on maple syrup. Use only 2 tablespoons instead of 1/4 cup. You can also skip the brown sugar. If you want a spicier taste, add more cinnamon or nutmeg. This will balance the flavors without the extra sweetness.

What can I serve with maple cinnamon roasted pecans?

These pecans make a great snack on their own. They also top salads or yogurt nicely. Try them with oatmeal or ice cream. They add crunch and flavor to many dishes. You can even use them in baking for a fun twist.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is easy to make vegan. Just use coconut oil instead of butter. Make sure your maple syrup is pure and not mixed with animal products. Skip the brown sugar if you prefer. This way, you can enjoy a tasty vegan treat!

This recipe for maple cinnamon roasted pecans is easy and fun. You learned about the ingredients you need, the tools required, and how to roast pecans to perfection. Adding custom flavors and healthier options can make it your own.

Enjoy these tasty nuts as a snack or topping. They are simple to store and last long if kept right. Now, it’s time to try making your batch and share them with friend