These Homemade Maple Sugared Pecans are sweet, crunchy, buttery, and absolutely irresistible. Coated in a homemade maple candy coating with just a hint of salt, these pecans are perfect for holiday snacking, charcuterie boards, homemade gifts, salads, or topping your favorite desserts.
Whether you’re filling gift tins at Christmas or simply looking for an easy sweet snack, this classic candied pecan recipe is one you’ll make year after year.
Servings, Prep Time & Cook Time
Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Maple Sugared Pecans
- Sweet, buttery maple flavor
- Perfect holiday snack
- Great homemade gift idea
- Easy stovetop recipe
- Delicious on salads and desserts
- Stores well for weeks
Ingredients for Homemade Maple Sugared Pecans
The Maple Candy Coating
1 cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup water
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon maple extract
1 tablespoon butter
Cooking the sugar mixture to the soft-ball stage creates the signature sweet coating that crystallizes beautifully around the pecans.
The Pecans
2 cups pecan halves
Pecan halves provide the perfect buttery crunch and are ideal for snacking or decorating desserts.
Equipment We Love for This Recipe
- Medium saucepan use code MCKMICHCOLLECTIVE for 10% off
- Candy thermometer
- Wooden spoon
- Wax paper or parchment paper
- Baking sheet
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Homemade Maple Sugared Pecans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon maple extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet or countertop with wax paper.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, and salt.
- Cook until the mixture reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Stir in the maple extract and butter.
- Add the pecan halves and stir continuously until the mixture becomes creamy and coats the pecans.
- Spread the pecans onto the prepared wax paper.
- Allow them to cool completely.
- Break apart any clusters and store in an airtight container.
How to Make Homemade Maple Sugared Pecans
Line a baking sheet or countertop with wax paper before you begin.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and salt over medium heat. Cook the mixture until it reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer, also known as the soft-ball stage.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the maple extract and butter until smooth.
Add the pecan halves and continue stirring until the sugar mixture begins to crystallize and turns creamy, coating every pecan.
Pour the coated pecans onto the prepared wax paper and spread them into an even layer. Allow them to cool completely before breaking apart any clusters and storing them in an airtight container.
What to Serve with Homemade Maple Sugared Pecans
These sweet pecans pair beautifully with:
- Chipotle and Rosemary Roasted Nuts Recipe
- Southern Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe
- Chocolate Chip Pound Cake Recipe
They’re also delicious served with:
- Charcuterie boards
- Vanilla ice cream
- Oatmeal or yogurt
- Holiday cheese boards
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store the pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
No reheating is necessary. Enjoy at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the soft-ball stage?
The soft-ball stage occurs at 240°F and creates the perfect candy coating that hardens around the pecans as it cools.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or mixed nuts work well using this same method.
Why do the pecans turn cloudy while stirring?
That’s exactly what you want. As the sugar cools, it crystallizes into the signature sweet coating.
Can I package these as gifts?
Absolutely! They make wonderful homemade holiday gifts in mason jars, cellophane bags, or decorative tins.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Maple Sugared Pecans are a timeless Southern treat that’s perfect for the holidays and beyond. With their sweet maple coating, buttery crunch, and beautiful presentation, they’re equally at home on a dessert table, charcuterie board, or wrapped up as a thoughtful homemade gift.
If you make this recipe, tag us so we can see. We love seeing how you style your food and bring a little Southern hospitality into your home.
Enjoy!
McKaylee & Michele
MckMich Collective
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