Indulge in the irresistible crunch of Groundhog Pecans, a quick and easy treat that's perfect for snacking, gifting, or elevating your favorite dishes. Made with buttery pecan halves coated in a caramelized mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, these candied nuts deliver the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and salty flavors. Prepared in just 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe delivers a sophisticated homemade snack or salad topper with minimal effort. Perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday indulgence, Groundhog Pecans are sure to become your go-to recipe for a crunchy, flavorful bite.
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
In a medium-sized nonstick skillet, combine the granulated sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, and salt.
Heat the skillet over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts, creating a smooth syrup.
Add the pecan halves to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the syrup mixture.
Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the sugar mixture thickens and begins to crystallize on the pecans.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring it is evenly distributed across the pecans.
Transfer the pecans to the prepared baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer using a wooden spoon or spatula.
Allow the pecans to cool completely for about 30 minutes. The coating will harden as they cool, creating a crunchy texture.
Once cooled, break apart any clusters as needed, and transfer the candied pecans to an airtight container for storage.
Enjoy your homemade Groundhog Pecans as a snack, topping for salads, or even a dessert garnish!
Calories |
2552 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 187.2 g | 240% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.4 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 596 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 234.6 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.0 g | 82% | |
| Total Sugars | 209.4 g | ||
| Protein | 21.1 g | 42% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 196 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 954 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.