Orange Cardamom Glazed Candied Pecans

Looking for a sweet and savory snack that’s perfect for the holidays, gifting, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth? These Orange Cardamom Glazed Candied Pecans are a delightful combination of crunchy pecans, warm spices, and a bright citrusy glaze. The subtle floral notes of cardamom beautifully complement the orange zest, while a drizzle of dark chocolate adds a touch of indulgence. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a sophisticated flavor profile that will impress everyone!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 200g (7oz) Raw Pecans: The star of the show! We’re using raw pecans here, as they’ll absorb all the delicious flavors of the glaze. Look for pecans that are plump and uniform in size for even coating and baking.
• 30g (2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter: Butter forms the base of our glaze, providing richness and helping the sugar and honey bind together. Using unsalted butter allows us to control the overall saltiness of the pecans.
• 100g (½ cup) Light Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a lovely molasses-like sweetness and contributes to the caramelized texture of the pecans. Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor, but it will also darken the pecans more.
• 60ml (¼ cup) Honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a beautiful glossy sheen to the glaze. Choose a good quality honey for the best flavor – wildflower or clover honey work particularly well.
• 1 tsp (≈1 large) Orange Zest: Freshly grated orange zest is crucial for that vibrant citrus flavor. Be sure to zest only the orange part, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• ¼ tsp Ground Cardamom: Cardamom is a warm, aromatic spice that adds a unique and sophisticated flavor to these pecans. A little goes a long way, so measure carefully!
• Pinch of Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness of the glaze and enhances all the other flavors. Flaky sea salt is particularly nice for a visual and textural contrast.
• 30g (1oz) Halal-Certified Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao): The dark chocolate drizzle adds a touch of elegance and a contrasting flavor to the sweet and spicy pecans. Using a higher percentage cacao chocolate (70% or more) will provide a more intense chocolate flavor. Halal-certified ensures it meets specific dietary requirements.
• Extra Orange Zest (for garnish): A little extra orange zest adds a pop of color and reinforces the citrusy aroma.
• 2-3 Fresh Mint Leaves (for garnish): Fresh mint leaves provide a beautiful visual contrast and a refreshing aroma.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as written, here are a few substitutions you can make if needed:

• Pecans: Walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans, though the flavor will be different.
• Honey: Maple syrup can be used in place of honey, but it will impart a slightly different flavor.
• Dark Chocolate: Milk chocolate or white chocolate can be used instead of dark chocolate, depending on your preference.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Orange Cardamom Glazed Candied Pecans

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 150°C (300°F). This low and slow temperature is crucial for candying the pecans without burning them. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Create the Aromatic Glaze: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Low heat is key here – we want to melt the butter gently, not brown it. Once melted, add the light brown sugar, honey, orange zest, and ground cardamom. Stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This glaze is the foundation of the flavor, so ensure everything is well combined.
3. Coat the Pecans: Add the raw pecans to the saucepan with the glaze. Gently toss the pecans to ensure they are evenly coated. Every pecan should have a generous coating of the fragrant glaze. This even coating is what gives the pecans their signature candied texture and flavor.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Spread the glazed pecans in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this will steam the pecans instead of allowing them to candy properly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Stirring ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. The pecans are done when they are glossy and lightly browned.
5. Salt and Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the warm pecans. The salt enhances the sweetness and provides a delightful contrast. Let the pecans cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows the glaze to set slightly.
6. Chocolate Drizzle (Optional, but Recommended!): While the pecans are still warm (but not scorching hot), melt the dark chocolate. The best method is in a small bowl in the microwave, using 20-second bursts and stirring in between to prevent burning. Once melted and smooth, drizzle the chocolate artfully over the pecans.
7. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the glazed pecans to a serving bowl or a rustic wooden board for a beautiful presentation. Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate in a thin line. Garnish with extra orange zest and a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve at room temperature.

Why Orange and Cardamom Pair So Well with Pecans

This isn’t just a random flavor combination! Orange and cardamom have a long history of being used together in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine, and for good reason. The bright, citrusy notes of orange beautifully complement the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom. Pecans, with their naturally buttery and slightly sweet flavor, provide the perfect base for these flavors to shine. The cardamom doesn’t overpower; instead, it adds a subtle complexity that elevates the entire experience. The addition of dark chocolate provides a counterpoint to the sweetness and adds a luxurious touch.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Candied Texture

The key to perfectly candied pecans lies in the low and slow baking process. A higher temperature will cause the sugar to burn before the pecans can fully caramelize. Also, ensure the pecans are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will result in steaming, not candying. Don’t be afraid to stir halfway through – this helps ensure even cooking and prevents sticking. Finally, allowing the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet allows the glaze to set properly, resulting in a satisfyingly crunchy texture.

Storage and Shelf Life

These Orange Cardamom Glazed Candied Pecans are best enjoyed within a week, stored in an airtight container at room temperature. While they *can* be stored for longer, the texture may soften over time. If you live in a humid climate, consider storing them in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. They also freeze well – simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions Beyond Snacking

While these pecans are delicious on their own, they’re also incredibly versatile! Crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a flavorful breakfast. Add them to a cheese board for a sweet and savory pairing. Use them as a topping for salads, or incorporate them into baked goods like muffins or scones. They also make a beautiful and thoughtful homemade gift!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use other nuts? While pecans are the star of this recipe, you could experiment with walnuts or almonds. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
• Can I skip the chocolate drizzle? Absolutely! The pecans are delicious even without the chocolate.
• What if I don’t have cardamom? You can substitute with a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon, but the flavor profile will be different.

These Orange Cardamom Glazed Candied Pecans are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet, spicy, and citrusy flavors is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can easily make it again and again!

Orange Cardamom Glazed Candied Pecans

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• Author: Elina Mirkle
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

These Orange Cardamom Glazed Candied Pecans offer a delightful combination of crunchy pecans, warm spices, and a bright citrusy glaze. A touch of dark chocolate adds a touch of indulgence, making them perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 200g (7oz) Raw Pecans: Plump, uniform pecans for even coating.
• 30g (2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter: For richness and binding.
• 100g (½ cup) Light Brown Sugar: Adds molasses-like sweetness.
• 60ml (¼ cup) Honey: Provides sweetness and a glossy sheen.
• 1 tsp (≈1 large) Orange Zest: Freshly grated for vibrant citrus flavor.
• ¼ tsp Ground Cardamom: Aromatic spice for unique flavor.
• Pinch of Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• 30g (1oz) Halal-Certified Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao): Adds elegance and contrasting flavor.
• Extra Orange Zest (for garnish): For color and aroma.
• 2–3 Fresh Mint Leaves (for garnish): For visual contrast and freshness.

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make Glaze: Melt butter, then add brown sugar, honey, orange zest, and cardamom; stir until smooth.
3. Coat Pecans: Toss pecans in the glaze until evenly coated.
4. Bake to Perfection: Spread pecans on baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring once.
5. Salt & Cool: Sprinkle with sea salt and cool for 5 minutes.
6. Drizzle Chocolate: Melt chocolate and drizzle over warm pecans.
7. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with orange zest and mint; serve at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use a low oven temperature and ensure pecans are spread in a single layer. Storing in an airtight container will help maintain crispness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 50g
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: pecans, candied, orange, cardamom, glaze, chocolate, snack, holiday, gifting