Do you know the only thing better than maple candied pecans is spicy candied pecans with maple? An easy recipe that makes the best sweet and spicy pecans in just minutes! You're going to love it because this combo is on point.
Recipe: $4.99 | Per Serving: $0.70 | Yield: 8

Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many things to love about this recipe, but let me tell you what's the best: all. whole. foods.
- All you need are four simple ingredients. Pecans, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and sea salt. That's it!
- Vegan, gluten-free, paleo, and real-food-approved!
- Super easy to make and perfect for snacking.
- Healthy nuts. Pecans, like many other nuts, contain both fiber and healthy fats, which is one reason why nuts are such a filling snack.
- Trader Joe's copycat spicy nuts. If you, like me, are easily addicted to things like Trader Joe's spiced pecans, then you will absolutely love this homemade version!
If you love the flavor of these sweet and spicy pecans, you might also enjoy these rosemary roasted almonds, a great savory snack for your appetizer or dessert board!
Ingredients
These sweet and spicy nuts are paired with just enough salt, sweet, and spice, and you've got a snack that will satisfy most cravings. Let's look at what you need!

- Maple syrup: For sweetness and subtle maple flavor makes these pecans taste amazing!
- Cayenne powder: Adds the right amount of SPICY flavor. Adjust to your own tastes!
- Sea salt: Use flakey sea salt right at the end for the best results.
- Pecan: Pecan halves make a great presentation for gifts and parties but if used for quick snacks or a salad topping you can save some money by using pecan pieces.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Pecans
Are you ready to see how easy it is to make these spiced pecans? It only takes a few simple steps.


- Combine the maple syrup with the cayenne and salt in a small mixing bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Add the pecans and use a spatula or tongs to toss them around in the bowl to distribute the syrup and spice mixture to all the pecans.

- Bake at 375° F for about 5-9 minutes. Check on them in 3-4 minutes intervals and stir as needed.
- When ready, remove from the oven and sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt. And let them cool.
How to Serve
You can (and should) eat these by the handful all by themselves! But here are some more ways to use them.
- Fancy holiday cheese plate
- As a salad topping such as on this simple arugula salad or a roasted vegetable salad.
- On top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream (Might I take this opportunity to recommend my favorite Straus Creamery Vanilla Ice Cream?).
- Gift these little guys! They're perfect for a holiday food gift or a hostess gift throughout the year!
The possibilities are endless! Go ahead, whip 'em up and see for yourself!
Variations
Not into spicy? Replace cayenne with cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger for a warm spice alternative.
Use a different nut. This combination works great for all kinds of nuts. Try out with almonds, walnuts, cashews, or a combination of mixed nuts.
Expert Tips and FAQs
- Watch spicy candied pecans closely as they cook. Nuts burn easily which can be prevented by staying close.
- Move them around while the cook. Every oven is a little different and may have hot spots. Rotating the tray or moving the nuts around with a spatula will help keep them from burning.
- Use a timer. Set it for three minutes, move them around on the tray and continue resetting them until they are ready!
- Easy cleanup. Use parchment or a silicone mat under the nuts. The maple syrup can get a little sticky and make cleanup more challenging.
For best results, store them in an airtight container in a cool dark place at room temperature.
Yes, you can freeze these spiced pecans to extend their life a bit. Though they may be a bit sticky due to the moisture they are exposed to when frozen.

Vegetarian: Yep!
Paleo: Yep!
More Easy Snack Recipes
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Spicy Maple Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cayenne powder can increase to taste
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups pecans 8 oz
- 1 dash coarse or flakey sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF.
- Combine maple syrup, cayenne, and ½ teaspoon sea salt in a large bowl. Stir well, then add the pecans and stir until well coated.
- Dump pecans onto a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 5 minutes. Check to ensure they're not burning and stir if desired. Cook another 2-4 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with flakey sea salt. Spread out a little to cool.
- Enjoy as is, atop a salad, or in this warm quinoa and butternut squash salad!
Notes
- Watch spicy candied pecans closely as the cook. Nuts burn easily which can be prevented by staying close.
- Move them around while the cook. Every oven is a little different and may have hot spots. Rotating the tray or moving the nuts around with a spatula will help keep them from burning.
- Use a timer. Set it for three minutes, move them around on the tray and continue resetting them until they are ready!
- Easy cleanup. Use parchment or a silicone mat under the nuts. The maple syrup can get a little sticky and make cleanup more challenging.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in December 2017 but has been updated with content and images in November 2022.
My husband likes these Sarah d the holidays as a treat. I use mostly almonds and will toss in whatever misc nuts I have in the baking cabinet. Very good! My bake times are a bit longer but could be my oven.
Hey Jen - thanks so much for sharing! And good point - when I'm toasting nuts, I have found that walnuts and pecans need less time in the oven, while almonds need more. I'm not entirely sure why, but maybe it's because walnuts and pecans have more fat than almonds? And of course, ovens vary. Either way - great tip! Thank you!
It was good on walnuts too.
Oo good to know! Thank you for sharing. :)
i have tried it and it was so so yummy and delicious..the taste of baked pecans with maple syrup was just yummmm
Thanks Albert - glad you approve! :)