Last Updated on 18 October, 2025 by Elby | The Tasteful Pantry
Orange Candied Pecans are sweet, citrusy, and irresistible. They are flavour-packed roasted nuts that are just as at home on a cheese board as they are scattered over a salad or topping a dessert. With a glossy caramelised coating and a burst of zesty orange, they bring a unique twist to a classic treat.
Below are some other great recipes to use up any leftover orange:
- Orange and White Chocolate Muffins
- Orange Choc chip Cookies
- Or how about adding a little rind to some Vanilla Shortbread?
How to use Orange Candied Pecans
Candied pecans are already delicious on their own, but the addition of orange zest takes things up a notch. The natural oils in the zest give the pecans a fragrant citrus lift, while the caramel-like coating brings a sweetness that keeps you coming back for more! They’re sweet but balanced, making them perfect for nibbling, gifting, or adding to your favourite salads and desserts.
- Snacking: Store in an airtight jar and snack away – also perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
- Topping: Sprinkle over porridge, yoghurt, or a fruit salad for extra crunch, or you can also add to desserts like sticky date puddings or Chocolate Orange Cake.
- Gifting: Pack into glass jars sealed with ribbons for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Entertaining: Serve on a cheese board. While delicious on their own, they pair beautifully with creamy brie or blue cheese.
- Baking: Chop and fold into muffins, cakes, banana bread, or scones for added texture.
- Substitute: Swap the Orange Candied Pecans with the walnuts in Orange Bircher Muesli.
What You’ll Need
- Pecan halves
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Fresh orange zest
- A pinch of cinnamon
- Sea salt
- Vanilla
Tips for Success with the Orange Candied Pecans
- Low and slow: Keep the heat gentle to avoid burning the sugar. Stir often and don’t walk away!
- Don’t let them burn: Nuts can turn from perfectly roasted, to burnt within a matter of seconds… don’t let that happen!
- Let them cool completely: The pecans will crisp up as they cool – be patient!
These candied pecans store well and can be made ahead, making them a fantastic prep-ahead option during the holidays or any time you want a sweet-savoury snack on hand. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll make a double batch—because the first one disappears way too fast.
Feedback and More
Did you try the Orange Candied Pecans recipe? While you’re still on the page, I would love to hear from you. Why not leave a star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or a comment below to let me know. Cheers, Elby!
If you liked this recipe, check out some of my other tasty nut and seed creations. Also, follow The Tasteful Pantry on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for all the latest recipes.
Orange Candied Pecans
*Note: Adjusting servings will not adjust the ‘light grey’ quantities
Ingredients
- 40 grams unsalted butter
- 50 grams brown sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp orange rind
- 300 grams pecan - halves, raw and unsalted
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 220°C | 200°C fan forced and line a cookie tray with baking paper.
- Melt the butter, sugar, vanilla, salt and cinnamon in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves and simmer for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and stir in the orange rind and pecans – making sure all of the nuts are coated.
- Pour the nuts onto the prepared tray and spread to form a single layer. Cook for five minutes or until starting to brown. Remove from the oven the stir with a spatula. Leave the nuts to cool completely before transferring to a serving bowl or an air tight container.
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutrition and calorie figures are estimates only.
Very nice … again!
Thanks Kazuo – I think they are one of my favourites!
I was looking for Chilli Maple Walnuts and stumbled onto these … OMG … very good!
Yes, so yum. I find it so hard to stop at just a couple!