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candied pecans with dried cherries in a green jadeite bowl

Sweet & Spicy Bourbon Glazed Pecans

Made with bourbon, dried cherries, orange zest and spices, these glazed candied pecans taste like an old fashioned cocktail with a spicy, peppery kick.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

  • Nonstick skillet
  • spoon or spatula
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper or silicone mat

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • ¼ cup dried cherries or cranberries
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups pecan halves
  • 1 Tablespoon orange zest

Instructions
 

  • Soak cherries in bourbon for 30 minutes.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Combine the cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt and vanilla bean paste in a bowl.
  • Toast the pecans in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently so they don't burn.
  • Add the butter to the pan. Stir until butter is completely melted and the pecans are coated.
  • Add brown sugar, spices and vanilla to the pan. Stir well to coat.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and add bourbon and cherries. Stir for about a minute until everything is combined.
  • Return the pan to the burner and cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly, until a glaze forms and thickens.
  • Transfer the glazed pecans to a parchment lined baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer to cool and harden.
  • Once cool, sprinkle the orange zest over the nuts.

Video

Notes

Make sure you use a nonstick pan for this recipe. It will prevent the glaze from sticking and it will make clean-up so much easier.

 

Substitutions

  • Dried blueberries or craberries can be used in place of dried cherries.
  • Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.
  • Substitute vanilla extract for the vanilla bean paste.
  • Rum or Amaretto can be used in place of bourbon.
 
To make a non-alcoholic version: Water can be used in place of liquor to soak the cherries.

Nutrition

Serving: -5gCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 293mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 266IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
Keyword appetizer, bourbon, cherries, Kentucky Derby, nuts, pecans, snack mix, snacks
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