Maple Pecan Clusters – Sweet and Crunchy
These Maple Pecan Clusters are sweet, buttery, crunchy, and easy to make with pecans, pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and warm cinnamon. They make a delicious snack, dessert topping, or homemade holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves – Use fresh pecans for the best buttery flavor and crunch.
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup – Provides rich maple flavor and helps create the glossy coating.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps the maple coating cling to the pecans.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar – Adds extra sweetness and helps create a lightly caramelized coating.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warm flavor and complements the maple and pecans.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon – Gives the clusters a cozy lightly spiced flavor.
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the pecan flavor.
- Pinch of cayenne pepper – Optional; adds a subtle sweet-and-spicy finish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Make the Maple Coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Pecans: Add the pecan halves to the maple mixture. Gently toss until the pecans are evenly coated on all sides.
- Arrange the Pecans: Transfer the coated pecans to the prepared baking sheet. Group them into small clusters, leaving a little space between each cluster.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for about 12–15 minutes, watching closely toward the end. The pecans should be toasted and the maple coating should look golden and caramelized.
- Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the clusters to cool completely on the parchment paper. The coating will become firmer and crunchier as it cools.
- Break Apart and Serve: Once completely cool, gently separate any oversized clusters. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for the richest maple flavor.
- Watch the pecans closely during the final minutes of baking because the maple coating can darken quickly.
- Allow the clusters to cool completely before storing so the coating has time to become crisp.
- For a spicy variation, add a small pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Store completely cooled clusters in an airtight container to help maintain their crunch.
- These clusters are delicious over oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, waffles, ice cream, and fall-inspired salads.
- For holiday gifting, place cooled clusters into small food-safe bags or jars.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 247 kcal
- Total Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 3g