Let me show you how to toast pecans! Toasting pecans will bring out their nutty flavor and really make your desserts shine. I’ll show you three easy ways to toast pecans – you can toast pecans in the oven on a baking sheet, on the stovetop in a skillet, or even in the microwave!
If you think toasting your pecans is an unnecessary step in your baking – think again! Toasting pecans before using them in your baking is a big time game changer. Toasting pecans will take you just a few minutes and really bring out the nutty flavor of the pecans.
Toasted pecans have so much more flavor and aromatic than if you stirred raw pecans into your baked goods straight from the bag. In fact, I think Yankee Candle needs to make candle smell of toasted pecans! Do they do this already? Maybe they do, but if not remember you heard the idea here first.
The first time I went the extra step of toasting raw pecans before stirring them into some of my Russian Tea Cake cookies, I couldn’t believe how much more flavor my cookies had in the end! They went from good to oh wow these are crazy delicious! And yup I’m going to need to eat seconds of these…or thirds. I lost track. Let’s just say the flavor difference made that extra step well worth it.
So let me show you how to toast pecans so you can make your desserts even better!
If you’re simply adding them to a recipe (tossing them in a batch of chocolate chip cookies, perhaps?), leave them plain. Can I toast pecans after chopping? While you can, you’ll need to keep a very close eye on them as they don’t always cook evenly and will burn quickly.
How To Toast Pecans In The Oven
This is my preferred method is the oven method because I can toast a large number of pecans on a baking sheet with parchment paper at a time and I think it produces the best results. The pecans get perfectly golden brown and toasted.
I can toast more nuts than my recipe calls for and save the extra toasted nuts for future recipes cutting down on that extra step later. Who is all for saving time?! Me! Me!
To toast pecans in the oven:
- Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat oven to 350oF (177oC).
- Spread your pecans on a baking sheet with parchment paper in a single layer. You can line with parchment paper or skip it (this will just make for easy cleanup later – as you can see in the photo below I don’t always do this!).
- Cook in the oven for 6-10 minutes. The cook time can vary depending on how many pecans are on the baking sheet. Be sure to stir the nuts a few times during the baking process so they all toast evenly.
- Toast until the pecans are fragrant are golden brown in color (darker in color then when started).Remove the baking sheet from the oven to cool to room temperature, and then use the toasted nuts as the recipe calls for them.
How to Toast Pecans
FAQ
Can you toast pecans that are already chopped?
Do you toast nuts before or after chopping?
Can you toast chopped pecans in the microwave?
What is the difference between roasted and toasted pecans?
Should you toast raw pecans?
Toasting raw pecans is generally optional, but in my cases, it’s highly recommended. The nut-toasting process adds a deeper taste, golden brown color, nutty flavor and aroma, and a delicious crunch. Nuts toast quickly in the oven or on the stovetop, and they add a healthy, gluten free, protein-packed, omega-3 rich element to many recipes.
Is there a substitute for Pecan?
Cashews may be the closest tree nut substitute for pecans in terms of their sweetness, texture, and use in cooking. They are also nutritionally similar. They are closely matched in calories, fats, vitamins and minerals and although pecans have more fiber and less protein, these are essentially minor differences. Both pecans and cashews are healthy foods to add to the diet. Consuming a variety of nuts and seeds regularly is brilliant. Raw or dry roasted nuts or seeds are usually the healthiest choice to avoid added salt, sugar, and unnecessary oils.
How to cook toasted pecans?
Preheat to 350 degrees. Place the pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake about 7 to 8 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Again, don’t leave the oven because they can burn easily. The best part: how to cook with toasted pecans! Pecans are so versatile: add a handful to amp up a salad, roasted vegetables, or a grain bowl.
Are toasted pecans better than toasted?
Better Flavor: Roasting or toasting any nuts or seeds gives them a richer, nuttier flavor. It takes away the raw green flavor which sometimes can be slightly bitter. Better Texture: Toasted pecans are crunchier. They have a crisp texture, similar to anything else that’s toasted (think croutons ).