From Boardwalk Favorites to Kitchen Creations: NJ’s Top Spots for Candied Pecans
Candied pecans are a quintessential treat—sweet, crunchy, and infused with warm spices that make them irresistible whether eaten by the handful, sprinkled over a salad, or used as a holiday gift. New Jersey is home to some of the finest places to get these delicacies, from classic boardwalk shops to family-run candy stores, and for those who prefer homemade, Jersey Girl Cooks offers a foolproof recipe you can try at home.
Boardwalk Classics:
Atlantic City and Ocean City’s boardwalks are famous for more than just the ocean view—they’re home to legendary candy shops. Steel’s Fudge, a mainstay since 1919, is widely recognized for its Butter Toffee Pecans and glazed nuts, including pecans and cashews. Visitors praise the quality and rich flavor, and if you can’t make it to the boardwalk, Steel’s offers online ordering for nationwide delivery. The Original Fudge Kitchen, with locations in Cape May, Ocean City, and Wildwood, is another classic stop. While the shop specializes in fudge, they also carry nuts coated in sweet glazes, perfect for gifting or snacking. Douglass Fudge in Ocean City, now a fourth-generation operation, offers pecan nut rolls alongside its handmade candies. Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy & Fudge, also in Ocean City, has long been a staple for tourists seeking old-fashioned confections, including nut-based treats.
Specialty Candy Shops Across New Jersey:
Beyond the boardwalks, New Jersey boasts numerous small, family-owned candy shops that craft their own candied nuts. Mallin’s Candies in Wildwood, The Candy Box in Pitman, Aunt Charlotte’s Candies in Merchantville, and Reily’s Candy in Medford all offer handmade sweets that often include candied pecans. For those in the Flemington and Belle Mead areas, The Fudge Shoppe is another option, blending homemade chocolates and seasonal candied nuts.
Large Retailers:
If specialty shops aren’t convenient, many New Jersey locations of Trader Joe’s offer their own branded candied pecans, and Walgreens carries house-brand versions that are widely available.
Festivals and Seasonal Vendors:
For a taste of local creativity, regional festivals often feature small-batch candied nut vendors. NJ VegFest in Montclair, Oktoberfest at Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon, and The Shoppes at Lafayette Fall Fest regularly showcase vendors such as Totally Nutz, offering cinnamon-glazed almonds, pecans, and cashews. Traveling vendors also appear at events across Mount Olive, Somerville, and Monmouth Park Racetrack.
Homemade Candied Pecans Recipe – Jersey Girl Cooks:
Making candied pecans at home is simple, budget-friendly, and fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma. This recipe from Jersey Girl Cooks produces crunchy, sweet, spiced nuts perfect for gifts, topping desserts, or snacking.
Ingredients:
- Pecan halves (or walnuts/almonds as alternatives)
- Egg white (fresh or pasteurized)
- Splash of water
- Granulated sugar
- Light brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
- Pinch of salt
Optional: vanilla extract, nutmeg, cayenne, or orange zest
Instructions:
- Whisk egg white and water until frothy, then coat pecans.
- Combine sugars, cinnamon, salt, and optional spices, and mix with the coated pecans until fully clumped.
- Spread pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Cool completely; store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Variations and Tips:
Experiment with different nuts, spices, or even add a hint of chocolate for a personalized twist. Adding a pinch of cayenne gives a sweet-spicy kick, while herbs like rosemary or thyme can offer a savory note.
Whether purchased at a classic boardwalk shop, sourced from a family-run candy store, or prepared at home with Jersey Girl Cooks’ recipe, New Jersey candied pecans are a treat worth seeking. For more recipes, tips, and culinary inspiration, visit Explore New Jersey Recipes.
