Candied Pecans are a perfect sweet afternoon snack or topping for salad. With rich toasted pecans and a sweet caramel glaze, these low carb keto candied pecans are a joy with every bite! This easy recipe is also sugar-free, gluten-free, grain-free, and Trim Healthy Mama friendly and a ¼ cup serving has less than 2 net carbs.
Candied Pecans are one of my favorite treats. I put them on salads, and incorporate them into my healthy recipes ice cream and desserts, and I especially love sneaking a handful in the afternoon when I just want a few bites of something sweet.
Plus, gluten free keto candied pecans are a must-have during the holiday months. It feels good to eat something so decadent and sweet that it isn't made with refined sugars.
You can add these candied pecans to a homemade trail mix, munch on a handful for a low carb snack, or eat them any other way you can think of. They are truly incredible, and I have a feeling you are going to love them as much as we do.
These were the recipe that I converted into my Keto Pecan Pralines Recipe.
Not to mention the fact that this candied pecan recipe only takes 15 minutes to prepare! You already know how much I love making keto recipes for fast treats. If you can prepare delicious low carb recipes that only take a few minutes, it's a no-brainer. Okay, let's get started on the good stuff!
Ingredients
Pecans - You can start with raw pecans or roasted salted pecans. If you start with raw pecans I do recommend roasting them first to increase their flavor.
Sweetener - I normally use my sweetener blend. But you can try another keto friendly sweetener such as swerve brown sugar or a monk fruit sweetener if you prefer.
Heavy Cream - Cream is necessary to make the candy coating.
Butter - I use unsalted butter in this recipe.
Salt - The added salt will enhance the other flavors.
Vanilla Extract - Vanilla naturally enhances the other flavors in the candy coating.
Cinnamon - Adding cinnamon is optional but we enjoy the flavor it gives these low carb candied pecans.
How to Make Keto Candied Pecans
I don't think you will ever find an easier sugar free candied pecans recipe. Three steps and you can indulge in these babies in no time! Let's take a look at the simple steps.
Step One: Begin by combining 2 tablespoons of butter, heavy cream, and sweetener together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sweetener has dissolved, then mix in the vanilla and cinnamon.
Step Two: Continue to cook until the mixture is a deep golden brown color. Once it reaches this color, you will need to remove it from the heat and add in the additional tablespoon of butter. Stir until smooth.
Expert Tip: Once it reaches the deep golden brown, you need to remove it from the heat. When this happens, if you cook it a little longer, it will burn.
Step Three: Stir in the toasted pecans. Sprinkle on some salt and drop the mixture by the spoonful in a single layer onto some wax or parchment paper on a baking sheet. Refrigerate until they are firm.
Tips & Variations
These candied pecans are incredible just the way the recipe is written. I wanted to share some of my favorite tips and ideas in case you want to try out some additional flavors.
Stick with pecan halves, not pecan pieces. You will end up with a more uniform result than if you use pecan pieces. Pecan pieces tend to stick together and create clusters, and they aren't as easy to separate or eat.
You can use this recipe for other candied nuts. Yep! It's true; you can try it out with hazelnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Try them all for a fun mix. Check out my recipe for keto candied walnuts.
Try out other spices. Using pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice is a yummy way to adjust the flavors. Just swap the cinnamon or use it in addition to the cinnamon to taste.
Add molasses. Really. Add a couple of drops of molasses for a brown sugar flavor. You don't need much as you are using it for flavor and not as the sweetener.
This recipe for candied pecans cooks very quickly. It's vital to stir it and stop cooking before it burns.
They are great for making ahead of time. You can even freeze them for up to 1 year! Just keep them airtight, and you will have them whenever a need or craving comes up.
Common Questions
Are candied pecans keto?
Regular candied pecans are not keto. They are normally coated with sugar. Using a white or brown sugar substitute to make them at home is your best option.
Should I Toast My Pecans First?
Please take the time to toast your pecans first. It deepens the flavor of the nuts. I recommend toasting them at 400 degrees F. until they are lightly browned.
How to Use Keto Candied Pecans
There are tons of ways to use candied pecans. They are excellent on spinach salads with blue cheese, basil balsamic vinaigrette, and fresh berries. You can also toss them in with almonds, walnuts, sugar-free chocolate chips, and other ingredients to make an incredible trail mix. It's great for on-the-go snacks too.
If you love ice cream, try topping your favorite keto ice cream like my Keto Vanilla Ice Cream or Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream with Cream Cheese Swirl, with a few candied pecans. Pure keto diet heaven! You have to try it to believe it.
Oh, and the best part is that you can even give these lovely candied pecans away as gifts. Put them in a cute little glass jar, add some ribbon, and you end up with an adorable gift no one can resist.
What Are The Health Benefits of Pecans?
These candied pecans are much more than a crunchy little sweet treat to get you through the day. They are also nutritious and have lots of yummy nutrients your body needs.
In addition, to being heart-healthy, pecans also help with digestion. Not to mention that they are anti-inflammatory too.
Each pecans serving has fiber, protein, vitamin E, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, and zinc.
So, when you are on the hunt for a snack or treat that is sweet, but is still healthy, reach for these candied pecans. Don't let the word "candied" scare you! Just be careful not to eat too many because they are highly addictive. And you can have too much of a good thing if you aren't careful.
How to Store Candied Pecans
Store keto candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the fridge for 3-4 months.
Additionally, you can keep the pecans in a freezer-safe container that's airtight for up to 1 year. It's nice to have them on hand when the holidays hit or whenever you want a simple snack that you don't have to cook.
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Keto Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans toasted
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter divided
- 2 tablespoon heavy cream
- ¼ cup Joy Filled Eats Sweetener (or see alternatives in recipe notes)
- â…› teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon optional
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine 2 tablespoons of the butter, sweetener, and cream over medium heat. Stir until sweetener is dissolved. Add vanilla and cinnamon, if using.
- Cook until it is a deep golden brown. As soon as it reached that deep color (right before burning) remove from the heat and immediately add the other 1 tablespoon butter. Stir until smooth.
- Add salt and toasted pecans. Drop by spoonfuls or spread on wax paper. Refrigerate until firm. If you spread out the mixture you can just break it into pieces.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally Published November 26, 2015. Revised and Republished October 9, 2023.
Kesha says
These are so good and so easy! I love that I can snack on them without feeling guilty!