If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet and have a sweet tooth, Keto Candied Pecans will become your new go-to treat! These crunchy, sweet, and lightly spiced pecans are the perfect snack to satisfy your cravings while keeping you in ketosis. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, sprinkle them on a salad, or give them out as a thoughtful homemade gift, these candied pecans are as versatile as they are delicious. Plus, they’re super easy to make with just a handful of ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Keto Candied Pecans Recipe
When you’re on the keto diet, finding treats that fit your macros can be a challenge. That’s where Keto Candied Pecans come in! These pecans are sweetened with keto-friendly sweeteners, so you can enjoy the classic candied pecan flavor without the guilt. They’re crispy, buttery, spiced with cinnamon, and have just the right amount of sweetness to make them irresistible.
Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also store well, making them a great snack to have on hand when hunger strikes. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack between meals, something to top your yogurt or salad, or even an elegant party treat, these keto candied pecans are perfect.
Ingredients for Keto Candied Pecans
Here’s everything you need to make your own batch of keto-friendly candied pecans. All ingredients are low-carb and fit perfectly into a ketogenic diet.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of raw pecan halves – Pecans are naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making them a perfect keto snack.
- 1/3 cup of powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener – These keto-friendly sweeteners add sweetness without kicking you out of ketosis.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, spiced flavor to your pecans.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
- 1 egg white – Helps the sweetener and cinnamon coat the pecans evenly.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons of butter (optional) – Adds richness and helps the pecans achieve a beautiful caramelized texture.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large mixing bowl – To mix the pecans and other ingredients.
- Whisk or fork – To froth the egg white.
- Baking sheet – For spreading the pecans evenly in the oven.
- Parchment paper – To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- Spatula – To stir the pecans during baking.
How to Make Keto Candied Pecans: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly sweet and crunchy keto candied pecans.
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature allows the pecans to bake slowly, giving them a wonderfully crisp texture without burning the sweetener.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent your pecans from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. Whisk the Egg White:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white until it’s frothy and light. You can do this by hand with a fork or whisk, but for quicker results, you could use a hand mixer. The egg white will act as a binding agent, helping the sweetener and cinnamon cling to the pecans.
4. Add the Sweetener and Spices:
Once the egg white is frothy, add the powdered erythritol (or monk fruit sweetener), cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. The cinnamon should be evenly distributed throughout the sweetener, creating a fragrant and flavorful coating.
5. Coat the Pecans:
Next, add the raw pecan halves to the bowl. Gently fold the pecans into the sweetener mixture, making sure each pecan is evenly coated. The egg white should help the sweetener stick to the nuts, ensuring a nice, even coating.
6. Spread the Pecans on the Baking Sheet:
Once the pecans are well coated, spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, which will allow them to toast evenly. If you’re using butter for extra richness, dot small pieces of butter around the pecans at this stage.
7. Bake and Stir:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pecans for 20–25 minutes. About halfway through baking (around the 10–12 minute mark), remove the pecans and give them a gentle stir using a spatula. This ensures that they toast evenly and prevents burning.
8. Cool the Pecans:
After 20–25 minutes, the pecans should be golden brown and fragrant. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, the sweetener will harden, giving the pecans their signature candied texture.
9. Enjoy or Store:
Once the pecans are cool, you can enjoy them immediately or store them for later. Keto candied pecans can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also store them in the refrigerator for longer freshness or freeze them for up to a month.
Nutritional Value of Keto Candied Pecans
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value for a serving of keto candied pecans (assuming the recipe makes 8 servings):
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 30g)
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 0g (thanks to the keto-friendly sweetener)
- Sodium: 30mg
As you can see, keto candied pecans are a nutrient-dense snack that’s high in healthy fats, low in carbs, and free from added sugars, making them ideal for anyone following a ketogenic diet.
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Tips & Notes for the Best Keto Candied Pecans
- Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh, high-quality pecans make a big difference in the flavor of this recipe. If your pecans taste a little stale, toast them lightly before starting the recipe.
- Sweetener Choices: Erythritol and monk fruit sweeteners work best for this recipe because they don’t have an aftertaste and don’t spike blood sugar levels. You can also use a combination of erythritol and stevia if you prefer.
- Watch the Pecans Closely: Pecans can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt. Be sure to stir them midway through baking and keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg, allspice, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
- Serving Ideas: While these pecans are perfect on their own, try adding them to salads, yogurt, or keto-friendly ice cream for a crunchy topping.
Is This Recipe for Dinner, Lunch, or a Snack?
Keto Candied Pecans are a versatile snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day. They’re perfect for a mid-afternoon energy boost, a quick grab-and-go snack, or even as a topping for keto-friendly desserts. While not typically served for a full meal like dinner or lunch, they can certainly be a delicious addition to a salad or a charcuterie board.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Candied Pecans recipe is a must-try for anyone on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. It’s simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and results in a snack that’s both healthy and satisfying. The combination of sweet, salty, and spiced flavors makes these pecans addictive, while the low-carb sweeteners keep your blood sugar in check. Whether you’re snacking, gifting, or elevating another dish, these pecans will quickly become a staple in your keto recipe rotation.
