Easy Keto Candied Pecans Recipe — A Full Living (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Briana · This post may contain affiliate links.

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These Easy to make Keto Candied Pecans are ready in just a few minutes using only 6 ingredients. Your favorite candied nuts are now so much better for you when they're made sugar free! They're less than 1 net carb per serving, making them perfect for a low carb or keto diet. Make these all holiday season, include them as part of this fall harvest salad.

Easy Keto Candied Pecans Recipe — A Full Living (1)

If you've never tried a sugar free candied pecans recipe, you're going to fall in love! Skip the sugar and replace with a high quality brown sugar replacement that's sure to impress, and lighten up the holidays ever-so-slightly without sacrificing flavor.

You may want to make a double batch, these candied nuts are super easy to enjoy in one sitting. They're naturally gluten free, and a great sweet low carb snack. Most conventionally available candied pecans have over 10 grams of net carbs in a one-ounce serving. No thanks, we'll pass and make our own in minutes. 😉

Ingredients:​

Easy Keto Candied Pecans Recipe — A Full Living (2)
  • Pecan halves - Or you could use chopped pecans if you prefer smaller pieces to add to things like salads, etc.
  • Butter - Either salted or unsalted. We often like using salted, grass fed butter for that added layer of flavor. Just be mindful of the salt you add later on.
  • Sugar free sweetener of choice - We prefer using our favorite brown sugar substitute, Swerve brown. This zero calorie sweetener is one of most used ingredients in our recipes. It's made with mostly erythritol, it's plant based, and will get a nice crispy coating on the nuts. You can use any sweetener you prefer, however. We'll talk more about this later on in the post.
  • Ground cinnamon - For that lovely, warm flavor.
  • Kosher salt - To balance the sweetness. Be mindful of the salt you're adding though if you're using salted butter. Start out slow, and add to taste.
  • Vanilla extract - Technically optional, but recommended for a lovely warm flavor.

How to Make Low Carb Candied Pecans:​

Step 1: Melt Butter & Toast the Pecans

Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add in the butter and melt, then stir in your pecan halves and toast for about 2 minutes, moving around constantly.

Add in your sweetener, cinnamon, salt and vanilla. Stir and toast over medium heat until the sweetener coats the pecans.

Easy Keto Candied Pecans Recipe — A Full Living (3)
Easy Keto Candied Pecans Recipe — A Full Living (4)

Step 2: Add Sweetener & Seasonings

Add in your sweetener, cinnamon, and salt. Stir constantly over medium-low heat to melt the sweetener to create a sauce and coat the pecans.

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Easy Keto Candied Pecans Recipe — A Full Living (6)

Step 3: Add Finishing Touches

Remove from heat, and add in vanilla extract, stirring constantly as it bubbles.

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Step 4: Transfer to Parchment Paper

Transfer the pecans to a parchment lined baking sheet to harden. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before enjoying.

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Easy Keto Candied Pecans Recipe — A Full Living (9)

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days or use in another recipe, but we doubt they will last that long! 😉

Frequently Asked Questions:

What's The Best Sweetener to Use For This Sugar Free Keto Candied Pecan Recipe?

Monk fruit & erythritol are the best options for a crisp, crunchy traditional candied pecan. Add to taste, as some people prefer things more sweet than others.

Brown Sugar Swerve is our top choice.

If you want the nuts to come out glossy and more sticky, opt for an allulose based sweetener or a sugar free maple syrup.

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Can I Make These Candied Pecans Dairy Free or Vegan and Sugar Free?

Yes, very easily! We use a plant based sweetener for this recipe, so the only swap you need to make is the butter.

We use butter for the rich, toasted flavor it adds, but you could use coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy free or vegan!

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Here's More Recipes To Try:

  • Sugar Free Apple Crisp
  • 15 Minute Low Carb Cinnamon Trail Mix
  • Low Carb Dark Chocolate Nut Bars

Please let us know if you guys give this keto candied pecans recipe a try, and be sure to share with us on Instagram@afullliving, so we can share your creations!

If you love this recipe, please consider sharing it with a friend and also leaving a rating and comment so others can find this recipe. Thank you for your support!

Until next time,
Briana & Chamere

📖 Recipe

Easy Keto Candied Pecans Recipe — A Full Living (13)

Keto Candied Pecans (Stovetop Recipe)

Briana

These Easy to make Keto Candied Pecans are ready in just a few minutes using only 6 ingredients. Your favorite candied nuts are now so much better for you when they’re made sugar free! They’re less than 1 net carb per serving, making them perfect for a low carb or keto diet.

5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Cooling time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 people

Calories 169 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add in the butter and melt. Add in your pecan halves and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring often.

  • Add in your sweetener, cinnamon and salt. Stir and toast over medium-low heat until the sweetener coats the pecans.

  • Transfer your pecans to a parchment lined baking sheet to cool and dry for 10-15 minutes. Serve them up on top of a salad, in cookies and other desserts, and enjoy!

  • Store at room temperature in an air tight container for up to 5 days.

Video

Notes

  • Sweeten to taste with your preferred sweetener. Brown erythritol is our top choice, as it produces a nice molasses-like flavor and will get nice and crunchy on the nuts.
  • Adding some sugar free maple syrup replacement or allulose sweetener will produce a glossier nut.
  • For dairy free or vegan, simply replace butter with coconut oil or your favorite vegan butter substitute.

Nutrition

Serving: 40gCalories: 169kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 2gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 143mgPotassium: 84mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 117IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below and tag @AFullLiving on social!

Easy Keto Candied Pecans Recipe — A Full Living (2024)

FAQs

Easy Keto Candied Pecans Recipe — A Full Living? ›

With carb restriction of about 20-50g per day, adding pecans to your keto diet is a good idea, since you'll get 1g of net carbs if you eat about 19 halves of pecan nuts. The nuts also have about 70% fats, which is an excellent addition in achieving ketosis.

How many pecan nuts can I eat on keto? ›

With carb restriction of about 20-50g per day, adding pecans to your keto diet is a good idea, since you'll get 1g of net carbs if you eat about 19 halves of pecan nuts. The nuts also have about 70% fats, which is an excellent addition in achieving ketosis.

Can diabetics eat candied pecans? ›

Since nuts are low on the glycemic index, pecans can slow the body's absorption of carbohydrates down, which ultimately leads to lower blood glucose (sugar) levels; just ensure you're using unsalted, dry-roasted pecans and not candied pecans that can be high in sugar and added fat.

How do you keep candied pecans from sticking together? ›

Under-cooking the pecans is the likely cause of stickiness, but the risk is low when they're oven-baked. After the sugar-coated nuts have darkened and turned very fragrant, about 20 minutes in the oven, stir the pecans and separate any pieces that have stuck together. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Why are my candied pecans soggy? ›

Why are my candied pecans soft and sticky? If your pecans are soft, it's most likely because they weren't baked long enough and are still retaining moisture. The sugar needs to bake long enough to caramelize and form a brittle coating on the nuts.

Can eating too many nuts kick you out of ketosis? ›

Nuts, in general, are high in calories, and having too many can cause weight gain. Considering that most nuts are high in fat and low in carbs, you will be able to maintain ketosis even if you have one too many.

What is the healthiest nut on keto? ›

Almonds stand out as a true keto-friendly gem. With approximately 2-3 grams of net carbs per 1-ounce serving, almonds are amazing additions to your diet. They are not only low in carbs but also high in healthy fats, predominantly monounsaturated fats, which support heart health.

Do pecans help lower A1c? ›

Diabetes management

Pecans have a very low glycemic index, which means that eating them does not cause a spike in blood sugar, even in people with diabetes. Eating pecans can even offset the effects of higher glycemic index foods when eaten as part of the same meal.

Who should not eat pecans? ›

Those with a tree nut allergy should not consume pecans or other tree nuts. Pecans are also high in calories and could contribute to weight gain if consumed in high amounts.

What is the healthiest nut for a diabetic? ›

The most important nuts for people with diabetes are probably the ones that improve cardiovascular health: almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, namely. If you only incorporate a few nuts into your diet, choose these ones. But be sure to avoid the salted varieties.

How to make candied pecans less sticky? ›

Pecans too sticky: If your nuts are still sticky after cooling, heat your oven to 325° F and bake for 5 to 10 minutes to help harden the candy coating.

Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›

Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.

How long do pecans last in a ziplock bag? ›

Sealed plastic bags are best for storing pecans in the freezer. In-shell pecans can be stored in a cool, dry place for 6 to 12 months. They can be refrigerated up to 18 months and frozen for about three years.

Can dogs eat pecans? ›

Why are pecans bad for dogs? These nuts are toxic for dogs. Eating them can result in pets becoming sick and needing immediate veterinary care. “The reason pecans are considered toxic is that they contain a compound called juglone, also found in walnuts, that is harmful to dogs,” advises Dr.

Why do my pecans taste bitter? ›

Nuts with higher fat content, like walnuts and pecans can also go rancid after a few months if stored at too warm a temperature. If you notice that your nuts have taken on a noticeably bitter, sour flavor, they may have entered this unfortunate phase.

What is the fuzzy stuff on pecans? ›

Kernel fuzz is not a disease and the brown material that is adhering to the kernel surface is not dangerous to eat. It only tastes dry and bitter. The fuzzy material on the kernel is actually part of the nut's inside shell packing material.

How many nuts per day on keto? ›

While nuts are overall great to include on a keto diet, it's important to limit your portions to a serving or two (1–2 oz.) per day. For reference, one ounce of nuts is about the size of a small handful. Avoid nuts that have been treated and flavored with other ingredients, such as sugar and other glazes.

How many carbs in a handful of pecans? ›

In fact, a handful of pecans (one ounce of pecans) contains only 4 grams of carbohydrates! That means that nutrient-dense pecans can add flavor, nutrition and disease-fighting properties to any diet that limits carbs.

How many net carbs are in 1 pecan? ›

Popular Serving Sizes of Pecans
Net Carbs(g)Total Carbs(g)
1 Pecan Nut0.090.39
1 oz (20 halves)1.233.93
1/4 cup halves1.143.74
1/4 cup chopped1.224.12
4 more rows

What is the lowest carb nut? ›

The carb counts of different nuts vary quite a bit, though. The three lowest carb options are to the left – Brazil, macadamia and pecan nuts. These should be the first choices for nuts when following a low carb diet as they are low in carbs, high in fat, and most people find them delicious!

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