You know something is a winner when you make it, and the whole family - even those not on a low-carb diet - devour it. These Candied Keto Pecans are sweet, spicy, and completely satisfying.
Make this fun, healthy snack for the holiday season, or keep it on hand year-round for a quick nibble. They are ridiculously good and so popular around here that I've been known to hide them. I always wished I had doubled the recipe.
Ever since I was a girl, pecans were one of my favorite nuts.
My grandparents lived in a little town in middle Georgia on land with pecan trees.
Every year when the pecans began to fall, we would visit them for a few days. Everyone would pitch in and spend the first part of the weekend picking up pecans off the property.
Pecans are still a favorite snack of mine. Especially these sugar-free candied Keto Pecans. They are lightly sweetened and have just the right amount of kick. (Plus they are a great healthy fat and perfect for my keto weight loss journey!)
I think you will love this easy gluten-free snack too!
Ingredients for Making Spiced Pecans Keto
- Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter so that you have more control over the salt levels.
- Brown Sugar Substitute: Use Swerve or Surkin Gold. If you can't find either, you can use another keto-friendly sweetener.
- Salt: Maldon sea salt is lovely here, but any salt will work. Taste and adjust the amount to your preference.
- Cayenne Pepper: I consider this to be the secret weapon for making sweet and spicy pecans keto. Adjust the amount to make these as hot or mild as you like. (Just be careful - a little goes a long way!)
- Pecans: Use pecan halves, not pieces, for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a BIG fan of Sukrin Gold brown sugar alternatives. It is made of a blend of erythritol, stevia, and malt extract and is non-GMO. You can use it in a 1:1 ratio for traditional sugar.
I do not find it to have the cooling effect of aftertaste that a lot of other sweeteners have. The downside? It is expensive.
Another option to use in this recipe is Swerve. I prefer the texture of Swerve confectioners. (UPDATE: I just ran across Swerve Brown Sugar and it is also fabulous - I highly recommend it.)
Yes! An ounce of pecans has just one net carb, making them one of the lowest carb nuts out there!
If pecans are not your thing, you can still enjoy candied nuts on keto. Try making this recipe with macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, or hazelnuts, all of which are keto-friendly.
Tools Needed to Make Keto Roasted Pecans
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- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Small Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
What Do Keto Candied Pecans Pair Well With?
- They are a great addition to this Chicken Salad, taking the flavors to a whole new level.
- I love to serve them on top of Chocolate or Vanilla Ice Cream.
- Serve them on top of this Chocolate Chaffle to make a sundae.
- They are one of the best ways I know to elevate a salad!
Storing Keto Spiced Pecans
These pecans are best stored at room temperature in a sealed container. I like to use a mason jar. They will keep for about two weeks.
Variations
- Add ¼ cup unsweetened cacao powder.
- For even more kick, add in ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- Use Swerve confectioners in place of the Surkin Gold or Swerve Brown Sugar Substitute.
- Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon ground rosemary.
How to Make Keto Pecans
First, gather your ingredients. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Next, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Transfer to a bowl and whisk in brown sugar substitute, sea salt, and cayenne pepper.
Place the pecans in a medium bowl and pour the butter mixture over. Stir very well, being sure that all of the pecans are evenly coated.
Spread in an even single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
You May Also Like
- Keto Fried Pickles are an unexpected appetizer that everyone goes crazy over. The perfect way to mix up your keto diet.
- Marinated Cheese is sheer perfection when you need an appetizer that is crowd-pleasing and easy to make.
- I've lost count of how many times I've made these Keto Sausage Balls. This is on everyone from my picky 6-year old to the adults in the family adore.
- Craving hummus? This Cauliflower Hummus is absolutely spectacular.
Keto Pecans
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup brown sugar substitute like Swerve or Surkin Gold
- 1 ½ teaspoons Maldon sea salt you can use regular sea salt if you like
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper more or less to taste
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Put melted butter in a small bowl and whisk in brown sugar substitute, sea salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir until well combined.
- Put pecans in a medium bowl and pour the butter mixture over it.
- Place pecans on the prepared baking sheet, and cook for 10 minutes. Stir, and cook 10 minutes longer.
- Store at room temperature for up to a week.
Linda A
Hi,
I tried your recipe, it was great so I doubled the next batch, and used 6 different nuts,, they are awesome,
Thank you.
Wendy Polisi
I am so glad that you enjoyed it as much as we do.
Terry
These are absolutely amazing and addicting 🙂
Wendy Polisi
So glad that you enjoyed it!
Dan Duprey
Great recipe, simple and versatile. Tasty.