These Keto Candied Pecans offer the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors, combined with a satisfying crisp and crunchy texture. They're also nutritious, making them an ideal snack for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Whether you're looking for a treat to enjoy at the movies (smuggled in, perhaps!) or a quick and easy snack at home, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Why You'll Love These Keto Candied Pecans
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweetness, saltiness, and spices creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Satisfying Texture: The pecans are perfectly crunchy and crisp.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is quick and easy, requiring minimal effort and ingredients.
- Keto-Friendly: With just 1.3g of net carbs per serving, these pecans fit perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
- Versatile: Enjoy them warm or cold, as a snack, or as a topping for salads and desserts.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Pecan Halves: Use raw pecans, as they will toast during the cooking process.
- Swerve Brown (or other erythritol-based sweetener): Erythritol-based sweeteners are essential for creating a crunchy, hard coating. Options include Swerve, Lakanto, and monk fruit sweeteners that contain erythritol.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted butter can be used, depending on your preference. Salted butter enhances the sweet and salty flavor combination. Coconut oil or vegan butter can also be used for dairy-free or vegan diets.
- Cinnamon: Adjust the amount of cinnamon to your liking.
- Salt: Kosher sea salt works well to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Optional, but recommended for a lovely warm flavor.
- Chipotle Powder (optional): A pinch of chipotle powder adds a smoky spice that complements the sweet and cinnamon flavors. Cayenne pepper can be used as an alternative.
Making Keto Candied Pecans: Two Easy Methods
You can make these candied pecans using either a slow cooker or a stovetop. Both methods are simple and yield delicious results.
Slow Cooker Method
- Grease a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker.
- Place all ingredients into the slow cooker and set to low for 3 hours.
- Stir a few times during cooking to coat the pecans evenly.
- Spread the mixture out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
- Break apart any clumps once the nuts are cool.
Stovetop Method
- Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a large saucepan, combine the sweetener, butter, cinnamon, salt, and optional chipotle powder over medium heat.
- Cook until the sweetener dissolves completely, stirring constantly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add in the pecan halves. Stir to coat evenly.
- Spread the coated pecans out on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Cool completely at room temperature. Once ready, break apart any chunks of pecans, and serve as is.
Key Tips for Perfect Keto Candied Pecans
- Use the Right Sweetener: It is crucial to use an erythritol-based sweetener like Swerve, Lakanto, or a monk fruit blend. Other sweeteners, such as allulose, xylitol, or BochaSweet, will prevent the coating from hardening properly, resulting in sticky or chewy pecans.
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before caramelizing enhances their flavor and allows the sugar and spices to adhere better to the nut surface.
- Stir Constantly: When coating the pecans in the saucepan, stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure even coating.
- Cool Completely: Allow the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet to allow the coating to harden and become crunchy.
- Fresh Pecans: For the best results, use fresh pecans. Check the date on pecans that have been stored for a while, as nuts can go rancid.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Add Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as maple or rum, for unique flavor variations.
- Top Salads: Sprinkle candied pecans on salads for added crunch and sweetness.
- Dessert Topping: Use them as a topping for keto-friendly desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or baked apples.
- Gift Giving: These candied pecans make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.
Storage Instructions
- Store the cooled pecans in an airtight container on the counter for up to two weeks.
- Refrigerate them for up to a month.
- Freeze them for up to 3 months.
Why Are My Candied Pecans Sticky?
If your candied pecans are sticky, it likely means that the sugar did not reach a high enough temperature to harden. You can try putting them back in the pan and toasting them for another 2-5 minutes, but keep in mind that stovetop candied pecans will generally have a slightly stickier texture than baked ones. Additionally, ensure that you are using the correct type of sweetener (erythritol-based).
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes 12 servings of 1/4 cup each. Each serving contains approximately:
- Net Carbs: 1.3g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2.7g
Pecans are also a good source of magnesium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and folates.
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