Keto Crustless Pecan Pie Recipe: A Delightful and Easy Dessert

Pecan pie has always been a timeless dessert, especially during the holidays. For those following a ketogenic diet, the traditional pecan pie can be problematic due to its high sugar and carbohydrate content. Fortunately, there's a solution: the keto crustless pecan pie. This article explores a variety of approaches to crafting this delectable treat, from single-serving options to larger pies perfect for sharing. It will guide you through the nuances of sweetener selection, baking techniques, and ingredient substitutions, ensuring a successful and satisfying keto-friendly dessert experience.

The Allure of Keto Crustless Pecan Pie

The beauty of a keto crustless pecan pie lies in its simplicity and reduced carbohydrate count. By eliminating the crust, a significant source of carbs is removed. The challenge then becomes replicating the sweet, gooey filling without using traditional sugar. This is where the magic of low-carb sweeteners comes in.

Why Go Crustless?

Opting for a crustless version simplifies the recipe and drastically reduces carbs. It also highlights the rich, pecan-studded custard filling that many adore. For those who aren't fond of pie crusts anyway, this is an ideal solution.

Crafting the Perfect Keto Filling

Achieving the right texture and flavor in the filling is crucial. A combination of sweeteners is often recommended to mimic the properties of sugar.

Sweetener Selection

• Swerve and Bocha Sweet: A popular combination is Swerve Brown and Bocha Sweet. Swerve Brown lends a caramel-like flavor and color, while Bocha Sweet helps prevent the filling from recrystallizing as it cools.
• Alternatives to Swerve Brown: If Swerve Brown isn't available, any erythritol-based sweetener can be used with a touch (approximately 1/2 teaspoon) of molasses per batch to achieve a similar flavor profile. The small amount of molasses adds minimal carbs per serving (around 1.25g).
• Alternatives to Bocha Sweet: Several other sweeteners can maintain a soft and gooey filling. Allulose or xylitol can be considered.
• Wholesome Yum Allulose: ANY of Wholesome Yum Allulose variations will work.
• Monk Fruit Sweeteners: Lakanto's Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener for the crust and Lakanto's Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener for the filling.

Key Steps for the Filling

1. Low Heat is Essential: Gently melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the sweeteners until smooth.
2. Remove from Heat: Take the mixture off the heat immediately after the sweeteners dissolve. This prevents the egg from curdling when whisked in.
3. Chopped Pecans: Using chopped pecans ensures a more cohesive filling, especially in smaller pies.

Single-Serving Keto Pecan Pie

For individual indulgence, a single-serve crustless pecan pie is a perfect option. These are quick to make and satisfy cravings without the temptation of a larger pie.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Crustless Pecan Pie in a Bowl Recipe

This recipe utilizes a microwave for a quick and easy single-serving pie.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons salted butter
• ¼ cup half and half (or substitute, with caution)
• 2 ½ teaspoons THM Super Sweet Blend (or more, to taste)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon molasses
• Dash salt
• ⅛ teaspoon xanthan gum
• 2 tablespoons collagen (no substitutes)
• 1 medium egg yolk
• ⅓ cup pecan halves and pieces

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a small ceramic bowl in the microwave.
2. Add the half and half, sweetener, vanilla extract, molasses, salt, xanthan gum and collagen to the melted butter in the bowl and whisk. Add the xanthan gum a little at a time while whisking so it doesn’t clump, then add the collagen and whisk again. The collagen will probably be a bit clumpy but the clumps will dissolve when you whisk the mixture after heating it.
3. Microwave for 1 minute, then whisk the “caramel” smooth. Microwave for another minute or until the caramel is a golden color (not super dark or thick). Whisk again.
4. Let the caramel cool off for a minute or two.
5. Add the egg yolk and whisk smooth.
6. Stir in the pecans (chopped fine or left in halves and pieces according to your preference). It’s best if the pecans aren’t frozen.
7. Microwave for 50 seconds or until nearly set all the way through but still a bit wet on top in the center. Keep an eye on it and don’t overcook - better underdone than overdone in this case! My microwave is on the weak side so you may want to check it at 30 seconds and keep close tabs on it from there.
8. Enjoy warm.

Important Notes for Single-Serve Pie:

• Collagen is Key: Do not substitute or omit the collagen, as it is essential for the "caramel" texture.
• Molasses: Molasses is included as a flavor enhancer.
• Microwave Alternatives: You could try adapting this by making the caramel part on the stovetop and baking the finished pie in the oven at 350* until it’s nearly set all the way through but still a bit wet on top in the center.
• Egg Yolk: Using a large egg yolk will result in a more custardy pie. Using a farm fresh egg yolk will give you a bright yellow color!

Mini Keto Crustless Pecan Pies

A mini sugar-free pecan pie that serves just two. It's the ultimate keto dessert recipe for the holidays and so easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup Swerve Brown
• 1/4 cup Bocha Sweet
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Pecan halves for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325F.
2. Set aside 6 to 8 pecan halves to top the pie, then use a sharp knife to chop the rest. Set aside while preparing the filling.
3. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the butter and two sweeteners. Whisk until the butter is melted and the sweeteners are dissolved, about 3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg, then stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Pour the mixture into one 8-ounce ramekin or two 4-ounce ramekins. Place the reserved pecan halves decoratively on top.
6. Place the ramekins on a cookie sheet and transfer to the oven. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sides are set but the center is still wobbly.
7. Remove and let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.
8. Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream or some keto ice cream. Share with your favorite person!

Full-Size Keto Crustless Pecan Pie

For larger gatherings or when you simply want more pie, a full-size keto crustless pecan pie is the way to go.

Simplified Filling Method

Instead of making a separate caramel sauce, simply melt butter with Swerve Brown and Bocha Sweet in a saucepan. This streamlines the process without sacrificing flavor.

Baking Instructions

1. Prepare the pie crust according to the directions and bake at 325F for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool while preparing the filling.
2. In a large saucepan over medium low heat, melt the butter with the two sweeteners, stirring until the sweeteners have dissolved. Bring to a simmer and cook about 3 minutes, until it darkens in color and thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
3. Once the syrup is cool, whisk in the vanilla and the salt, then whisk in the eggs until smooth and well combined.
4. Place the pecans in the cooled crust and pour the filling overtop.
5. Return to the oven and bake 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is mostly set but the middle still jiggles slightly when shaken.
6. Let cool completely before serving.

Tips for Baking

• Don't Overbake: The center should still be slightly wobbly when removed from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
• Crust Browning: If the crust browns too quickly, cover the pie with aluminum foil (shiny side up) halfway through baking.
• Cooling: Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Chocolate Chips: Add sugar-free chocolate chips while the pie is still warm.
• Maple Extract: Replace vanilla extract with maple extract for a different flavor profile.
• Nuts: Michelle prefers using pecan pieces (or walnut pieces) instead of pecan halves for easier slicing and, therefore, prettier slices.
• Chocolate Chips: Aleasha shared that she like to make a chocolate chip version by sprinkling chocolate chips on the bottom of the pie plate before she adds the filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Whipped Cream: Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream.
• Keto Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of keto-friendly ice cream.
• Warm: This keto pecan pie is delicious served warm.

Storing

• Counter: Cover and store on the counter for 2 to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Addressing Common Concerns

• Sweetener Substitutions: If you don't have access to BochaSweet or allulose, try using 1 cup Swerve plus 2 teaspoons molasses or Yacon syrup. You can also try replacing the BochaSweet with regular xylitol. It should give the same gooeyness to the filling.
• Nut Allergies: Those with nut allergies may need to avoid this recipe or explore alternative nut-free options.

A Personal Journey with Keto Pecan Pie

One individual recounts their lifelong love for pecan pie and their journey to create a satisfying sugar-free version. They emphasize the importance of using a combination of sweeteners to achieve the right texture and flavor. They also highlight the simplicity of the crustless approach and express their satisfaction with the final result.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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