These keto pecan pralines are a delightful combination of creamy, buttery, and nutty flavors that melt in your mouth. They offer a satisfying crunch and are incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're following a keto diet or simply looking for a healthier dessert option, these sugar-free pecan pralines are sure to impress.
What are Pralines?
Pralines are a type of candy typically made with nuts (often pecans), sugar, butter, and cream. French settlers brought the recipe to Louisiana, where both sugar cane and pecan trees were plentiful. New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pralines are sometimes called “pecan candy”. Traditional pralines are high in sugar and carbs, but this keto-friendly version offers all the flavor without the guilt.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe uses keto-friendly sweeteners to replace the sugar in traditional pralines, making them suitable for a low-carb lifestyle. The result is a creamy, sweet treat with toasted pecans that satisfies your sweet tooth without derailing your diet.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Pecans (raw or toasted)
- Butter (salted or unsalted)
- Heavy whipping cream
- Keto-friendly sweetener (such as Swerve, Lakanto’s Golden Monkfruit, or a monk fruit blend)
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Chipotle powder (optional)
Making Keto Pecan Pralines: Two Delicious Methods
These Keto Candied Pecans are unbelievably easy to make. They also happen to be unbelievably tasty. Possibly even a little bit addictive. There are two primary methods: the stovetop and the slow cooker. Both yield delicious results, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Stovetop Method
This method is quick and easy, allowing you to have your pralines ready in under 30 minutes.
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- Lay out a sheet of parchment paper on a small baking tray.
- Heat butter, heavy whipping cream, and sweetener in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, whisk frequently until the mixture is foamy, thick, and a light tan color. If you have a digital thermometer, heat the mixture to about 280-290°F. The photo above is a good representation of the color you are looking for when cooking this praline recipe. I do not use a candy thermometer because it is hard to temp such a small amount of caramel.
- Add in pecans and stir to coat them evenly.
- Working quickly, pour the mixture onto the prepared parchment paper and spread to about 1/4 inch thick all around.
- Cool completely. Once you're done cooking this delicious Keto Salted Caramel Pecan Pralines on the stovetop, it should take about 20 minutes for them to fully crystalize and set.
Slow Cooker Method
This method is great for when you want to set it and forget it. It's also ideal if you need to free up oven space during the holidays.
- Grease a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker.
- Place all of the ingredients into the slow cooker and set to low for 3 hours.
- Stir a few times during cooking to coat the pecans.
- Spread the mixture out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
- Break apart any clumps once the nuts are cool.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Stovetop)
- Toast the Pecans (Optional): I simply put a cookie sheet of pecans in a 400-degree oven for 5-8 minutes. You want to take them out with the edges get slightly darker and they smell fragrant. Toasting pecans is not mandatory for this recipe but I feel it brings out the flavors in the pecans.
- Melt Butter and Add Sweetener: Melt the butter in a medium-sized sturdy frying pan or skillet. Stir in the sweetener and salt and mix until dissolved.
- Add Heavy Cream: Add the heavy cream and mix through on medium heat.
- Simmer and Thicken: Once the mixture is simmering, add the toasted pecans and continue to stir until the liquid has thickened and turned a brown caramel color.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove from the heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter and vanilla extract; stir until the butter is melted.
- Scoop and Cool: Using a tablespoon, scoop out the mixture and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate: Store in the fridge until firm.
Tips for Perfect Keto Pralines
- Use the Right Sweetener: It is really important to use the right sweetener in these keto candied pecans, as only erythritol-based sweeteners will create a crunchy, hard coating. This includes Swerve, Lakanto, and monk fruit sweeteners that contain just erythritol and monk fruit. Any amount of allulose, xylitol, or BochaSweet will prevent the candy coating from hardening properly.
- Don't Over-Brown the Butter: Top Tip: don't over-brown the butter mixture as it can get really thick the longer you stir it.
- Preparation is Key: Preparation: have all your ingredients on hand and your baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready to go.
- Cool Completely: Allow the pralines to set in the fridge; the longer, the firmer they will be.
- Address Runny Mixture: Why are my pralines loose when I transfer them to the parchment? If the mixture is still runny when placed on the parchment-lined baking sheet, simply place everything back in the pan on low heat and stir until it thickens. Then scoop out on the parchment-lined baking sheets again.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Spicy Pralines: Add a pinch of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Cinnamon Spice: Increase the amount of cinnamon for a warmer, spicier flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted sugar-free chocolate over the cooled pralines for an extra touch of decadence.
- Sea Salt: Sprinkle each pecan praline with sea salt.
Serving and Storage
These keto pecan pralines can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even as a topping for keto ice cream.
- Storage: Store the cooled pralines in an airtight container on the counter for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the pralines, but they will firm up more and turn whitish from the sweetener crystallizing. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve them as is, or crumble them over ice cream or yogurt. They also make a great addition to a keto-friendly charcuterie board.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes 10 pralines. Each praline contains about 1g net carbs per serving to make them keto friendly. They may also be considered diabetic friendly, although you should always monitor your blood sugars when trying out new recipes to see how it affects you personally.
Are Pecans Keto-Friendly?
Yes, pecans are a perfectly keto-friendly type of nut. In fact, one ounce (or about 19 pecan halves) only contains 4g net carbs. They are also an excellent source of monounsaturated fat, which helps lower cholesterol. They also contain a variety of important nutrients, such as magnesium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and folates.
Common Questions
Why are my candied pecans chewy?
If your pecans are sticky or chewy, it means you didn’t use the right sweetener. Any amount of allulose, xylitol, or BochaSweet will prevent the candy coating from hardening properly. You really need to use an erythritol sweetener for this recipe.
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Can I use a different sweetener?
Substitutions may not work in candies. This is one recipe I do not recommend trying other sweeteners. I have only tested it with my own sweetener blend. I'm not sure if other sweeteners work.
Can I double the recipe?
Feel free to double this recipe if you plan on gifting the pecans. It will take the same amount of time in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Just make sure to use a very large pan if you are cooking them on the stove.
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