Keto Candied Pecans

64 comments

5 from 426 votes
Jump to RecipeJump to Video

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

These keto candied pecans are sweet, crunchy, and totally guilt-free, with just 1 gram of net carbs per serving. You can even make them on the stovetop, oven, or slow cooker!

keto candied pecans.

Having a snack throughout the day is the only way I can stay on track, especially when I’m going keto. 

Que, keto snacks. Right now, we’re loving energy balls, zucchini chips, and candied pecans. Not only do they remind me of growing up, but they’re perfect for sharing. 

These candied pecans are perfectly sweetened with sugar-free sweeteners and vanilla. A dash of warm cinnamon adds an essential spiced flavor that’s truly unbeatable. 

Table of Contents
  1. Recipe highlights
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make keto candied pecans
  4. Alternative cooking methods
  5. Recipe tips and variations
  6. Storage instructions
  7. Frequently asked questions
  8. More keto snack recipes to try
  9. Keto Candied Pecans (Recipe Card)

Recipe highlights

  • 4 key ingredients. Just pecans, sweeteners, cinnamon, and vanilla. 
  • 3 cooking methods. You can make these candied nuts on the stovetop, in the oven, or in your slow cooker. 
  • Perfect texture and flavor. The nuts turn out crispy and sweet, with just a touch of cinnamon-spiced flavor. The delicate sweet yet salty combination makes them addictive. 

What we love about this recipe is how easy it is to make in bulk! Like keto trail mix, you can make a double-batch with little added prep time and have them on hand for weeks to come. I always try to keep our house stocked. You know, just in case of a snacking emergency.

Ingredients needed

Just 4 key ingredients (plus water) are all you’ll need to make these addictive keto candied pecans. 

  • Sugar substitute. I used allulose because it dissolves exactly like sugar, which is key for getting the proper texture. It also has no unpleasant aftertaste. If you’re not on a keto diet, regular sugar or brown sugar can be used instead. 
  • Water. Just enough to dissolve the sweetener. 
  • Vanilla extract. Use pure vanilla for a little flavor boost.
  • Cinnamon. I think this warming spice complements the pecans perfectly, though you could skip it if desired. 
  • Raw pecans. I’m using raw pecans specifically because they’ll cook during the candy process. You can use either whole pecans, pecan halves, or a combination.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How to make keto candied pecans

Step 1- Combine the candy coating. Heat a large pan or skillet on medium heat. When hot, add 1 cup of granulated sweetener, water, and vanilla extract. Mix to combine and continue to heat while stirring occasionally. 

Step 2- Add pecans. When the sweetener has melted, fold in the pecans. Continue stirring occasionally until the sweetener fully coats the pecans and begins to crystalize. Turn off the heat. 

Step 3- Cool the pecans. Remove the nuts from the stove and allow to sit for 2-3 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break apart the pecans before they crystalize together. 

Step 4- Coat in sweetener. Once cooled, toss the pecans in with the remaining half cup of granulated sweetener and cinnamon.

A close up shot of a sugar free candied pecan.

Alternative cooking methods

Now, I know not everyone wants to be as hands-on with the cooking process, so of course, I’ve tested this recipe in the oven and slow cooker. Here’s how to do it:

In the oven: You’ll need to coat the pecans in egg whites to help get the necessary caramelization. Start by preheating the oven to 250F. Whip an egg white and add it, along with the rest of the ingredients, to a large bowl. Mix to combine, then transfer the nuts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 1 hour or until crisp. Stir the nuts 1-2 times as they’re baking. 

In the slow cooker: Place all of the ingredients in a slow cooker. Stir to combine, then put the lid on and slow cook on low for 3 hours. Stir occasionally. When the time’s up, transfer them to a bowl and add the extra allulose and cinnamon. 

Recipe tips and variations

  • Use a baking sheet. Transfer the nuts from the stovetop to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so they cool quicker and are easier to break apart. 
  • Switch up the spices. As much as I love cinnamon, there are other spices you can use instead, like pumpkin spice, nutmeg, ground ginger, chipotle powder, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Swap water for unsalted butter. I’ll admit, I mostly reserve this hack for the holidays when I want to make extra decadent candied nuts. And boy, does it work!
  • Use other types of nuts. If you don’t have enough pecans for this recipe, fear not! Use whatever nuts you have on hand, like walnuts, almonds, or Brazil nuts. 

Storage instructions

To store: Place leftover keto nuts in an airtight container for 2 weeks or longer. Keep them in a cool and dry place to prevent the nuts from getting sticky. 

To freeze: Candied pecans can be stored in a freezer-safe container and kept frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight on the counter before enjoying. 

Sugar Free Candied Pecans in a skillet.

Frequently asked questions

Are pecans okay to eat on a keto diet?

Absolutely! Pecans are a nutrient-dense snack that’s great for a keto diet since one serving has just 1 net gram of carbs. 

Why are my candied pecans chewy?

Your candied pecans may be chewy if you don’t use the proper sweetener. I prefer allulose because it behaves the most like traditional sugar. 

More keto snack recipes to try

  • Keto crackers– My favorite low-carb crackers for dipping and random munching. 
  • Chocolate coconut cups– If you love chocolate and coconut, this ticks all the boxes.
  • Pasta chips– High-protein, low-carb twist on the viral TikTok recipe.
  • Chicharrones– Crunchy, salty, and seriously addictive. 
  • Keto fat bombs– An easy no-bake treat with over 10 flavor combinations!
Stovetop sugar free candied pecans in a skillet.
Sugar Free Keto Candied Pecans are your easy 5-minute holiday dessert or snack recipe made stovetop or skillet- 100% sugar free, low carb and paleo and vegan- The healthy candied pecan recipe! #keto #paleo #Thanksgiving #Christmas #candiedpecans #skilletpecans #candiednuts #sugarfree

Keto Candied Pecans

5 from 426 votes
These keto candied pecans are sweet, crunchy, and totally guilt-free, with just 1 gram of net carbs per serving. You can even make them on the stovetop, oven, or slow cooker!
Servings: 16 Servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 1 minute
Total: 6 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Heat a large pan or skillet on medium heat. 
  • When hot, add 1 cup of your granulated sweetener, water, and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined. Allow to heat up, stirring occasionally.
  • When the sweetener has completely melted, add your pecans. Start to mix around the pecans in the liquid mixture, ensuring each nut is evenly coated. Continue stirring occasionally, until the sweetener begins to crystallize on the pecans. Turn heat off. 
  • Remove the pan from the stove and allow to sit for 2-3 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break apart the pecans before they crystallize together. 
  • Once cooled, toss with the remaining half cup of granulated sweetener and cinnamon and cover in a sealed container. 

Notes

TO STORE. Place leftover keto nuts in an airtight container for 2 weeks or longer. Keep them in a cool and dry place to prevent the nuts from getting sticky. 
TO FREEZE. Candied pecans can be stored in a freezer-safe container and kept frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight on the counter before enjoying. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 2gFat: 15gFiber: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 0.8mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mgNET CARBS: 1g
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Recipe originally published December 2016 but updated to include new information for your benefit.

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

You May Also Like

5 from 426 votes (412 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is very similar to my recipe. I like a sweet heat pecan, so I add some cayenne pepper. So good. We like them on chicken salad sandwiches.

  2. 5 stars
    Thank you SO MUCH for this recipe! I love candied pecans, and these hit the spot. I used a mix of baking stevia and sucralose, as I didn’t have monk fruit. The nuts were a bit soggy after being in the liquid, so after stirring them in the coating, I left them in a 200 oven for 20 minutes to dry out. Monk fruit may produce a different result. The only significant change I made was to add 1 tsp of salt to the coating mixture. For me it dramatically improves the flavor, but then I love salty treats!

  3. 5 stars
    Reading through the comments…some of the people are ignorant af. Lol. Anyway, amazing recipe! I’ve been craving pralines and this was totally what I needed! Thank you so much.

  4. I make mine by powdering the sweetener in the thermie (or buying it powdered) and I toss my nuts in one egg white that has been beaten until fluffy and add the sweetener (bit less than this recipe) and cinnamon and cardamom and a pinch sea salt then bake on a tray lined with parchment in a low oven until turning golden. Super crunchy and sweet spicy goodness. I have a bowl of these out at Christmas for everyone to share and have often given them in jars as gifts as they keep well.

  5. 5 stars
    How easy was this!!! After reading reviews with suggestions, I decided to half the recipe as a trial. I put all the sweetener in with the water & vanilla to make the syrup. As it heated up, I added a pinch of kosher salt and a dab of butter. Had to heat it up pretty good to get sweetener to melt, but when I added the pecans I turned the heat off. They started to harden and I put them on parchment. OMG I cannot believe what delectable little treats they are!! Thank you so much, Arman!

  6. Easy- and SO GOOD! Hit the spot. Thank you for sharing this! I am keto and I do what I gotta do- the sugar substitutes are typically “ok” or “meh” but THIS- I really didn’t mind this at all! I had some sugar mixture left over so I made a small batch with salted cashews and added a little butter- my non-keto, fake sugar hating hubby is Loving them!

  7. 5 stars
    Perfect. I cheated just a little and added a teaspoon of butter but it is still Keto friendly. Arman you are making my journey a little easier travel. I also follow you on IG!

  8. So the base on this recipe is good but it’s way too sweet. I love sweet things and am a sugar addict and I would probably cut the water to a little under 1/4 cup and only use the sugar in the water. I probably wouldn’t hit them with the sugar afterwards. I also would back the cinnamon down to half of what the recipe calls for if that. Wish a few little tweaks this could be amazing.

    1. Hi Brandon! Sorry to hear that, I think sweetness levels can differ and also some brands are super sweet! Let me know how it goes with the tweaks!

  9. I used monk fruit sweetener and they never carmelized. The liquid turned dark dark brown and I’m afraid I burnt them! What did I do wrong???

    1. It can happen if you use a brand that has mixed blends of sweetness. Try another brand and see if that works

  10. I made the walnuts with tagatosa but it never crystallized, it was sticky. what is the best sweetener for this recipe

  11. Is Monk Fruit In The Raw the Sweetener you used in this recipe? And if so, is it really Granulated like real sugar or is it a Powder?

    1. Has anyone used Splenda or Splenda brown sugar? this recipe looks amazing! sorry if this question was asked already. 😁

  12. I used frozen pecans and the finished pecans were a bit soft. Is that the way they are supposed to be or did the frozen pecans make them softer?

  13. 5 stars
    I used Truvia the first time I tried these, and they were way too sweet for my taste. This time, I used half cup of Swerve brown sugar and a quarter cup of Truvia. I also added a little sea salt after removing from the heat, and i tossed only in the cinnamon.

    1. 5 stars
      I took my eye off them and burned them. Still gave 5 stars, cause I’m totally gonna try these again,
      I’m no quitter!

  14. Can you use this recipe with cashews too? Myself I just love pecans but my father in law loves cashews. Do you think this would work?

      1. Thank you. I just made them using Swerve today and they are amazing! Thank you for the fantastic recipes!

  15. When my mother and I would go to Trader Joe’s, our favorite items were the honey sesame almonds and the candied pecans! We’d snack them on the way back home and end up with empty bags of nuts after we arrived! Can’t blame us, eh? These candied pecans look wonderful for topping off any dessert or salad, but not gonna lie, I think most of us would take a crack at them BEFORE we’d do any of that! They probably are just that irresistible.