Keto Candied Pecans {Cinnamon or Pumpkin Spice}
This quick and easy recipe makes Keto Candied Pecans in a snap! This recipe is so versatile you can change it up by using different spices to make candied cinnamon pecans or pecan spice candied pecans.
Keto Candied Pecans (Two Ways – Cinnamon or Pecan Spice)
Two years ago, a friend of mine, who was also following keto, posted a recipe for candied pecans that she had created. I immediately messaged her and asked if I could post her recipe on my blog because they looked amazing. I have included her recipe in this post for Keto cinnamon pecans and another variation with Pumpkin Spice Pie spice.
With the holidays quickly approaching, having a yummy crunchy snack on hand could help us all stay on track. This keto candied pecans recipe reminds me of the pecans I used to buy at the mall. You know the ones, they smell so amazing you walk around almost in a daze trying to find them? Yes! These are that good, and they are keto-friendly and low carb. My entire house smells amazing!
The Pumpkin Spice Candied Keto Pecans are perfect for Thanksgiving, while the Cinnamon Candied Sugar-Free Pecans make a fantastic keto Christmas treat.
Ingredients for Sugar-Free Candied Pecans Recipe:
- Pecans — I chose to use pecans because candied pecans are a delicious holiday treat. If you’d prefer to use another nut (either because of a preference or allergy), you definitely can!
- Lakanto Monk fruit Classic — This keto sweetener adds a sweet touch to this recipe. Feel free to use Swerve granulated if you prefer!
- Pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon — Whether you want pumpkin or cinnamon pecans, choose the spice that suits your tastes. You could even add a bit of both for extra fall flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream and butter — These ingredients add extra richness to the pecans.
- Salt and vanilla extract — Salt and vanilla enhance the flavor of both variations in this recipe. Don’t skip them!
How to make keto roasted pecans:
Step 1: Start by covering a baking sheet with parchment paper to roast the pecans before coating them in the sugar-free candied mixture.
Step 2: Heat the butter, sweetener, and heavy cream over medium heat. Whisk then continue to cook until it reaches a nice golden color before adding the remaining butter and spices.
Step 3: Once the mixture is a golden brown, add the remaining butter, spices (either cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice), and vanilla extract.
Tip: I always use pure vanilla extract in all of my recipes instead of imitation vanilla as I feel like it adds more flavor. It’s a bit more expensive, but I find that the flavor is worth it.
Step 4: Once you’ve stirred the mixture until smooth, add in the pecans and salt. Spread them onto parchment or wax paper and break them apart as needed!
Are Pecans Keto-Friendly?
Pecans are perfect for the keto diet with a fantastic nutritional profile as they are very low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats with protein and fiber. I love snacking on nuts on the keto diet since they all work well with my macros.
How to Make Candied Pecans Keto Friendly?
It is so simple to transform many recipes so that they are keto-friendly. In this recipe, I replaced the brown sugar with a keto-friendly substitute. By doing so, the net carbs were greatly reduced, making keto cinnamon pecans or keto pumpkin spice pecans sugar-free. I included both recipes below in the recipe card.
Are Low Carb Cinnamon Pecans Gluten-Free?
All the ingredients I used in my kitchen to make these low-carb cinnamon pecans were gluten-free. However, I always suggest checking the labels of the ingredients you use in your kitchen, as I understand that gluten allergies and sensitivities can be severe. Whether you have an allergy in the family, it’s always a good idea to make sure you know what your family is eating!
Why Roast Pecans?
Roasting the pecans first helps to bring out the incredible flavor and a crispier texture. It’s a must for any recipe that involves nuts. If your pecans burn in the oven, be sure to start over as the burnt flavor will interfere with the rest of the recipe.
Variations to this Recipe
- Instead of pecans use almonds or walnuts.
- Use golden Lakanto Monkfruit for a more robust flavor
- Change up the spices to other favorite flavors
- Add a little sugar-free maple syrup to make keto maple pecans
How Do You Store Candied Low Carb Pecans?
Make sure to cool the low-carb candied pecans first. Afterward, they can then be stored either in the fridge or in the pantry as long as they are in an airtight container. They will last for a couple of weeks if stored properly.
Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
I have tested this recipe for Low Carb Candied Pecans with both Swerve and Lakanto Monkfruit. In the Pumpkin Spice, keto pecans, either Swerve Granular or Lakanto Monkfruit Classic will work. For the Cinnamon Candied Pecans, either Swerve Brown or Lakanto Monkfruit Golden can be used. Both brands of sweeteners are interchangeable.
How to enjoy these pecans:
- As a snack
- Add to a delicious leafy garden salad
- Make a gorgeous homemade holiday gift by placing the keto candied pecans in jars with a nice bow.
More Keto Dessert Recipes:
- Keto Easy Chocolate Almond Bark Recipe
- Best Keto Macadamia Nut Bites
- Keto Cracker Toffee Recipe
- Keto Gingersnap Cookies
How to Make Cinnamon Candied Keto Pecans:
Keto Candied Pecans
Ingredients
Pecan Spice Candied Pecans:
- 2 1/2 cups pecans
- 2 1/2 tbsp butter divided
- 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp Lakanto Monkfruit Classic
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- salt to flavor
Cinnamon Spice Candied Keto Pecans:
- 2 ½ cups pecans
- 2 ½ tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp Lakanto monkfruit golden
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla
- salt to flavor
Instructions
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Candied Keto Pecans`
- Roast pecans on parchment paper for 7 minutes in a 350-degree oven while you are making the coating.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of the butter, 2 tablespoons of sweetener, and 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream over medium heat, and stir until Lakanto Monkfruit Classic is dissolved.
- Cook continuously stirring until it turns a deep golden brown color.
- As soon as it reaches a deep color and begins to thicken (right before burning). Add the additional 1/2 tablespoon of butter, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla.
- Stir until smooth.
- Add salt and roasted pecans.
- Spread pecans onto parchment or wax paper.
- Refrigerate until firm, then break apart if needed.
How to Make Cinnamon Spice Candied Keto Pecans:
- Roast pecans on parchment paper for 7 minutes in a 350-degree oven while you are making the coating.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of the butter, 2 tablespoons of sweetener, and 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream over medium heat and stir until Lakanto Monkfruit Golden is dissolved.
- Cook continuously stirring until it turns a deep golden brown color.
- As soon as it reaches a deep color and begins to thicken (right before burning). Add the additional 1/2 tablespoon of butter, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Stir until smooth.
- Add salt and roasted pecans.
- Spread pecans onto parchment or wax paper.
- Refrigerate until firm, then break apart if needed.
Video
Notes
- This recipe makes 10 servings divided evenly.
- The sugar alcohols in the Lakanto Monkfruit are not included in the nutritional information as most subtract to calculate net carbs.
Nutrition
You can check out all of my keto recipes in my keto recipe index.
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These look delicious! Do you have to keep them refrigerated after they’ve firmed up?
I kept mine in the fridge although I’m not sure if it’s necessary,
I didn’t. They were fine.
No they don’t. They never last long enough at my house to worry about it. LOL
How long did you roast the pecans?
Just a few minutes. I didn’t time it, but they were done before the sauce.
These are amazing . A family favorite. I roast the pecans about 8 minutes @ 350 until they release their fragrance
Awesome! So glad you love them.
I had pecan halves and roasted 6min. They were starting to burn. Can’t wait for these to be ready. The house smells amazing right now. ?
I hope you enjoyed them.
Looks great! Soaking the pecans in salt water a few hours before hand really makes them crunchier and easier to digest 🙂 Yes they will need to dry out for a few hours in the oven or dehydrator, but it is worth it. For more info just google “why soak nuts” and read all about it!
I’ve never heard that before. Thanks so much. I”ll have to try that.
What’s the serving size? Or can you eat an unlimited amount while on the keto diet? Sorry I’m new to this keto and I’m so confused on some things lol
It is up to you how much you eat. I would not recommend eating an unlimited amount.
A little confused with the amount of butter? Calls for 2 1/2 tbsp divided, instructions use a total of 3 tbsp? Thank you
Thanks for the heads up. The recipe has been corrected.
Can you provide a break down of nutrition info? I input my numbers into My Fitness Pal same as you, but have different numbers. Based on what I can see you did not add Swerve on your ingredient list on MFP because total carbs would be over 5 per serving of 12 servings. Also our calories do not add up either. You also have 2.2 of fiber and I have no idea where that came from as I only show 0.2 if you take swerve out of the ingredient list.
Mine looks like this (with every ingredient used)
12 servings, 200 calories, 5.8 total carb, 20.6 fat, 1.9 protein, NET carb 3.5
No matter which way I try to rearrage the measurements I cant match such a low net carb.
Nutritional breakdown is on the recipe card.
MFP does not take into account sugar alcohol. You deduct the sugar alcohol(ie swerve) from the carb count.
I just made then and they are delicious. I toasted pecan halves for 6 min in 350 degree oven. Yummy! Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed!
If making with Cinnamon instead of pumpkin pie spice do you still use 2 teaspoons? can not wait to try
Hey, Melissa, I haven’t tried so you would just have to try it and see how it comes out. Let me know how it turns out.
Super easy to make and a great snack!!
Can I use monkfruit instead of Swerve? And is it a 1:1 substitution? Thanks!
Sure and it is a 1:1 substitution.
Thank You!!
Hey, great recipe! I can’t wait to try it. I am wondering how do we get 12 4th cup servings out of 2 1/2 cups.
The nutritional information has been updated. Thank you.
Tried this recipe loved it
I’m so glad you loved it!
These are delicious! A nice treat when eating nuts instead of eating something super sweet and regretting it later! Thank you!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you love them!
I want to try the cinnamon ones – but the recipe doesn’t say how much cinnamon to use…??
Look at the recipe card at the bottom of the post. It shows both recipes for the pumpkin spice then the cinnamon ones.