I love making sugar free candied pecans because they're quick, sweet, and crunchy without any of the carbs or sugar crashes. They're perfect for holiday gifts, salads, or snacking straight from the pan.

You'll love this recipe because it's easy, keto-friendly, and made in just 10 minutes on the stovetop. With only four ingredients, these pecans have that classic candied flavor and crunch without using real sugar.

Plus, they're low carb, gluten free, vegetarian, and could even be vegan and dairy-free with a butter substitute.

Things to Know Before Making Sugar Free Candied Pecans

• Stir constantly since the butter and sweetener mixture can burn quickly.
• Monk fruit or erythritol (like Lakanto Golden or Swerve Brown) works best for that caramel flavor.
• A nonstick or stainless steel skillet both work well, just keep the heat on medium-low.
• Let the pecans cool before eating - the coating hardens as it sets, giving that perfect candied texture.

I've been creating easy keto and high protein recipes since 2018, and this one has become a household staple (and my husband's favorite late-night snack). Whether you call them keto pralines or candied pecans, they're delicious.

If you love these, try my Air Fryer Kale Chips, Microwave Pepperoni Chips, or Zucchini Parmesan Chips next.

Ingredients Overview

• Pecan halves: Naturally buttery and low carb. You can use roasted or raw, but roasted pecans give extra flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the sweetener melt into that glossy coating.
• Lakanta Monkfruit Golden or Swerve Erythritol Brown: The secret to that classic caramel flavor - all the sweetness without the sugar.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavor.

Note: Full ingredient amounts are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Sugar Free Candied Pecans

Step 1: Preheat a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely.

Step 2: Add the pecans, sweetener, and a pinch of salt. Stir well so each pecan gets coated in the mixture.

Step 3: Continue stirring constantly until the sweetener has melted and the pecans are lightly toasted. This should take about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Spread the pecans on parchment paper to cool. The coating will harden as it sits, creating that crisp, candy-like finish. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a spiced version.
• Mix in melted sugar-free chocolate once cooled for a dessert twist.
• Add a splash of bourbon or even bacon for even more flavor.
• Replace butter with coconut oil to make it dairy-free.

What to Serve with Sugar Free Candied Pecans

These keto pecans are perfect on their own, but they're also great sprinkled over salads, yogurt, as a topping for low carb cheesecakes, or over roasted veggies.

Try adding them to a beet and feta salad, swapping the sunflower seeds for these pecans in a keto broccoli salad, or adding them to a healthy charcuterie board.

Storage and Freezing

Store cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months and let them come to room temperature before eating. They'll stay crisp and sweet.

FAQ

Are pecans low carb?

Pecans are considered one of the lowest carb nuts, being that they only have 1 net carb per 1 ounce serving (about 20 pecans).

Are candied pecans keto?

Yes! Traditional candied pecans are loaded with sugar, but this version uses monk fruit or erythritol for a keto-friendly treat.

What Kind of Pecans to Use?

For this batch, we used roasted and salted pecan halves, which worked perfectly as a crunchy salad topper. If you're serving these as a snack or holiday treat, whole pecans look a little more polished and uniform.

You can also use raw or unsalted pecans and adjust the salt at the end to balance the flavor.

Why are my candied pecans sticky?

They probably didn't cook long enough. Continue stirring until the coating thickens and looks glossy before removing from heat.

What Other Types of Nuts Work?

You can also use walnuts, macadamia nuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size of the nuts.

More Low Carb Snacks

• Parmesan Crisps
• Keto Cheese Crackers
• Keto Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks
• Stuffed Celery with Cream Cheese
• Low Carb Ham Pickle Roll Ups
• Air Fryer Pepperoni Chips

You can also check out or favorite Keto Snacks On the Go and Keto Snacks to Buy.

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