These Sugar Free Candied Pecans are the perfect keto friendly snack for those of us with a sweet tooth but trying to cut down on the sugar!
Easy Low Carb Sweet Treats
I try to keep my net carb count and sugar levels below a certain amount each day. (My goal is net carbs of 45, fyi.) I eat lots of veggies and I do like my fruit/protein smoothies on occasion.
While these items are super healthy, they do have carbs and natural sugars, so that means I don’t have a lot of room for added sugars. (I do occasionally indulge, but I try to keep that to a minimum, lol.)
To stay on track when everyone else is enjoying their carb-loaded desserts and treats, I reach for my stash of sugar-free goodies or I might whip up a batch of sugar-free ice cream. (That ice cream <and this ice cream maker> is a lifesaver, lol. At some point, I’ll share my sugar-free ice cream version with you. The recipe needs to be fine-tuned just a bit. It’s made with eggs, lite coconut milk, almond milk, and a few other ingredients. Sometimes it turns out perfectly, other times it’s kind of icy- probably because I just eyeball my ingredients instead of precise measurements, lol).
Sugar-Free Candied Pecans
Today, I want to share one of my favorite treats with you. I love nuts and always have them on hand for snacking, but these candied pecans are amazing as a special sugar-free sweet treat.
I’ve been making them quite often and hubby and I just can’t get enough! (Tomorrow, I’m sharing a non-sugar-free version of these in a buttered pecan ice cream recipe. Be sure to check back for that recipe- it’s unbelievably good and your non-sugar-free family and friends will love it!!)
To make these candied pecans sugar free, I use Swerve. (Swerve is a sugar substitute that is a mix of erythritol and oligosaccharides. This combination works well in baking and will also caramelize.) I don’t know if other sugar substitutes will caramelize, as Swerve is the only one I’ve tried in this recipe.
Ingredients in this Sugar-Free Candied Pecans Recipe
Want to give these Sugar Free Candied Pecans a shot? Here are the ingredients needed:
- 1 cup whole unroasted/natural pecans
- 3 tbs butter
- 4 tbsp Swerve Sweetener
- pinch of salt
- optional: Cinnamon
Yes, that is all it is!
How to Make Sugar Free Candied Pecans
(Scroll down to find the Printable recipe card at the bottom of the post)
- Melt butter in large pan over med-high heat.
- Add swerve and a pinch of salt, stir with a spatula until completely dissolved.
- Add pecans, reduce heat to medium and gently stir/toss pecans until toasted and butter/sugar mixture thickens just a bit. (about 5 minutes.)
- If you like cinnamon, try adding a dash of cinnamon.
- Watch pecans closely they go from being done to burned, very fast.
- Transfer pecans to a plate or parchment paper and let cool.
- Break up pecans and store in an airtight container in the fridge
Want a few more tried and true low carb recipes? See all the low carb recipes I have shared here: Low Carb Recipes
I know everyone has their own opinion on sugar substitutes, but what do you think- is this something you would try?
(FYI, by reducing our sugar/carb intake- I lost 35 lbs and hubby lost 50+ 2 years ago and have managed to keep it off by staying on a mostly low carb way of eating.)
Sugar Free Candied Pecans
- Prep Time: 1
- Cook Time: 6 to 7
- Total Time: 10 minute
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Sugar-Free Candied Pecans are the perfect keto-friendly snack for those of us with a sweet tooth but trying to cut down on the sugar!
Instructions
- Melt butter in large pan over med-high heat.
- Add swerve and stir with spatula until dissolved.
- Add pecans, reduce heat to medium and gently stir/toss pecans until toasted. (about 5 minutes.)
- Watch pecans closely they go from being done to burned, very fast.
- Transfer pecans to a plate and let cool.
- Break up pecans and store in an airtight container in the fridge
Enjoy!
Notes
For a yummy alternative, try adding 1/4 tsp of cinnamon or a smidge of vanilla!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4th of recipe
- Calories: 266
- Fat: 29
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 3
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Edye says
I love pecans! This would be a great snack to bring whenever you’re on the go 🙂
Blessings,
Edye
Jan says
I tried making this today and there is an aftertaste. Is that because of the different sugar
Jamie says
yes, for me it is more of a feeling -like a weird cooling in my mouth when I eat too many. I have heard this affect can be mitigated if you replace some of the swerve with stevia. I have not tried it though.
Brenda says
Use Monkfruit. It doesn’t have the cooling. It comes granulated, brown golden and confectioners.
Jamie Sanders says
Looking forward to trying that.
Ashleigh says
I’m thinking about adding cinnamon to make an awesome fall snack
Jamie says
That does sound good!
Mary says
I added cinnamon and it was delish. Yummmmmy!
Isla Reyne says
add a little vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for the sweet/salty on this to mix it up.
★★★★★
Jeannine says
I love this recipe! I don’t get the “swerve” after taste in these. Recipe calls for 1 Cup, I actually used close to 2 Cups, there was enough mixture for it. I also added cinnamon and cayenne! Sweet with a little heat….yum. I also sprinkled with salt. I will never NOT use cinnamon, very festive! Thanks for the great recipe.
Jamie says
I agree, you could definitely use more than a cup in this recipe. If you on cup, you’ll get more of the crusty, sugary bits. So depends on what you like. I might try with more nuts too next time – to get more bang for my buck.
Anna says
I have never heard of “swerve”! Where can I buy it? I live in Connecticut. Is there a substitute that I can use just in case I can’t find it? I am very anxious to make this.
Thank you for the recipe, as I LOVE sweetened nuts.
Sincerely, Anna
Jamie says
use any sugar substitute that can be used as a “cup for cup” substitute.
Elaine says
I used stevia and mixed half almonds with the pecans. Turned out to be totally delicious
Beth Plaskocinski says
Walmart sells all types of swerve… granulated.. powdered…brown.
Jamie Sanders says
yes, it has become very popular. Still my fave brand of sugar substitute.
Mary says
I completely agree about low carb and feel like this recipe is perfect. I would like a carb count.
Tracy says
I wonder how honey would work? I’ve done honey butter caramels (subbing honey for all sweetener) and man. I could eat them ALL. I love candied pecans, but I’m now allergic to sugar. Allergic. That so stinks. I want to make a snack platter for Easter, I’m feeling these on the board.
Jamie says
It might work!
Olisaada says
Can I use walnuts for this recipe? Thanks
Jamie says
I’m sure they would be great!
Teresa Johnson says
Anyone know that macros on this recipe and/or the serving size? Would be great to have for those on KETO or who track macros.
Mary says
Get MyFitnessPal Ap and it’s easy to calculate macros, fat, etc for any recipe.
Tammy says
Hi, these look great, what are the macros? Thank you
Tammy
Jamie says
You can look them up in my fitness pal
Diana V Hernandez says
I used Honey and Cayenne, but they were too hot for me ! Next time I won’t use it…
Jamie says
Omg, cayenne is way too hot for me too! I do everything mild.
Karen Smith says
Just checked Swerve on Amazon…..34.00 for 12 ounces!!!! Wow
Jamie says
Are you in the US? I just looked and it was about $12 for a 12 oz bag.
Jamie says
And there is also a 2 pack bundle of the granular and confectioners sugar for about $16.50.
Kaci says
I just made these and added cinnamon. They were AMAZING!!
Just warning you, they’re addictive and be prepared for them not to last. My family couldn’t stop eating them.
Jean says
Wonderful…I just made them and can’t stop eating them. Boyfriend, who hates everything Keto I make, loves them.
Gloria says
A great add to my fresh salad.
★★★★★
Megan says
Do you use granular swerve or confection?
Jamie says
you can use either, just make sure you don’t have any hard lumps. The heat will melt it with the butter.
Sharon Carter says
These are awesome. I added a little salt and reduced the butter to 1 tablespoon.
★★★★★
June says
Can you use coconut sugar?
Jamie says
It won’t be sugar free if you use coconut sugar. But it will work and be delicious, I’m sure.
Susan says
Artificial sweeteners upset my tummy…can I use granulated or confectioners super? Can’t wait to try with cinnamon!
Jamie says
Regular sugar works great, Just substitute it cup for cup. Of course, if you use real sugar, this recipe is no longer low carb/sugar free.
Cindy says
I wanted to double the recipe and I only had 1 cup of pecans on hand so I added 1 cup of walnuts. I also added a sprinkle of chili powder along with the cinnamon. So delicious! Great snack!
★★★★★
Jamie says
I’ve added walnuts before, but never chili powder. I might have to try that!
Debbie says
I made this, using brown sugar substitute. Delicious!!
Lasheia says
I only count 1 net carb per 1/4 cup serving which is awesome!! I was expecting a lot more. Such a tasty snack and it hits the spot on keto!
Cheryl says
Just made this. I added cinnamon and sprinkled unsweetened organic coconut over them after spreading the nuts out to cool. Delicious!
★★★★★
Jamie says
Yum!
Cheryle says
Would a butter substitute work?
Jamie says
I assume you are talking about an oil, like coconut? Sounds yummy, but I’ve never tried it. Let us know if you do. I am sure there are others that have the same question
Jenni says
I am looking forward to making these tomorrow. I have made the full-sugar version in the crockpot and they were amazing, so I’m sure I will love these, too. I was wondering if these could be made in the oven after melting butter, mixing with the swerve, tossing with the nuts and then spreading on a baking sheet?
Jamie says
I think they could, just be sure to stir frequently as pecans burn easy.
Pam says
Great receipe! Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Rhonda Christine Greder says
I’m confused about the carb count as swerve has 4 carbs per teaspoon. Please [email protected]
Jamie says
I only count net carbs and subtract sugar alcohols.
Bella Hardy @ Healthnerdy.com says
These sugar free candied pecans look delicious, I just want to devour it off the screen! Thanks for sharing, jamie!
Tracy says
Is it 3 tablespoons butter?
Jamie Sanders says
yes
Steve says
Really tasty. I used walnuts, added a bit of cinnamon and salt to the Swerve. Really hit the spot. Having a few with some sharp white cheddar and a nip of red wine.
★★★★★
Laura says
I wanted to make these in advance for Christmas present so ,how long do you think they will last?