Sugar Free Candied Pecans Recipe (on the stovetop)
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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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Could I use ghee instead of butter? I am dairy-sensitive, I can only tolerate ghee, can’t have coconut oil either…
I’ve not tried that, but I don’t see why not. If you do, let us know how it works out.
Excellent!
★★★★★
Just oh my scrumptious little snack. Recipe is perfect.
★★★★★
These were absolutely wonderful! Thanks for the great recipe!
★★★★★
Have made these so many times!! So good, Also made with walnuts and sliced almonds! So tasty!!!!!
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
I made these and they were so good. The next batch I made I added a tbsp of 100% cacao powder and made chocolate pecans. Gonna try this on almonds next for a great sweet keto treat. Thank you!
★★★★★
Wonderful…I just made them and can’t stop eating them. Boyfriend, who hates everything Keto I make, loves them.
★★★★★
Added 1 tbsp of cocoa powder and made with vegan butter. It’s delicious
★★★★★
I wanted to make these in advance for Christmas present so ,how long do you think they will last?
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.
★★★★★
Is it 3 tablespoons butter?
yes
These sugar free candied pecans look delicious, I just want to devour it off the screen! Thanks for sharing, jamie!
Yummy!
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
I’m confused about the carb count as swerve has 4 carbs per teaspoon. Please help@
I only count net carbs and subtract sugar alcohols.
Great receipe! Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
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?
I think they could, just be sure to stir frequently as pecans burn easy.
Would a butter substitute work?
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
Just made this. I added cinnamon and sprinkled unsweetened organic coconut over them after spreading the nuts out to cool. Delicious!
★★★★★
Yum!
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!
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!
★★★★★
I’ve added walnuts before, but never chili powder. I might have to try that!
Artificial sweeteners upset my tummy…can I use granulated or confectioners super? Can’t wait to try with cinnamon!
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.
Can you use coconut sugar?
It won’t be sugar free if you use coconut sugar. But it will work and be delicious, I’m sure.
These are awesome. I added a little salt and reduced the butter to 1 tablespoon.
★★★★★
Do you use granular swerve or confection?
you can use either, just make sure you don’t have any hard lumps. The heat will melt it with the butter.
A great add to my fresh salad.
★★★★★
Just checked Swerve on Amazon…..34.00 for 12 ounces!!!! Wow
Are you in the US? I just looked and it was about $12 for a 12 oz bag.
And there is also a 2 pack bundle of the granular and confectioners sugar for about $16.50.
I used Honey and Cayenne, but they were too hot for me ! Next time I won’t use it…
Omg, cayenne is way too hot for me too! I do everything mild.
Hi, these look great, what are the macros? Thank you
Tammy
You can look them up in my fitness pal
I made this, using brown sugar substitute. Delicious!!
★★★★★
But brown sugar is not Keto friendly?
I am fairly sure she used a brown sugar substitute. This is the one I use: https://amzn.to/3siikct
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.
Get MyFitnessPal Ap and it’s easy to calculate macros, fat, etc for any recipe.
Can I use walnuts for this recipe? Thanks
I’m sure they would be great!
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.
It might work!
I completely agree about low carb and feel like this recipe is perfect. I would like a carb count.
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
use any sugar substitute that can be used as a “cup for cup” substitute.
I used stevia and mixed half almonds with the pecans. Turned out to be totally delicious
Walmart sells all types of swerve… granulated.. powdered…brown.
yes, it has become very popular. Still my fave brand of sugar substitute.
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.
I’m thinking about adding cinnamon to make an awesome fall snack
That does sound good!
I added cinnamon and it was delish. Yummmmmy!
add a little vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for the sweet/salty on this to mix it up.
★★★★★
I love pecans! This would be a great snack to bring whenever you’re on the go 🙂
Blessings,
Edye
I tried making this today and there is an aftertaste. Is that because of the different sugar
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.
Use Monkfruit. It doesn’t have the cooling. It comes granulated, brown golden and confectioners.
Looking forward to trying that.