KETO CANDIED PECANS

Yield: 2 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Intensity: Easy
Dietary Info: Keto, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegetarian

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw pecan halves

• 1 large egg white

• 1/3 cup powdered erythritol (or allulose for a less “cooling” taste)

• 1 tablespoon granulated monk fruit sweetener (or additional erythritol)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more for sprinkling

• 1 pinch cream of tartar (optional, helps stabilize the egg white)

Equipment:

• Medium mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Rubber spatula

• Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat

• Rimmed baking sheet

• Cooling rack

Instructions:

1. Prep and Preheat.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This is crucial, as the sweetener coating can stick.

2. Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended).
For maximum flavor, spread the raw pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning. Let cool for a few minutes. This step deepens the nutty flavor.

3. Create the Coating.
In your medium mixing bowl, combine the egg white, vanilla extract, and cream of tartar (if using). Whisk vigorously for 30-60 seconds until the mixture is frothy and slightly increased in volume. You don’t need stiff peaks, just a good froth. This helps the coating adhere.

4. Sweeten and Spice.
Add the powdered erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt to the egg white froth. Whisk until a thick, spiced syrup forms.

5. Coat the Pecans.
Add the (slightly cooled) toasted pecans to the bowl. Use a rubber spatula to fold and stir until every pecan is thoroughly and evenly coated with the sweet, cinnamony mixture.

6. Bake to Perfection.
Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on your lined baking sheet. Separate them as much as possible. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

• At 15 minutes: The coating will be set but may still feel a bit tacky.

• At 20 minutes: The pecans will be darker, very fragrant, and the coating will be dry to the touch.
  For a crispier texture, turn the oven off, crack the door open, and let the pecans cool inside for 1 hour.

7. Cool and Crisp.
Immediately upon removing from the oven, sprinkle lightly with a few flakes of extra sea salt. Let the pecans cool completely on the baking sheet on a cooling rack. As they cool, the coating will harden into that perfect candied shell. Do not touch them while warm, as the coating will be soft.

8. Serve and Store.
Once completely cool, break apart any large clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Chef’s Notes & Tips:

• Sweetener Choice: Powdered erythritol is ideal for a powdered-sugar-like coating. If you only have granular, pulse it in a clean coffee grinder or blender until powdery. Allulose will create a more traditional, slightly softer caramel coating and doesn’t recrystallize.

• Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even a cayenne pepper kick for a sweet-and-spicy version.

• Clump Factor: Don’t worry if they stick together a bit out of the oven. They will easily break apart once fully cooled and hardened.

• The Salt Finish: Don’t skip the final sea salt sprinkle! It perfectly balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Nutritional Information (Per 1/4 cup serving):

• Calories: 180

• Total Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 1.5g

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Sodium: 85mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 6g

• Dietary Fiber: 3g

• Sugars: 1g (natural from pecans)

• Sugar Alcohols (Erythritol): 8g

• Net Carbs: 3g

• Protein: 3g

Nutritional information is an estimate calculated using a recipe nutrition analyzer and will vary based on specific brands of ingredients used. Sugar alcohol grams are not included in net carb count as they generally do not impact blood sugar.

Serving Suggestions:

• Snack: Enjoy a handful straight from the jar.

• Salad: Elevate a simple spinach, goat cheese, and berry salad.

• Breakfast: Sprinkle over keto yogurt or chia pudding.

• Dessert: Serve with a cheese plate or crumble over low-carb ice cream.

• Gift Idea: Package in a decorative jar for a thoughtful, health-conscious homemade gift.

Conclusion:

With minimal effort and pantry-friendly keto ingredients, you can create a snack that feels decadent but aligns perfectly with your macros. These Keto Candied Pecans are proof that living a low-carb lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun. They’re crunchy, sweet, salty, and endlessly versatile. Give this easy recipe a try—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!

Hayyat

Hayyat is a talented content writer and digital marketer with expertise in SEO, social media management, and online marketing. She excels at creating impactful, data-driven content to help businesses connect with their target audience and achieve measurable outcomes.