Last Updated on October 11, 2021 by Anne-Marie
Try this Candied Pecans Recipe to sprinkle on salad, as a snack, or in baking. These easy candied pecans are sugar-free.
Why this recipe works
You can use these candied pecans in so many ways! Use these sugar free, candied pecans in salad. Or serve them in pretty bowls as party appetizers.
Add these easy candied pecans to your favorite trail mix or in homemade granola.
They're ideal for anyone on a keto diet as a sugar free snack. They're also gluten free and dairy free.
Or chop them up and use the candied pecans in pancakes, waffles, easy breads, muffins, or sprinkled on yogurt.
Try mixing pieces of the spicy candied pecans into popcorn as a yummy snack on your next family movie night.
How to make sugar free candied pecans
This sugar free candied pecans recipe was inspired by one from Hobo Kitchen as part of a food blogger recipe challenge where we redo other blogger’s recipes. (With permission of course!)
I’m a big admirer of Ellie’s blog as I love her writing style and her recipes, especially her Bahamian ones. (She’s originally from the Bahamas.)
I wanted to make her Candied Pecans recipe, but decided to challenge myself by creating a sugar free version.
I used Swerve Sweetener to make this easy candied pecans recipe sugar free and keto friendly. You can also use monk fruit powder. Both Swerve and monk fruit powder are natural, no calorie sweeteners.
Making a candied pecans recipe three ways
Ellie’s candied pecan recipe is based on one from Joy The Baker. Both use ground cayenne pepper to give the candied pecans a little kick.
I decide to use ground chipotle chile pepper in my spicy candied pecans instead.
Then I was inspired to change up the flavors a bit by using ground ginger in one candied pecans recipe batch and pumpkin pie spice in another.
When making your own easy candied pecans, experiment with other spice combinations – cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom with a pinch of turmeric.
I used liquid egg whites because I find it easier to measure accurately. Plus, you’re not wondering what to do with the extra yolks afterwards.
Also, if you’re experimenting with various spices, you can safely taste the batter since liquid egg whites are pasteurized.
Finally, I like using a KitchenAid Hand Mixer since it makes beating the egg whites until frothy much easier than putting the mixture into my big KitchenAid stand mixer.
I like the control the hand mixer gives me and I don’t have to drag the heavy stand mixer out.
More ideas for easy candied pecans
I love cooking up this candied pecans recipe during the holidays to give as a homemade gift.
Put handfuls in a big Mason jar wrapped with a big ribbon or bow on top. Makes the house smell great, too!
This candied pecan recipe so easy that your children can help you make a few batches for teachers gifts.
How to serve candied pecans
Chopped up candied pecans to sprinkle on savory holiday dishes like Crock-Pot Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Parsnips. Or mix them into your Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce.
How about using them in the streusel topping in my Blueberry Muffin Cake. Or mix them into your Homemade Granola Bars?
And don’t forget adding them into your holiday baking!
Candied Pecans Recipe
Try this Candied Pecans Recipe to sprinkle on salad, as a snack, or in baking. These easy candied pecans are sugar-free.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons pasteurized liquid egg whites
- 1 cup granulated Swerve Sweetener or powdered monk fruit sweetener
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle chile pepper (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or pumpkin pie spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups raw pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy.
- Add sweetener, spices, and salt. Whisk the mixture until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Add the pecans and gently toss to coat with a large spoon or spatula.
- Once coated, spoon the pecans onto the parchment paper. Spread pecans evenly over the baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes until pecans are toasted a golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely so the Swerve Sweetener hardens.
- Remove pecans from the baking sheet and break up clusters into individual pieces, if you wish. If you’re not using the candied pecans right away, store in a ziplock baggie or airtight container in the freezer.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 401Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 33gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 366mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 6gSugar: 8gProtein: 6g
Nutritional information is automatically calculated per the ingredients list. Serving size may not be accurate. Please double-check with your preferred nutritional app for the most accurate information.
Originally published on March 7, 2014 and June 22, 2016. Updated with new pictures and information.
Can I use truvia or stevia instead of swerve?
Misti, I think any stevia or monk fruit product would work just as well as Swerve. However, I find that stevia can have a slightly bitter after taste, so I’d choose monk fruit over it.
Thank you so much
I’m on a 30 day no sugar lifestyle right now and this would be perfect treat after a long day! Thank you so much for linking it up to the Be.You.Tiful Link Party!
Love candied pecans! How great to have a sugar free version.
Who knew you could make candied pecans sugar free?? That’s great! Awesome choice.
Looks like a perfect little guiltless snack! Absolute perfection!
I love that you took one of my guilty pleasures and made it not so guilty! I also love that I had your blog this month – so many great recipes that I am still planning on trying.
I love the sweet and spiciness of this treat…. I’m new to SRC this month…. fun group!
Wow, a sugar free version? Yes, ma’am. These sound fantastic–all the flavors!
I love adding candied nuts to salads, never thought to replace sugar, thanks for the idea and great SRC post.
Ooh these look divine, I love that it is sugar free, what a great holiday treat!