Keto Caramel Pecans Recipe

Keto Caramel Pecans Recipe

Rich, buttery caramel coating over toasted pecans — without all the sugar. This easy keto treat is crunchy, sweet, and satisfying, perfect for snacking, gifting, or sprinkling over your favorite desserts.

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Why This Recipe Works for Keto, Low-Carb, and Gluten-Free Lifestyles

• Keto-friendly: Uses Keystone Pantry Allulose instead of sugar, keeping carbs minimal while still delivering that classic caramel taste.

• Low-carb: Pecans are naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making them a perfect snack for blood sugar stability.

• Gluten-free: No flour or gluten-containing ingredients — a naturally safe indulgence for gluten-free eaters.

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Ingredients & Why We Use Them

2 cups raw pecan halves

• Purpose: Pecans are the star — buttery, crunchy, and naturally rich in flavor.

• Keto benefit: Low in net carbs (about 1 net carb per ounce) and high in monounsaturated fats, which help keep you full.

• Gluten-free: Pecans are naturally gluten-free.

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1 cup Keystone Pantry Allulose

• Purpose: Sweetens the caramel without spiking blood sugar. Allulose also caramelizes beautifully like sugar, giving a deep, rich flavor.

• Keto benefit: Allulose is a rare sugar that the body doesn’t metabolize as glucose — so it has virtually zero net carbs.

• Gluten-free: 100% gluten-free sweetener.

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½ cup unsalted butter

• Purpose: Butter provides richness, helps dissolve the allulose, and gives caramel its creamy texture.

• Keto benefit: Zero carbs, high in healthy saturated fats for energy.

• Gluten-free: Pure dairy butter contains no gluten.

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½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Purpose: Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes that balance the caramel sweetness.

• Keto benefit: No sugar, negligible carbs.

• Gluten-free: Pure vanilla extract is naturally gluten-free (avoid imitation varieties with added sugars).

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¼ teaspoon sea salt

• Purpose: Balances sweetness and deepens caramel’s flavor profile. Also makes the pecans taste richer.

• Keto benefit: Sodium helps maintain electrolyte balance, which is important on keto.

• Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free mineral.

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Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans

• Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

• Spread pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet. Toast for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant.
  Why: Toasting intensifies the nutty flavor and ensures they stay crunchy when coated with caramel.

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2. Make the Caramel

• In a medium saucepan, combine Keystone Pantry Allulose and butter over medium heat. Stir until the allulose dissolves completely.

• Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture turns golden brown and slightly thickens (5–7 minutes).
  Why: Allulose behaves like sugar during caramelization, so this step creates that classic deep flavor without carbs.

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3. Add Flavor

• Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
  Why: Adding vanilla at the end prevents flavor loss from heat, and salt rounds out the sweetness.

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4. Coat the Pecans

• Add toasted pecans to the caramel sauce. Stir until every piece is coated.
  Why: Coating while warm ensures even coverage and a glossy finish.

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5. Cool & Serve

• Spread coated pecans on parchment paper to cool. Once set, break apart any clusters.
  Why: Cooling lets the caramel harden for that irresistible snap.

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Storage Tips

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

• Long-term: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Nutritional Information (per serving — about ¼ cup)

• Calories: 230

• Fat: 22g

• Protein: 3g

• Total Carbs: 8g

• Fiber: 3g

• Net Carbs: 1g