Delicious Keto Pecan Pralines (Sweet & Buttery!)
Indulge your sweet tooth with these Delicious Keto Pecan Pralines! Toasted pecans are suspended in a rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet caramel-like sauce, creating a classic Southern confection that’s now keto-friendly. These delightful treats are a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a special occasion or just a sweet craving here in beautiful Puerto Vallarta!
Yields: Approximately 10-12 pralines (depending on size) Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecans, toasted
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 tablespoons light cream or heavy cream
- ⅔ cup granulated Swerve (or your preferred granular erythritol blend)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Small heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula
- Wax paper or parchment paper
- Plate or tray for chilling
Instructions:
- Toast Pecans: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Toast in the preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes, checking them frequently. Pecans burn quickly, so watch them closely! They are done when fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Prepare Caramel Base: In a small heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter with the granulated Swerve and cream (light or heavy).
- Stir constantly with a whisk until the sweetener is completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Add the vanilla extract.
- Continue to cook, stirring occasionally (or constantly if you prefer), until the mixture thickens and turns a deep golden brown color. This can take 5-10 minutes. Watch it very closely at this stage – you want it deep golden brown, right before it looks like it might burn.
- Finish Praline Mixture: As soon as the mixture reaches the deep golden brown color, remove it immediately from the heat.
- Immediately add the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the hot mixture. Stir vigorously until it is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce.
- Stir in the pinch of salt and the toasted pecans.
- Cool & Form Pralines: Let the mixture stand in the saucepan for approximately 10 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and cool slightly. This makes it easier to drop into individual pralines.
- Drop by the spoonfuls onto wax paper or parchment paper placed on a plate or tray. Work relatively quickly as the mixture will continue to set.
- Chill & Serve: Place the plate or tray with the dropped pralines into the refrigerator until they are firm, about 20-30 minutes.
- Once firm, carefully peel them off the wax paper. Enjoy your delicious Keto Pecan Pralines!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 145
- Calories from Fat: 135
- Total Fat: 15 g
- Total Carbs: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
Tips for Success:
- Watch the Caramel: The most critical step is cooking the caramel to the right color. It can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Stay by the stove and stir often.
- Toasting Pecans: Toasting enhances their flavor significantly, but again, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: While not strictly necessary for all components, having cream and butter at room temp can sometimes help with smoother integration.
- Sweetener Choice: Granulated Swerve works well here, but other erythritol-based granular sweeteners should also work.
- Patience with Setting: Allowing the mixture to cool slightly in the pan before dropping helps prevent them from spreading too much. Refrigeration is essential for firming.
- Storage: Store keto pecan pralines in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them firm and prevent sticking. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Keto Pecan Pralines recipe is a delightful addition to your health journey!
- High Fat: Yes, primarily from pecans and butter.
- Low-Carb: Yes, by using erythritol-based sweetener and natural ingredients.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet, provided your granulated Swerve is sugar-free.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Read on how to prepare keto maple bacon.
