If you love sweet, crunchy snacks but want to stay low-carb, this Keto Pecan Brittle will make you very happy. Traditional brittle is loaded with sugar, but this version uses keto-friendly sweeteners to give you that classic caramel crunch without the carbs.
I first made this during the holidays when I wanted something sweet that still fit my keto lifestyle. The smell of toasted pecans and buttery caramel filled my kitchen, and honestly, it tasted even better than regular brittle. It’s perfect for gifting, snacking, or breaking into pieces and sprinkling over keto desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Treat
If you miss the sweet, buttery crunch of classic peanut brittle, you are going to fall in love with this keto pecan brittle. It has that same deep caramel flavor and crisp snap, but without the sugar spike. Instead of traditional corn syrup and white sugar, we use low-carb sweeteners that keep this treat completely keto-friendly.
The result? A golden, glossy brittle packed with toasted pecans and rich buttery flavor that melts in your mouth before it crunches between your teeth. It feels indulgent, but it fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle.
What Is Keto Pecan Brittle?
Traditional brittle is a hard candy made by cooking sugar until it caramelizes, then mixing in nuts and letting it harden into thin sheets. Keto pecan brittle follows the same idea, but swaps out sugar for low-carb sweeteners that caramelize similarly.
Pecans add a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the deep caramel notes. Think of it like candy meets roasted nuts, with a crisp texture that shatters in the most satisfying way.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
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Difficulty Level: Easy
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Servings: 10 pieces
Ingredients for Keto Pecan Brittle
Here’s everything you need to make this low carb pecan brittle:
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1 cup pecan halves (raw or lightly toasted)
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½ cup unsalted butter
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¾ cup powdered erythritol or allulose (best for smooth texture)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¼ tsp baking soda
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Pinch of salt
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
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Sweetener: Allulose melts best and gives a real caramel taste. Erythritol works too but can crystalize slightly.
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Pecans: Choose fresh pecans for the best crunch. You can swap with almonds or walnuts.
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Butter: Use real butter, not margarine, for rich flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Surface
Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a non-stick saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
Step 3: Add Sweetener
Stir in the powdered sweetener. Keep stirring as it melts and starts to bubble. The mixture will turn golden like caramel. This takes about 5–7 minutes.
Tip: Stir often so it doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Turn heat to low. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
Step 5: Add Pecans
Mix in the pecans and coat them fully in the caramel mixture.
Step 6: Add Baking Soda
Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda. The mixture will foam slightly — this makes the brittle lighter and crispier.
Step 7: Spread the Brittle
Immediately pour the mixture onto your prepared tray. Spread thin using a spatula.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let it cool for 20–30 minutes until fully hard. Then break into pieces.
Expert Tips & Variations
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Make it chocolatey: Drizzle melted sugar-free dark chocolate on top.
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Add spice: A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne gives a fun twist.
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Thinner = crunchier: Spread fast before it hardens.
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Serving idea: Crush and sprinkle over keto ice cream or yogurt.
Nutritional Information (Per Piece)
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Calories: 140
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Fat: 14g
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Protein: 2g
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Net Carbs: 2g
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Sugar: 0g
Diet Labels: Keto • Low Carb • Gluten-Free • Sugar-Free
Storage & Reheating
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
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Fridge: Can last up to 1 month, but may lose some crunch.
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Freezer: Store up to 3 months in a sealed bag.
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Reheating: No reheating needed. If sticky, chill for a few minutes to harden.
Conclusion
This Keto Pecan Brittle proves you don’t need sugar to enjoy a classic crunchy treat. It’s buttery, nutty, perfectly crisp, and fits beautifully into a low-carb lifestyle. Whether you make it for holiday gifting, afternoon snacking, or a sweet topping for keto desserts, it’s a simple recipe with big flavor.
Once you try this homemade sugar-free brittle, you’ll see how easy it is to enjoy something sweet while still staying on track with your keto goals. Keep a batch stored for when cravings hit — future you will be very thankful!
FAQS
Can you make brittle without sugar?
Yes, you can! Keto brittle uses sugar-free sweeteners like allulose or erythritol instead of sugar. Allulose works best because it melts and caramelizes like real sugar, giving you that classic brittle crunch.
Will pecans break ketosis?
No, pecans are very keto-friendly. They are low in net carbs and high in healthy fats, which actually help support ketosis. Just don’t overeat them, because carbs can add up in large amounts.
Is pecan crust keto friendly?
Yes! A crust made from pecan flour or crushed pecans + butter is perfect for keto desserts. It’s low in carbs, grain-free, and adds a rich, nutty flavor.
How many pecan nuts per day on a keto diet?
A good portion is about 15–20 pecan halves per day (around 1 ounce). This keeps carbs low while giving you healthy fats and nutrients.