When you want that urge of sweet cheats and you have a special preference for chocolates, then these Low Carb Peanut Butter Balls come in handy. Not only are they delicious and crispy, but they are also keto friendly so you do not unwittingly go off your keto diet. It contains some tasty and real simple bites which do not take long to prepare and which do not need many ingredients And they are perfect if you want to snack at work.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- In the preparation of these enticing delicacies, the following three major products will be needed. Each of them plays a part in ensuring the compliance of the low carbohydrate and a high protein level of the snack.
- Peanut Butter: Choose one that does not contain added sweeteners which should assist in the reduction of the processed carbohydrates’ intake. As far as serving is concerned, one should opt for a type that ‘‘sugar content is not included.’’ The perfect choice can be illustrated by natural peanut butter which include peanuts, the ingredient is contain salt.
- Chocolate Protein Powder: This gives it a rich almost chocolate like flavour to the balls not forgetting that it enhances the protein content and so these balls are not only yummy but also fulfilling.
- Low Carb Chocolate: To coat the balls use a good quality, low-carb chocolate for this process. This satisfies their demands for that original crunch and of course the taste of chocolates that they are unable to consume due to restriction of carbohydrate intake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pecan Halves: Halves are suitable for nibbling or if preferred, it can be eaten whole. It is okay to use chopped pecans or pecan pieces like garnishing; however, they are not as suitable for finger foods. If need be, walnuts can be a good stand in.
- Swerve Brown Sugar: This brown sugar substitute does not make a rise in blood sugar therefore it is calorie-free. You could also pick a brown monk fruit sweetener. If you are not much concerned about calories, then you can use normal brown sugar or simply sugar. Maple syrup is even better but still, brown Swerve is recognized as the best equivalent.
- Vanilla Extract: To be precise, the best is a pure vanilla extract.
How To Make
1. Prepare the Sweet Coating Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together:
- 1 ½ tablespoons Swerve brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons water
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Stir until well combined and set aside.
2. Toast the Pecans: In medium saucepan, melt over medium heat 1 cup of pecan halves. Toss it lightly, which will cause the pecans to become aromatic, slightly toasted and this should take between 5-7 minutes.
3. Combine and Cook: The sweet coating mixture is prepared by mixing the syrup and sugar, then this mixture is poured over the toasted pecans in the saucepan. Stirring helps in keeping the pecans to mix uniformly well with the sugar so pour in and stir continuously. Simmer just until the sugar becomes fully dissolved, and be gentle not to scorch the pecans.
4. Cool and Harden: First prepare a baking sheet: take a rimmed baking sheet and put parchment paper on it. Place the coated pecans gently on the baking sheet in a manner that they are not overcrowd. Let them cooling to the room temperature which will take few hours. The pecan nuts will become hard when cold and this gives the biscuits that nice crunch when you are eating them.
Expert Tips for Perfect Keto Candied Pecans
- Use Fresh Pecans: It is preferably if used fresh shelled pecans are used as they will provide the best outcome. If you are using your pecans after sometime, ensure to check the expiring date as nuts have a way of getting rancid. To maintain the nuts for a longer time, store them in an airtight jar and place the jar in the refrigerator or freezer, then bring them to room temperature for an hour before use.
- Perfect Coating: While coating the pecans gently turn the pecans constantly to allow the sugar to dissolve properly. Overcooking can spoil, and the pecans become hard, burnt, and bitter.
- Preparation is Key: It is essential to have your parchment lined baking sheet prepared before beginning the cooking process. Coated pecans must be moved to the baking sheet as soon as possible to avoid burning of the product.
Keto Candied Pecans
Simple and Quick Keto Candied Pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons Swerve brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons water
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecan halves
Directions
- In a dish also lined with parchment paper, take a rimmed baking sheet and set it aside.
- Combine water, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract in a small bowl, whisking till blended.
- Melt a small saucepan in medium heat. Include the pecans and toast and sauté for 5 minutes or till aromatic.
- Pour the sweet mixture over the pecans that are fried to golden brown and ensure that the pecans coat the liquid well. Pack into prepared glasses and chill in the fridge as soon as all the sugar has dissolved.
- Once coated, slip the pecans onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Let to cool to room temperature until they become hard, which should take around one hour.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 172kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 73mg
- Potassium: 102mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Calcium: 18mg
- Iron: 1mg
