Pecan Bars in Under 30 Minutes – Low Carb Too!

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Introduction

Pecan bars are sooo good, but traditional versions can be especially sweet. That’s why I’m excited to share this 30-minute pecan bar recipe from Urvashi Pitre’s cookbook, Easy Keto in 30 Minutes! Don’t worry—this isn’t a case of shameless plagiarism. We received permission to share it with our readers. The cookbook is packed with easy keto recipes we found useful, and we’re thrilled to share one with you!

These pecan bars aren’t your typical pecan pie bars with a buttery shortbread crust. Instead, the sugar-loaded base is replaced with a blend of creamy peanut butter and coconut oil, and the bars are sweetened with Lakanto monk fruit sweetener. The result is so smooth and creamy that it almost has the texture of fudge. That fudge-like consistency, coupled with rich peanut butter and crunchy pecans, makes for a wonderful combination!

If you like the texture of smooth fudge, the crunch of nuts, and the simplicity of a no-bake dessert, you will absolutely love these keto peanut pecan bars!

So, let’s get started.

Ingredients

All Ingredients

Nutrition Facts

16 servings per recipe
6 servings of peanut butter, creamy (¾ cup) @ 190 each 71.25 1140
4 servings of coconut oil (¼ cup) @ 130 each 32.5 520
1 serving of vanilla extract (1 tsp) @ 12 each 0.75 12
4 servings of pecans, chopped (1 cup) @ 190 each 47.5 760
6 servings of peanut butter, creamy (¾ cup) @ 16 g each 6 g 96 g
4 servings of coconut oil (¼ cup) @ 14 g each 3.5 g 56 g
4 servings of pecans, chopped (1 cup) @ 20 g each 5 g 80 g
6 servings of peanut butter, creamy (¾ cup) @ 3 g each 1.12 g 18 g
4 servings of coconut oil (¼ cup) @ 13 g each 3.25 g 52 g
4 servings of pecans, chopped (1 cup) @ 1.5 g each 0.38 g 6 g
Trans Fat 0g 0% 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0% 0mg 0%
6 servings of peanut butter, creamy (¾ cup) @ 140 mg each 52.5 mg 840 mg
1 serving of vanilla extract (1 tsp) @ 0.4 mg each 0.03 mg 0.4 mg
6 servings of peanut butter, creamy (¾ cup) @ 6 g each 2.25 g 36 g
6 servings of lakanto classic monkfruit sweetener (¼ cup) @ 8 g each 3 g 48 g
1 serving of vanilla extract (1 tsp) @ 0.5 g each 0.03 g 0.5 g
4 servings of pecans, chopped (1 cup) @ 4 g each 1 g 16 g
6 servings of peanut butter, creamy (¾ cup) @ 2 g each 0.75 g 12 g
4 servings of pecans, chopped (1 cup) @ 3 g each 0.75 g 12 g
6 servings of peanut butter, creamy (¾ cup) @ 3 g each 1.12 g 18 g
1 serving of vanilla extract (1 tsp) @ 0.5 g each 0.03 g 0.5 g
4 servings of pecans, chopped (1 cup) @ 1 g each 0.25 g 4 g
6 servings of lakanto classic monkfruit sweetener (¼ cup) @ 8 g each 3 g 48 g
6 servings of peanut butter, creamy (¾ cup) @ 4 g each 1.5 g 24 g
1 serving of vanilla extract (1 tsp) @ 0.5 g each 0.03 g 0.5 g
4 servings of pecans, chopped (1 cup) @ 1 g each 0.25 g 4 g
6 servings of peanut butter, creamy (¾ cup) @ 7 g each 2.62 g 42 g
4 servings of pecans, chopped (1 cup) @ 3 g each 0.75 g 12 g

Directions

  1. Gather Your Ingredients.

    Let's do a quick roundup of the healthful ingredients you need and how they fit into this pecan bar recipe. - Creamy Peanut Butter: This is what gives our pecan bars their rich, nutty taste. It's not just about flavor, though. Creamy peanut butter also adds a rich, smooth texture to the bars. - Coconut Oil: Coconut oil helps bind the ingredients and gives the bars a smooth texture. - Lakanto monk fruit sweetener: This keto-friendly sweetener adds sweetness without traditional sugar. - Vanilla Extract or Maple Extract: A small amount of these extracts adds a depth of flavor that brings the bars to a new level. Vanilla lends a warm, sweet aroma, while maple provides a unique, smoky sweetness. - Pecans, finely chopped: Pecans add a crunchy texture and a rich, buttery flavor. They're also packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making them a great addition to a keto diet.

  2. Prepare the Baking Pan.

    Start by lining your 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your pecan bars won't stick to the pan, and you can remove them easily once they're set.

  3. Mix and Melt.

    Combine the peanut butter, coconut oil, and sweetener in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Pop this in the microwave for 2 minutes, stirring it halfway through to make sure everything is blending well. You'll want a smooth mixture before moving to the next step.

  5. Add Flavor and Texture.

    Time to introduce the vanilla (or maple) extract and the finely chopped pecans. Stir this mixture well to make sure the extract and pecans are evenly distributed. Then, pour your mixture into the prepared pan.

  6. Freeze and Cut.

    Pop the pan into the freezer until the pecan mixture sets, which should take about 20 minutes. Once firm, cut your treat into 16 evenly sized squares.

Notes

Tools You Need

To make Keto Peanut Pecan Bars, you will need:

  • 8-inch square baking pan: This size gives the bars an even thickness.
  • Parchment paper: This helps prevent the bars from sticking to the pan, making the removal process much easier. Plus, it saves you the cleaning effort later.
  • Medium microwave-safe bowl: A good-sized bowl to comfortably mix the ingredients without creating a mess.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring the ingredients until they’re well blended.
  • Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean and neat squares when cutting the set mixture.

Preparation

While making these bars is a relatively simple process, here are some preparation tips to consider:

  • Mixing: Make sure your ingredients, particularly the peanut butter and coconut oil, are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily and smoothly.
  • Melting ingredients: When mixing the ingredients, ensure you achieve a uniform consistency. This guarantees every bite of your pecan bars is evenly sweet and flavorful.
  • Freezing: Be patient and make sure the mixture is completely set before cutting it into squares. The bars might crumble and lose shape if they are still too soft.

Storage

When it comes to storage, a little thought goes a long way:

  • Chill until set: Make sure the bars are completely firm before moving them to a storage container. This helps maintain their shape and texture.
  • Airtight container: Keep your bars in an airtight container. This way, they’ll retain their freshness and won’t absorb smells from other items in your fridge.
  • Refrigerator: Your pecan bars can be stored in the refrigerator and should last up to 1 week.

Serving Suggestions

Now, how to serve these delightful Keto Peanut Pecan Bars? Here are some suggestions:

  • Pairing: These pecan bars pair perfectly with a cup of unsweetened tea or coffee, giving a sweet note to your break.
  • As a dessert: They make a wonderful dessert option for your family or guests, especially for those following a keto diet.
  • Decoration: You can garnish each bar with a whole pecan before serving for a more sophisticated touch. It adds visual appeal and a hint of extra crunch.

Variations

While this is one of my favorite pecan bar recipes, you can customize them to suit your preferences.

  • Roast the pecans before adding them to the peanut butter mixture.
  • Use your favorite nut: Walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts work well for this recipe if pecans aren’t your thing.
  • Add chocolate! We are firm believers that adding chocolate to almost anything makes it better. Some chocolate chips would be a fantastic addition to these amazing Keto Peanut Pecan Bars.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients or steps to make it truly your own. Who knows, your personal twist might just lead you to discover a whole new variation that’s just as delectable, if not more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add chocolate chips to this keto pecan bar recipe?

Yes, you can sprinkle sugar-free chocolate chips on top for a chocolaty twist. Just make sure that the added ingredients are keto-friendly.

Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, these bars are perfect for making in advance. Once prepared, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I substitute the Lakanto monk fruit sweetener with another sweetener?

Yes, but use a granulated sweetener designed to replace sugar in a 1:1 ratio, or adjust the amount according to the manufacturer’s conversion guide. Check the label for net carbs and make sure the sweetener works in no-bake recipes.

Can I use other nuts in place of pecans?

Yes, you can replace pecans with other keto-friendly nuts like walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts.

How should I store the Keto Peanut Pecan Bars?

After the bars have fully set, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help them maintain their shape, texture, and freshness for one week.

Instead of creamy peanut butter, can I use chunky peanut butter?

Using chunky peanut butter will result in a different texture. It can be a good variation if you prefer additional crunch in your bars. However, creamy peanut butter gives a smoother consistency.

What are my other options if I don't have vanilla or maple extract?

If you don’t have either extract, you can leave it out or use a small amount of another sugar-free flavor extract, such as almond extract. Start with less because some extracts are stronger than vanilla. Avoid maple syrup or corn syrup if you want to keep the bars low in sugar and carbs.

Wrap Up

Creating a batch of these Keto Peanut Pecan Bars is one of my favorite pastimes. My favorite part is that moment when the bars are set, cut into perfect squares, and I take the first bite. The rich peanut butter, crunchy pecans, and hint of vanilla or maple taste like a little piece of foodie heaven every time.

Have you tried this recipe or another pecan recipe on our blog? How did it turn out? I always love hearing from you, so please rate the recipe and share your experience in the comments.

And don’t forget to share your results with us on Instagram. Use the hashtag #buttertogetherkitchen, and we would love to feature your delightful treats on our page!

Enjoy!