July 21, 2023

Pecan Bars In Under 30 Minutes – Low Carb Too!

March 20, 2020

Introduction

Pecan bars are sooo good, but they can be sweet especially when made traditionally. That’s why I’m excited to share with you this 30-minute pecan bar recipe sourced from Urvashi Pitre’s new cookbook–Easy Keto in 30 Minutes! Don’t worry this is not a situation of shameless plagiarism, we were granted permission of-course! The cookbook contains amazing easy keto recipes that we found very useful so we asked to share with our readers and we got the go ahead! Yay!

So, these pecan bars are not your typical traditional pecan pie bar with a buttery shortbread crust. For starters, the sugar-loaded base is replaced with a blend of creamy peanut butter and coconut oil. The bars are made sweet using the Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener. A natural, zero-calorie sweetener closely mimicking the taste and texture of brown sugar. These keto peanut pecan bars are smooth and creamy that they almost take on the texture of fudge. That fudge-like consistency coupled with the crunch of peanuts and 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.

Reviews
5.0(1)

27 minutes

16 servings

Ingredients

3/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener
1 tsp Vanilla Extract or maple extract
1 cup Pecans, finely chopped
Nutritional Information
270 Calories
25g Total Fat
9g Net Carbs
8g Protein

Directions

1
Gather Your Ingredients.
Let's do a quick roundup of the healthful ingredients you need and how they fit into this pecan pie bars 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 an exquisite, smooth texture to the bars.
-Coconut Oil: An essential element of many keto-friendly recipes, coconut oil greatly adds to our pecan bars' nutrition profile. It gives the needed fats and helps bind our ingredients together.
-Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener: This keto-friendly sweetener is an amazing substitute for traditional brown sugars. It has zero calories and carbs while adding a sweet touch to your pecan bars.
-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.
4
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.
5
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 the Keto Peanut Pecan Bars smoothly, you will need:

  • 8-inch square baking pan: The perfect size for making these delicious pecan bars, and this allows for a perfect bar 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 easier and smoother.
  • 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:

  • Cool completely: Make sure your bars are entirely cooled before moving them to your storage container. This step 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 pie bar recipes, you can customize them to fit your own personal preference and tastebuds.

  • 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 substitute the Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener with another sweetener? 

Yes, you can use any keto-friendly sweetener. Make sure to adjust the quantity based on the sweetness of the substitute. It’s also essential to check the net carbs of the alternative to ensure it fits within your daily intake.

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. 

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

You can use other flavor enhancers, such as maple syrup or corn syrup. However, you need to keep in mind that some substitutes may alter the final taste, so you need to be more careful of the measurement.

How should I store the Keto Peanut Pecan Bars? 

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

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.

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 barn. However, creamy peanut butter gives a smoother consistency.

Can I add chocolate chips to this keto pecan bars 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.

Wrap Up

Creating a batch of these Keto Peanut Pecan Bars is one of my favorite pastimes. My favorite part? That moment when the bars are all set, cut into perfect squares, and I take that first bite. The blend of nutty, sweet, and a hint of vanilla or maple – it’s a little piece of foodie heaven every single time.

Have you tried this recipe or any other pecan recipes on our blog? How did it turn out? I always love hearing from you! Please rate it below and let us know your experience in the comments below.

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!