The original Keto Pecan Pie Muffins – accept no substutites! Deliciously low carb, grain-free muffins that taste like pecan pie. Throw in some sugar-free chocolate chips too. How can you go wrong?
Let’s be very clear about one thing. This is THE original keto pecan pie muffin recipe. There are a few copycats floating about now, and some of them are almost identical to my recipe. Hmmm, funny thing about that! But this is the one and only, the original, and by far the best. Accept no substitutes!
Inspiration for Keto Pecan Pie Muffins
A few weeks ago, my husband’s uncle came to stay with us for a few days. I wish I could accurately describe Dan to those that don’t know him. He is seemingly ageless, as spry and active as any 20 year old. He also seems to have infinite patience with everyone around him. I have never seen a single of his feathers ruffled. He is, quite simply, the easiest guest on the planet.
He spent many years traveling around and one little trick he picked up in New Zealand means that I don’t even have to worry about changing sheets when he comes. He brings his sleeping bag and sleeps on top of the covers of whatever bed you give him. If it weren’t for the fact that he is also as smart as a whip and an interesting conversationalist, you might wonder if he’d even been at your house at all!
And my daughter wants you to know that he can also juggle and do headstands. Remarkable.
It was because of Dan that my husband and I got some much needed alone time. For the first time since we’ve had children, we got to spend not one, but TWO nights away together. We took a little trip to New York City and had an absolute blast, walking almost the entire length of Manhattan in one day.
We ate well, we slept well, and just enjoyed each other’s company in a way that felt like we were newlyweds, not an old married couple verging on our 11th anniversary (which just so happens to be TODAY!).
Before we left for our little trip, Dan played sous chef for me on a few recipes. Every time I was in the kitchen, he wanted to know what he could do to help. So I gave him the little task of chopping chocolate for these Chocolate Pecan Pie Muffins, and I have to say, I have never seen such perfect, evenly-chopped chocolate in my life. So this recipe is a tribute to Dan.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe Video
And a fitting tribute it is. These were insanely easy to make and insanely delicious to eat. I’ve always loved pecan pie, and loved it even better when it contained chocolate. There is nothing quite like the gooey-ness of the pecan filling oozing out of the pie crust.
Several recipes for Pecan Pie Muffins have caught my eye before, and I had no idea if I could replicate them with my low carb ingredients, but I figured it was worth a try.
And I am so glad I did. These are dense little muffins, but they are supposed to be. And they pack a HUGE flavour punch. Wow! The molasses is optional, but I do recommend it because it gives the muffins a colour and flavour more like true pecan pie. It’s like dessert for breakfast. Remarkable.
This recipe is featured in my new cookbook The EveryDay Ketogenic Kitchen. Grab your copy now!
- 3/4 cup Swerve Sweetener
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup pecans coursely chopped
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tbsp molasses optional
- 2.5 oz 90% cacao chocolate chopped OR homemade sugar-free chocolate chips
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Preheat oven to 325F and line 12 muffins cups with paper liners (parchment paper or silicone liners work best).
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In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated erythritol, almond flour, chopped pecans and salt.
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In a large bowl, beat butter, eggs and molasses together until smooth. Beat in almond flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chopped chocolate.
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Divide batter among prepared muffin cups. Bake 26 to 28 minutes, or until set.
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Let cool in pan.
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
This guy sounds like a gem! And it sounds like you had the most wonderful time in NY. Can’t wait to hear more about what you did when we get together in a few weeks!
And I’m loving these muffins so so much! The look fabulous!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
these look wonderful! I have never heard of that sweetener before. I will have to check it out
Rebecca says
It is amazing sweetener, but a bit pricey. If your local health food store does not have it( note: my Publix carries it), you can order online. They have a confectioners version, too
Carol Harlan says
This is the best sweetener. I have tried so many. They are just sitting in the cabinet. Hubby always disliked the things I made but with Swerve he doesn’t even know I substituted for regular sugar.
Heather says
Congrats on your anniversary !!
Thank you for this delicious recipe.
Christina says
I think I’m in heaven. Pecan pie is one of my favorite desserts. Now I can have my cake and eat it too. Thanks for all your work on these recipes!
[email protected] says
Happy anniversary!!
Mmm, dessert for breakfast. . .I can go for that!
[email protected] says
Happy Anniversary! Congratulations on the weekend away, it’s so wonderful to have a family member you trust to leave your children with…I’ve always been blessed with this option as well…it’s so important for parents with young children to be able to get away and reconnect! Oh, and as always…the recipe is wonderful!
dee says
Carolyn,
These sound great!
Are we suppose to use any baking soda or baking powder?
Carolyn says
No baking powder or soda…they are meant to be dense and chewy to resemble pecan pie. And they are so good. Ever since I posted this, I am craving them. I ate 3 in one day when I first made them.
Jeanna says
Would it be possible to use Stevia? I can’t use Swerve.
Carolyn says
It’s definitely going to change the taste and texture but if you need to, you can do so.
Debra says
Hope you have a wonderful anniversary. Thanks for the great recipe. You actually read my mind this morning. I was going to message you and ask if you could do anything about pecan pie. I’ll definitely try these!
torviewtoronto says
muffins look fabulous hope all is well in your end
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Dessert for breakfast….now that sounds like a great way to start the day!
Jeanette says
These look and sound fantastic Carolyn – and congrats on celebrating your anniversary. So glad to hear you got away with your husband for some alone time!
Joanne says
Dan sounds like an incredible uncle and an even better house guest! Of course, I’m sure you were keeping him super well fed and that that didn’t hurt. 😛 These muffins look downright delicious!
sherol says
Happy anniversary! My husband and I have spent one night alone in 12 years and it was heaven. I love my children but love my husband as well and never want more than one or two nights away from them. That said, a week in Bora Bora, just the two of us wouldn’t be turned down! Thank you for all the fab recipes! x
Marcia says
These look yummy. Where do you get 90% cacao chocolate? The chocolate I eat is 85% but I’ve never seen 90%. Happy Anniversary.
Carolyn says
YOu can use 85%, that would work. I often just use Lindt 90%, but I found some awesome indie brands at a local kitchen store that are gluten free. I can’t remember the brands now, though.
Katharine says
I LOVE pecan pie. So excited to try these! I need something to distract me from the turtle bars (from your book) that I keep making (and consuming!)!!
Carolyn says
These might distract you, but trust me…they are addictive in their own right!
Nicole says
Mine came out super crumbly. Is there a way to avoid this or did I do something wrong?
Carolyn says
What ingredients did you use? Almond meal or almond flour? what sweetener?
Shawn K says
Happy Anniversary! Mine is the 5th also and we celebrated 21! Every year just gets better. So glad you two had a chance to get away and reconnect, nothing better when you know that the kids are happy and safe.
Thanks for the recipe our priest loves pecan pie but health reasons says he need to lose weight so I know I’ll have to make some extras for him too!
Pamela says
Happy Anniversary Carolyn and may each year hereafter be increased with joy and more blessings. You are too good to us to be posting this for us on your special day. Although I’m delighted that you did! While chocolate is my first food love, I have an abiding affection for, the previously forbidden, pecan pie as well. Now I get to have them both in one bite (hypothetically speaking, of course, because there will be many many bites)! You just can’t go wrong with dessert for breakfast and I am so looking forward to making and enjoying these with cup of coffee. Thanks again
Kim Bee says
Carolyn I am so happy you and your hubby got to go away for some alone time. That’s incredible. Happy Anniversary!
Love these muffins. I think chocolate and pecans make an amazing pair. I want to run right in kitchen and whip some up.
Jennifer Eloff says
These just sound so amazing, Carolyn, and I was surprised to see no leavening needed. Very tempted to make these!
Medeja says
Happy anniversary!
And the muffins sound and look amazing!
Arhelia says
Happy Anniversary! I have these in the oven right now for tomorrow’s breakfast! I didn’t have molasses so I used coconut nectar, they smell wonderful already!
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
Happy Anniversary! I love when my husband is my sous chef too. 🙂 Makes things so much easier! And pecan pie in muffin form? YUM!
litehousepat says
These are a keeper!! And so easy to make.
Carolyn says
Aren’t they delicious???
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
Happy anniversary ♥ It brings me joy that you two got to spend some time together. Thank you to Dan!!
Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking says
Happy Anniversary Carolyn and Happy birthday to your little one 🙂
Your husband’s uncle sounds like a great guy to have around and these muffins make a great fall breakfast, or afternoon treat 🙂
Russell van Kraayenburg says
Now this is a great muffin idea! Yum!
philis says
I was wondering if adding yogurt or sour cream would make it richer or better in some way? What do you think? Or does that amount of butter (which I love I mean Like A Lot) do the trick?
Thank you,
p
Carolyn says
I honestly wouldn’t add yogurt or sour cream to these. I think it would detract from the rich denseness of the muffin. They way they are, they really do resemble pecan pie. Just my opinion!
philis says
Then will try as is & thank you, Carolyn. I am not a muffin eater usually but these looked so moist!
Vanessa says
Made these last night and enjoyed one this morning with my coffee. SO GOOD! Even the hard to please hubby really likes them, he polished off two of them. Thank you for the wonderful recipe.
Carla says
I made these wonderful muffins today. They are scrumptious. They’re just decadent enough to make me feel guilty, even though I don’t have to. Thanks!
Karin says
Oh. My. Word! I made these over the weekend and they are TO DIE for. I did make them into 9 slightly larger muffins rather than 12, and had to bake for 35 minutes. Changes your carb counts from 3.3 to 4.4. They are truly DELICIOUS. Love your web site!
Karin says
I made them again, and again, and again… they are SO yummy!
Vicki says
I began trying no wheat, low-carb, no sugar eating a month ago, but I always loved baking before, so I’m glad I stumbled upon your blog. Can you beat butter with the Swerve/erythritol the way I always creamed butter with sugar before, then beat in eggs one at a time while baking? I ask because I made this recipe the other day, and they tasted really good, but the butter & egg mixture never got smooth (it had lumps and globs). I wondered if I did something wrong?
Carolyn says
Hmmmm. It shouldn’t be that lumpy. The great thing about low carb baking that is also gluten free is that you don’t really need to worry about “over-mxing” like you do with flour, so you can really beat the heck out of things. But softened butter will lump up if you put cold eggs directly in it, so maybe try room temperature eggs. And yes, you can beat Swerve into the butter first. It doesn’t get quite as smooth and fluffy as butter with sugar but it’s close.
Vicki says
Thanks for your quick response! I’ll try letting the butter & eggs sit out longer, and beating the sweetener with butter first.
Melanie says
I’m planning on trying these out soon. Do the muffins need to be refrigerated once they’re cooled, or can they just be stored on the counter in an air-tight container?
Carolyn says
They are good in an airtight container for at least a few days! Refrigerate otherwise.
Tammy says
I printed this out back in October and just made these today because of “snow day.” I had it all mixed up and ready to go in the pan when I realized there was no baking powder or soda for leavening…so I ran back to the computer and had to check if I made a mistake – nope…they are very tasty, although mine do no look as good as yours.
Thanks for another great recipe.
Susan Pelter says
Finally got around to making these this morning, on a rare raw, gray day in N. Florida! They behaved a little oddly for me — the batter was more like scones than muffins — and the butter didn’t completely incorporate (I whisked instead of getting out the mixer), but they are madly delicious. Can’t wait to have another one!
Carolyn says
Hmmm, the batter should not be at all like scones. But hey, as long as they taste good!
tatiana says
My hubby and I are new-ish to low carb and definitely new to low carb baking! I made these with Truvia, as that is what i had, (if you I were to use Truvia again I would cut it to half a cup as they were quite sweet) and they are insanely delicious! Gooey, sweet little nuggets of happiness! Thank you for all your work making these recipes!
Felicia says
Do you ever have a problem with your granulated erythritol crystalizing? I made this recipe a few months back and the taste was AMAZING straight out of the oven. It tasted like a chocolate chip cookie in muffin form. But once they sat (and I chilled them) they were inedible, hard like a rock, and even once I let them sit out again, they were gritty. I know it was from the erythritol. I wonder if I should just try powdering it or using less. I am wondering too because I know a lot of your recipes just call for the erythritol (not Swerve) and wondering if you have a problem with any of them? Muffins, cakes, etc? Thanks!
Carolyn says
Hi Felicia…almost all of my recipes use Swerve, although I also give the option for other erythritol because not everyone can get their hands on Swerve. I do not find I have the re-crystallization problem with Swerve, but depending on the manufacturer of the erythritol, you might have issues. Do you know what brand you used? Also, these are not great muffins for freezing or chilling because of their high butter/low flour content. I froze some because I had too many and I think the best way to get them back is to microwave them for 40 seconds or so.
Susan Pelter says
Felicia — I freeze these immediately the day after baking. When I’m ready for another one, I let it defrost on the counter for 5 minutes or so, then warm in the toaster oven on about 200 degrees with a square of 70% chocolate on top. The muffin gets all warm and nice, the chocolate melts, and it is just as good as a fresh one. I use Swerve and never have crystallization problems.
Felicia says
Thanks to you both. I used Honeyville erythritol, but have also used NOW brand in the past, I think I may like that one better. I will try maybe using a little less and powdering it because I really want to try this recipe again. Thanks!
sarah max says
I have made a lot of your recipes and they are always delicious but these….can I say “cracktastic”?!?! OMG!!!
Carolyn says
They’re good, aren’t they! I hate to toot my own horn but yeah…
Hope says
Guests from Norway left this morning after four wonderful, action-packed days with us and I’m now relaxing with a well deserved Chocolate Pecan Pie Muffin and thinking about our next week of meals. Of course, Bacon Guacamole Cups have been on my mind, but I haven’t had time to make them… and then it hits like a bolt of lightening, Chocolate Pecan Pie Muffins- Bacon… ding, ding, ding! Oh yeah baby, time to get off the couch– and did I mention we have a freezer full of the most delicious bacon thanks to a little farming adventure we’re currently researching? Yeah, life is good!
Carolyn says
Oh yum, bacon in pecan pie muffins? Love that idea. We don’t have a freezer full, but we joined a meat CSA (all grassfed) and we have a couple of packages. Goody!
Annie says
I tried them today and they came out perfect! Absolutely delicious…. Thank you!
Shari says
Made these last night, I had to use an alternative sweetner, but they still were terrific. Have you frozen them, or refrigerated the leftovers. How long will they keep?
Carolyn says
Refrigerate for up to 5 days. I kept them on the counter for about 3.
Susan Pelter says
Living in Florida, we have to put our baked goods in the fridge or freezer after about 2 days because of the high humidity. I put these in the freezer and just re-heated in the toaster oven with a sprinkle of sea salt and a teensy square of dark chocolate on top; I bet the last ones were in there a month and they tasted just as fabulous as the first!
Carolyn says
Good to know! I’ve never frozen these ones, they don’t last long enough in my house 😉
Shari says
Thanks much for the feedback.
Mindy says
I made these this afternoon being in a hurry I accidentally put in 1 cup of swerve! I had to leave for the evening so I ate one while still super warm and I must say YUMMY!! When I got home they were a little on the hard side,the texture crumbly but still good. In wondering if 1. I cooked them too long(they didn’t seem done so they were probably in an extra 8 min.) 2. The extra 1/4 c. of swerve? Or maybe that is just the texture they are supposed to be. I was thinking they should have a softer,gooey inside. Regardless they are wonderful! Any thoughts?
Carolyn says
I think it’s the Swerve. It hardens up after being cooked and extra would just make it harder. They won’t be “gooey” but they should be softish. You may have cooked them a bit long too, but I really think it’s probably the extra sweetener re-crystallizing.
Mindy says
Carolyn, Thank you so much for the quick reply. It was my 1st bag of swerve and its like liquid gold to me since no one carries it around here and I waited a week for it to get here! (I was kicking myself) should they seem under done when I take them out of the oven? That’s how I do oatmeal cookies so they are chewy.
Sandy says
Carolyn,
Made these muffins and they are delicious! However they stick to the paper muffin cup. How do you get yours to come out so perfect?
Carolyn says
You need the parchment paper liners. They make a world of difference…muffins practically fall right now of them.
Sandy says
Thanks for getting back so quickly! I will definitely buy those. I hate it when they stick to the sides. PS…… I love all your recipes! I am so happy I can make delicious desserts low carb.
Carolyn says
Thanks, Sandy. I can’t recommend the parchment paper cups enough. Nothing sticks to them, even cupcakes made with coconut flour (and those stick a lot!).
Vicki says
I’ve also had good luck with the silicone cupcake cups.
Keryn says
I made these tonight and they are delicious, I use 1/2 cup of Just Like Sugar and 1/4 of Swerve.
Mama Owl says
I know this is an older post… hoping you still check it. I have lots of questions?!?!?!?! Do you think this recipe would half well… I know the math works, I am just wondering about the end result? Or, do these freeze well? Do you think it would work with raw almonds or does it have to be blanched? Thanks! 🙂
Carolyn says
Yes, you can halve the recipe. And yes, they freeze well. The almond flour is the finer stuff from Honeyville, but it would be okay with raw ground almonds too, as long as you can grind them finely enough.
Susan Pelter says
Hey there — these muffins are a staple at our house and they keep beautifully in the freezer! I reheat them in the toaster oven with a square of 70-+% chocolate on top and they are delish. The only tweak I make to this recipe is add a little more salt; mine always seem to need just a scoche more.
Mama Owl says
Awesome! Can I ask at what temp and for how long you reheat them? I know if I make a full batch they will eat them all, so it is good to know that I can freeze them before they get a chance! 🙂
Susan Pelter says
Usually around 300 – 350 degrees; I set it for 10 minutes but check after five. The chocolate on top is actually helpful for this — by the time it melts, the muffin is usually thawed and warmed 😉 I make a double batch, keep a few out and freeze the rest.
Vicky says
I made these and they were delicious. I used Lily’s chocolate chips and I use Yacon syrup in place of the molasses. Mine were not gooey in the center as some other people described- perhaps I overcooked them a little bit? I had more of a classic muffin crumb, so I didn’t get the “pecan pie” feeling- more of a light chocolate chip blondie. As some other folks said, they are quite sweet. Next time I will reduce sweetener just a tad. They do harden after sitting out for a day- nothing 15 seconds in the microwave doesn’t correct. Nevertheless, really yummy. Thanks, Carolyn.
Carolyn says
I’ve never used Yacon syrup so I don’t know if that would have made the difference at all.
Pam Staul says
I gave half away. I had better freeze them next time. Oh yes indeed…there WILL be a next time. Hubs just week and a half into low carb….thought they weren’t legal and I was joking…. I’m not generally much for sweets…but I can’t trust myself around these. Thank you so much for recipes that never fail to make their mark…and make myself and my clients smile at the thought of cheating…and then look up the next great recipe on your site.
Carolyn says
Thanks, Pam!
Nicole says
You ARE an evil mastermind! These are criminally delicious. I made them as minis for portion control and ended up eating three. Thanks for that! 🙂
I think they’d be good topped with the cream cheese frosting from your crockpot carrot cake, but I don’t know that they’ll last long enough to find out.
I used chopped Lily’s milk chocolate and replaced the molasses with VitaFiber and I found the sweetness level just perfect, but I like things sweet.
Susan says
I haven’t been able to find 90% cacao chocolate – any suggestions for where I could find it, or suggestions for alternatives? Would 100% cacao work? Thanks!
Peggy Cihocki says
Susan, Lindt makes 90% chocolate bars. You can get them at World Market, for one. Maybe on line as well. That’s what I used today. So good.
Theresa says
Thank you Carolyn! This was the best low carb dessert I have tried to date. I followed the directions except 1 tbsp sugar free pancake syrup instead of the molasses (I figured it was lower in carbs and I might be able to use that for some low carb pancakes).
Anyway – I’m taking these on a business trip tomorrow but I had to sample one straight from the oven. I put a dab of softened butter on top. SO excellent! I also find myself completely satisfied with just 1 so that will help me keep the carbs in check.
I have virtually no creativity in the kitchen but will happily follow directions.Thanks for creating such great recipes! It means so much to stay on track with your weight loss goals and love the things you are eating. You help make that possible.
Carolyn says
So glad you like them!
Peggy Cihocki says
These are 100% awesome. Made them today and biting into them was just biting into pecan pie–without the carbs. I wondered about the lack of baking powder, but didn’t miss it at all in the finished product. I will be making these again–soon. Like Thursday to take to my Swing dance class.
Sylvia Stoltzfus says
Wow. The first low carb muffins I’ve tried in a long time and am very happy with the results! I made mine a tad sweeter but otherwise went pretty much by the recipe. Thank you!
Carolyn says
Glad you liked them!
Laura F. says
Made these for the first time this morning and they are so so delicious! I’ve been missing pecan pie do these totally what I needed! Mine didn’t come out as tall as your picture but I love them! Will be making lots more to keep in freezer and pull out as I want!!
Susan says
I brought some of these with me when I traveled over Thanksgiving – they had been frozen from a batch I made a few weeks ago, but tasted perfect! They helped me avoid pie and other treats without feeling like I was being left out. So I managed to make it through Thanksgiving enjoying good food, and still managed to lose a pound! Yippee!
Carolyn says
Wonderful!
J says
I made these this weekend and must say that although they are delicious, they are nothing like a muffin. I would call them a cookie in a muffin cup. Tasty, but not what I expected.
Michelle says
Hi Carolyn, I made these yesterday, and they are fabulous!! As much as I LOVE chocolate, I prefer pecan pie without chocolate. How would you recommend altering the recipe if I omitted the chocolate? Thanks for all your wonderful recipes – it makes staying on low-carb so much easier!! 🙂
Michelle says
Hi Carolyn, I made these yesterday, and they are fabulous!! As much as I LOVE chocolate, I prefer pecan pie without chocolate. How would you recommend altering the recipe if I omitted the chocolate? Thanks for all your wonderful recipes – it makes staying on low-carb so much easier!!
Carolyn says
You really wouldn’t need to change a thing, just leave out the chips.
Michelle says
Thanks, I will try it!! BTW, didn’t mean to post the same question twice…
Molly says
These are INCREDIBLE. So easy, so good! I think these are the best baked good I’ve made with almond flour so far and I just used the flour I had- Trader Joe’s almond meal. They were great!! Thanks so much for this recipe!
Beth says
I have to agree. I made these last night and they are in fact the best baked good I’ve ever made wtih almond flour too! This one is a keeper!
Stephanie KL says
These muffins are delicious but before I eat too many of them, I was wondering if you had the total nutritional breakdown for them other than what you originally provided.
Julie says
For the first time (in my unimaginative mind) I know what love tastes like!). I made these the other night and they are now in my short list of favorite desserts. Well, ok, there are many I like but few follow my preferred criteria (doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, time, or talent). It’s rare, but if I have unlimited time and resources, I have a much broader field to choose from. As it is, these will be in my every few weeks rotation. Thank you!
Now, my only question is: I baked the muffins in my counter top convection oven at 325F for 26 minutes and the finished product (though wonderful) stuck to the cupcake liners terribly). I’m thinking that I need to pull them after 22 minutes, maybe sooner. Would you have any advice?
Carolyn says
Hi Julie, so glad you liked them. So I have a tabletop convection oven too and here’s the deal…it cooks faster and hotter than a regular oven a lot of the time. So you should be dropping that temp to 300F. Also, the real trick is to use silicone or parchment paper liners with ALL low carb muffins, that way they really don’t stick. These are my fave parchment paper liners: http://amzn.to/2eaas7A
But I also just bought these silicon ones and am liking them a lot. http://amzn.to/2dXZy20
juliendbq says
Thanks, Carolyn! I’m baking these again tonight and will lower the heat, as you suggested. I have often considered the parchment AND the silicon liners, but get tripped up in the reviews (they were a good product, but now they’ve changed them … some like them, others were so disappointed, etc.). I’d hoped to buy them locally so I could return them if I didn’t like them, but I will need to order them on line. By the way, … Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!
Tamera Alexander says
Thanks for these marvelous little muffins, Carolyn! I decided to make them as muffin tops and-baked just a little longer -they’re fabulous as “cookies!” Your website and your passion for food is a real blessing. My husband has diabetes and I needed to be much healthier in my eating (former carb queen), and you’re really helping with that. I’m down 20 pounds since late June. My husband goes in for his A1C in November, and we’re very hopeful it’s moved down in a major way. My husband’s fav recipe of yours? Your Almond Crusted Cake! A staple in our home!
Carolyn says
So glad you like them, Tamera!
Karen says
Yummy! I’m making these today. Thanks for your great recipes! Karen
txgrandma says
We’ve been shelling pecans here in TX. What a great recipe and can’t wait to try it out. Thanks!
Laura F. says
These look so delicious; cant wait to make them tomorrow! Thank you for sharing the recipe with us!
juliendbq says
Hi again, Carolyn! I’m just dropping by to tell you about my experience yesterday. I had a friend over for coffee, chat and prayer. I offered her a pecan pie muffin and bragged on this recipe (it’s flavor, simplicity of ingredients and ease of baking). Taking things a step further, I decided to show her just how east this recipe is by throwing a batch to together, right then and there … made a believer out of her! Also, I found some individual silicone cupcake liners in our local Kitchen Unlimited store. Once cooled, the muffins popped right out of them! Now, they not only taste wonderful, but look cute too! Added bonus: the fluted cupcake liners were super easy to clean!
Carolyn says
I am delighted to hear that. And I now have some of those silicone liners too and really love them.
Sapna Jahan says
I love these! I made them this past weekend and added a little bit of Banana emulsion- they were fantastic!
Kelly says
Just made these and they were great! Loved using the parchment paper cupcake liners, clean up was a breeze.
Bonnie Emmenegger says
What kind of molasses do you use?
Carolyn says
Blackstrap.
Meri Kieffer says
I just made these and they DID NOT turn out. Butter & eggs would not cream together. I have tried twice. I’m sick that I’ve wasted the ingredients, not once but twice. Did you mix the flowed mixture into the butter/egg mixture with a spoon or with an electric mixer. Mine ended up having butter floating on top of the muffins and really never baked like a muffin would. I was planning on taking them to a “all girls” Christmas overnight. I am so very disappointed. I hope I can figure out what I did wrong, particularly if they turned out for you. Any suggestions?????
Carolyn says
Sounds to me like you didn’t let your butter soften and you used cold eggs. They won’t mix together if you do that, the butter will just lump up. But please understand that this is not meant to be a cake-like muffin. It is very dense and more like the filling of a pecan pie. So that’s why they are named as such.
MERI KIEFFER says
I did use room temperature eggs and I did use softened butter.
Carolyn says
And yes, I mix the flour mixture in with an electric mixer.
connie r. says
Hi – do you have any good recipes that are low carb AND low fat?? thanks
Carolyn says
I have a very few (meringues, hot chocolate gummies, a few veggie recipes) but as I am on a low carb high fat diet, that is not my priority.
MERI KIEFFER says
I just tonight made the chocolate pecan muffins tonight and they failed on me twice. I didn’t hvee Swerve on hand so I used Xylo Sweet instead. The first time I made them I baked them in my new silicone muffin tin and they did not ever set up. I even baked them longer. They were very greasy on the bottom. So I threw the batch in the garbage but was determined to try a second time. This time I baked them in parchment cups placed in a metal muffin tin. Same thing happened again. They were very greasy on the bottom of the parchment cup liner. Do you have any idea why they aren’t turning out. I used Almond Flour, butter, 2 lrg eggs, Lilly Chocolate Chips, pecans, molasses. The recipe calls for 1/2 CUP of butter. Is that correct? In your video it doesn’t look like a full stick of butter so I began to wonder if it was suppose to be 1/2 STICK rather than 1/2 CUP? Otherwise I have to guess that it’s due to the sweetener. I want so badly to make these for a coffee I’m having, but it’s getting pretty expensive to have them not to turn out. Can you please help me out?
Carolyn says
It is absolutely half a cup. Keep in mind these are not meant to be muffin-y but more dense and like the filling of a pecan pie. That said, they should set up. They are supposed to be greasy, though…this is a low carb, HIGH FAT diet. 🙂 So it sounds like it must be the sweetener. What brand of almond flour are you using? If it’s almond MEAL (more coarse) that may also be a bit of an issue. I’d suggest, if you don’t want them that greasy, adding 2 tbsp of coconut flour to your batter.
Carol Little says
These are my husband’s VERY favorite low carb breakfast treat. He is always sure to let me know when we run out. I’ve been making them for about a year now. I use silicone baking cups and I end up with a dozen. Recently I started adding about 1/2 tablespoon of baking powder because I don’t like such a dense muffin. And I always go pretty heavy on the molasses.
Jane says
I’ve made many of your recipes but I just made this one for the first time today. These are wonderful!! I used sugar free chocolate chips and only used 1/3 cup of swerve but that’s all I changed. These are definitely a keeper! For me, I find some low carb muffins just don’t have enough flavor or are dry. These are awesome! Thank you!!
Carolyn says
So glad you liked them!
Leigh says
These are amazing! Mine had to bake a little longer. I don’t know if I baked them long enough, but the end result had nearly the same consistency as regular pecan pie, and I thought that was perfect. Fantastic recipe!!
Carolyn says
That’s exactly how they are supposed to be!
toni says
I made these the other day and I have to agree, one of the best LCHF muffins I have made! Absolutely delicious. Made them in my silicone muffin pan and they just popped out! Rented a beach house this fall for an all girls 40th HS Reunion, and will be making a couple of batches of these little gems to bring along! None of my friends eat this way, so it will be interesting to get their opinions.
Quick question, do you think that by adding a tsp or two of baking powder they will rise a bit more and have more of the texture of a true muffins? Not that these are not perfect as they are, just wondering? Thanks and love all your recipes, you have made going LCHF so much more tasty!
Carolyn says
It’s worth a try!
Tammy W says
These look fantastic! I was just wondering if the sweetener could be substituted with Stevia, Truvia Baking Blend, or Born Sweet Zing? I have all of those but no Swerve. I can get it around here, but just hate to go by another sweetener! Lol
Carolyn says
Sure, just make sure you figure out how much of your sweetener equals sugar. Swerve measures like sugar.
Blake Huber says
I substituted the molasses for 3 tbsp of Sugar Free Maple Syrup. I think it made them pop! Thanks.
Lisa says
Been trying a lot of low carb recipes lately and I have to say this one is the absolute BEST for a treat. You’d swear you were eating something right out of a bakery. I actually feel a little naughty eating itl Great recipe. But then again, all your recipes are winners!
Michelle says
Wow! These are really delicious and this recipe is a keeper! However, they are nothing like pecan pie. What they are is…chocolate chip cookies! I would call them “chocolate chip cookie muffins”! Texture and taste are spot-on. Will definitely be making these again!
Deb C. says
Hi, Just wondering since the molasses is optional is it included in the nutritional information for the muffins?? Thank you for great low carb recipes!!
Carolyn says
It is…I always include anything I use in the nutritionals.
Deb C. says
Thanks Carolyn!
Cassandra says
Just made these today from your book (love it, by the way, great recipe trove!). Not in my top spot (the cranberry blender ones take that), but definitely top 3. Good for a chocolate craving. I sprinkled some cinnamon and melted butter on top of one too, amazing. Thank you for sharing! I baked them 26 minutes and they came out perfect. 🙂 Very dense & nutty and filling.
Carol says
Hi! Is it possible to use coconut sugar for the sweetener? Thanks!
Carolyn says
Sure but that’s a lot of unnecessary carbs.
Jeanette says
Yum, very tasty!!! I used Lily’s Choc Chips at 70gr & added 10gr of collagen for a little protein bump (may add 20gr next time). Turned out great 🙂
Jennifer Blake says
Pie for breakfast? Yes please!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
THESE are how you do muffins!
Jennifer Farley says
These have so much going for them! Perfect!
Suzy says
So great to have a low-carb recipe for such tasty looking muffins! Thanks for sharing!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia says
These muffins are perfect for breakfasts on the go or afternoon snacks!
Darlene says
I make these terrific muffins in a mini muffin pan so we have more on hand and still need to bake them about twice a week. I’m able to buy super finely chopped pecans and a little goes a long way so I use 1/2 a cup and it’s plenty. I make my son scrambled eggs in the morning with 2 muffins and I always catch him sneaking a 3rd. When my hubby gets more coffee, I hear the container lid rattling as he gets another one or two for a snack. They are addictive and hard to stay away from. Probably my most used recipe from your books. A thousand thanks.
Carolyn says
Thanks so much, Darlene!
Janet says
Hi Carolyn, thanks for all the great recipes! Please don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger. Is there a lower fat substitute for the butter? Husband wants to know. Thanks!
Carolyn says
NOooooooo! 🙂 Won’t be pecan pie without the butter. I suppose you could cut back on it a bit.
Dawn says
I keep a batch of these made and in my freezer. At hubby’s request I added cinnamon, clove and allspice and they take care of his oatmeal cookie jones. My now-keto mother loves these, too!
Sara says
My absolute favorite breakfast. DELICIOUS!
Donna says
One of my favorites!
Lisamarie says
These muffins made my mouth happy! So very, very good with a cup of hot coffee for breakfast!
Janelle Hatteroth says
Is the nutrition info stated based on including the optional ingredients? Just need to know if I need to reconfigure macros. Thanks!
Carolyn says
It includes all optional ingredients because I do the calculations off of how I actually make them.
Judi Fikes says
I am reading all the rave reviews after just making a batch of 12. Generally I love your recipes, Carolyn and I have your cookbook Everday Keto Kitchen. I u derstood the density thing so wasn’t expecting a light muffin texture. Followed your recipe exactly except did not use molasses or yakon gold. It said optional and added so many carbs! Ok…review…they have a very strong aftertaste for me. Should I cut the Swerve back? I can hardly eat them! I did put some almond butter on top like icing and can eat them this way. I am wondering if I put the same amount of almond butter as molasses maybe it would make them easier to eat…so about 2 stars for me! But maybe I can rescue them!
Carolyn says
Do you normally get a strong aftertaste with Swerve? Its the only thing I can think of…some people taste it strongly but I don’t get any. To rescue… crumble them up and put them over ice cream. That would be my solution. Also the Yacon or molasses really doesn’t add many carbs. Only about 1g per serving and it gives it a more brown sugar/caramel taste.
Linda Smith says
I made these muffins tonight and substituted the lo cal brown sugar substitute for the Swerve. Also left out the cacao since I could do without it. Came out better than pecan pie! The batter seemed pretty wet, probably because the brown sugar has more moisture and they didn’t raise but, but they are delish!! Will definitely be making them again. Might try adding a tablespoon of baking powder like I do for lo carb bagels using almond flour. Thank you… can’t wait to have with my coffee tomorrow!
Jacqueline says
These look relish! Any possibilities you could suggest to replace the butter to make the dairy-free? Another fat? Almond butter? Thanks,
Carolyn says
Another semi-solid fat. Preferably ghee if you can use that but coconut oil if not.
chris says
why are the carbs showing more on the front nutrional value than on the square page on page 2 ? is it 3.7 or 3.4 net carbs per muffin .
I have made them and they are fantastic so either way I am still making again but was just wondering .
Carolyn says
I ran more recent numbers. I have removed the older info.
Bailey P. says
I subbed the granular swerve and molasses with brown swerve (not available when you originally posted this). Turned out DIVINE!
gremlin says
Ooh, what a great idea. How much brown Swerve did you use? I’ve never tried them with molasses, which I don’t have, but I do have brown Swerve!
I love these muffins, they always turn out great, and they don’t spike my blood sugar. I usually have them as a night-time snack that’s quick and ready to go without fussing around in the kitchen when others are sleeping. I accidentally overheated one in the microwave, but wanted to eat right then, so I broke it up in a bowl and poured heavy cream over the top to cool it down. That turned out pretty tasty, so I’ve repeated it a few times for variety.
I’ll be making a double batch tomorrow to take on my vacation (and freeze as soon as we arrive at the condo) so I’ve got 12 days of breakfast taken care of and snacks if I don’t need to eat two for breakfast before going scuba diving.
Julieannne says
I just made these and they are delicious. I used Splenda sin e it is what I had. I may have over baked them a bit since they were no longer tacky when I touched them, but I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest. They were moist and delicious. Tasted like a regular muffin with a good texture which is a win in my book. I will definitely be making them again. My husband tastes one and his response was “I’ll take three more please”.
Kellie H. says
BEST muffins ever! So easy and turn out perfect every time.
Kimberly says
So good and the molasses adds a nice touch!
Toni says
These were so good! My kids devoured them in no time!
Julie Blanner says
Love this! Chocolate and pecan is a great combination. Can’t wait to make this.
Amy says
I can’t wait to make these muffins!
Sonja says
I was looking for something I could make and use while i travel for a quick meal or snack! I made these muffins earlier today, I had all the ingredients too!! I loved them so much! I made 8 instead of the 12 so mine are a little bigger! Perfect for snacks and a meal too.
Carolyn says
They really are great for traveling. Enjoy!
Jewel says
These are fantastic. I used to make a wickedly unhealthy chocolate pecan pie. This reminds me of it without the guilt. I can’t believe I can eat food like this! Thank you, Carolyn!
Shawna says
Any way to lower the fat content??
Carolyn says
I am sure there is but fat is good and important on keto.
Shari says
Made these over the weekend (from your Everyday Ketogenic Kitchen cookbook), and kicking myself for not doubling–or tripling–the batch!! These may be the best keto muffin I’ve ever had–bar none. Simple ingredients, great flavor. My husband, who is only partially keto, loved them, too, so that’s a huge plus. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Everything we’ve made from your book and your website has turned out great. You’ve turned into my go-to for keto/LC dishes. 🙂
Carolyn says
So glad to hear it!
Christine says
These are fabulous!! What a rich treat! With the ingredients I used I got these down to 2g net carbs. I used Blue Diamond flour, Nature’s Eats pecan pieces and also I used Lyle’s Black Treacle instead of molasses which technically you don’t need as much of, but I went ahead and used the full 1T which only adds 9g carbs, but next time I think I’ll reduce it just a bit, could probably get by with half (or maybe not, because these were perfection!). I found in the last several minutes it’s best to keep an eye on them because they can go from not quite set to perfect very quickly… I took them out when a toothpick came out wet with just a tiny amount of crumb, and after completely cooling, the texture is insane, and even has that nice thin “crust” on the top like pecan pie does. I’m just mad I didn’t try this one sooner! They come together in no time. Thank you so much for all you do to help us stay the course with healthy and satisfying treats!!!
beth says
Has anyone tried coconut flour in place of the almond? I am allergic to almonds. I know there are plenty of sub lists but I was hoping for an experienced baker to answer.
Carolyn says
It would not work in this recipe. Can you get a hold of some pecan meal/flour instead?
J chan says
Would rice flour work
Carolyn says
Nope! I don’t use it and it’s very different from almond flour so no. Won’t work in this recipe.
Jael Adams says
Wow! I just made these and they really do taste like Pecan Pie, they even have a slight Pecan Pie texture to them. Thank you!
Deanna says
I just made these today, but I think I messed up somewhere. When I removed them from the pan, they completely fell apart, into crumbles. Not one held its shape. 🙁 I did leave my butter and eggs out, but I’m thinking the butter wasn’t room temp enough?? Because when I mixed it with the egg, it didn’t cream. It was lumpy and goopy. So, it’s either that or I baked them too long, that made them fall apart. Do you have any advice? I just can’t figure out what it was.
Carolyn says
Did you happen to use a different sweetener? And it definitely should “cream” properly.
karen m bratton says
I had this happen too. I used yacon sryup instead of molasses. Would that cause the goopy mess instead of creamy
Carolyn says
Were your eggs at room temp too? Whenever my butter clumps up, it’s because my eggs were still cold.
Teresa says
I made these today! We love them! Very easy to make and so delicious ~
Wanda Daniel says
I made these today and they are wonderful! They are going into my “Favorites” file for regular use. Thank you!
Elaine and MacNeil says
My husband and I are addicted to these delicious muffins! It has taken unbelievable determination not to eat more than one a day – usually with a decaf coffee after dinner. I find an aftertaste with Swerve so have been using zylitol (Canada) and it seems to present no taste or texture issues. Quick question, though – should they be refrigerated after baking?
Carolyn says
If you’re going to eat them within 5 days or so, no refrigeration needed (but if you life in a humid climate, you might want to).
Mary says
Carolyn your recipes never disappoint. This really tastes like pecan pie, in my opinion. Looking forward to trying your coffee cake muffin. I never have whey protein. Any substitutions for that.
Kasren says
No baking soda? I added a little because I thought you might have intended to add some. I’ve never made muffins without some kind of leavening agent…??
Carolyn says
No, they are not meant to rise, they are meant to be like the filling from pecan pie.
Kim says
Made these yesterday, they are amazing.