These easy Low Carb Caramel Nut Clusters are the perfect solution to all your sweet tooth cravings. Featuring a rich, sugar-free caramel sauce that comes together in less than 10 minutes, we also incorporate our delicious Cacao Granola to add a decadent boost of chocolatey goodness that wonderfully complements the caramel.
Using our nut-based granola introduces a delightful variety of flavors and textures –from the subtle sweetness of coconut to the crunch of assorted nuts and seeds. It's an excellent way to elevate the irresistible combination of chocolate and caramel, adding layers of taste and texture to every bite. Easy to make and delightful to eat, these clusters are ideal for a quick, satisfying treat that's also mindful of your carb intake.
Is sugar free caramel hard to make?
As long as you’re attentive and have patience, it’s a breeze! It’s not a technically difficult recipe but does require frequent stirring. It’s worth it once you taste these delicious nut clusters. The hardest part of this recipe is trying not to eat all the caramel by itself.
Why You’ll Love it
Make in advance- You can make these caramel nut clusters ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy work days, on-the-go snacking, or an effortless evening treat. The flavors of the caramel and cacao granola marry over time, making them taste even more delicious the next day.
Decadent yet low in sugar- When you typically think of caramel, lots of sugar comes to mind. These clusters will give you the deep, rich taste of caramel without using lots of sugar. You can even add a drizzle of melted chocolate or dip the bottoms in chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
Confidence building recipe- For those that are new to cooking, or even just new to low carb cooking, this is a great recipe to build confidence in the kitchen. It’s slightly more skilled than mixing a batter and requires extra attention but the outcome is absolutely delicious. Not to mention, the caramel base can be used for all your caramel needs such as making mini candies, or drizzling over ice cream.
Ingredients
NuTrail Granola- NuTrail's Cacao Nut Granola is a key ingredient in these clusters, offering a rich, chocolatey flavor complemented by the crunch of nuts. This granola is not only tasty but also has simple nutritious ingredients, making it an ideal base for these bites.
Allulose- As a natural sweetener, allulose provides the sweetness needed for the caramel without the high sugar content. It's a great choice for those looking to enjoy sweet treats while maintaining a diet low in added sugar. This recipe can be made with erythritol as well, but it will be less sticky like caramel and may crumble slightly when cooled.
Butter- Butter adds a rich and creamy texture to the caramel. Both unsalted and salted butter will work here since the hint of salt brings balance to all the sweet flavors rather than making it taste salty.
Vanilla- A hint of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the clusters. It adds a subtle depth and warmth to the caramel, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
Heavy Cream- Heavy cream makes up the base for the caramel. It blends seamlessly with the butter and allulose, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the nut clusters.
How to Store Caramel Nut Clusters
Store leftover Nut clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’re taking them on-the-go, it’s ideal to keep them near an ice pack to keep cool and avoid melting.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works great when scaled, just be sure to double every ingredient and allow slightly longer cook time to accommodate for the increased volume.
Can I use a different sweetener?
You’ll need a granular sweetener to make this recipe work, liquid alternatives will not caramelize. This recipe has been tested with allulose and erythritol. Allulose produces the most realistic caramel taste and texture. Erythritol remained slightly lighter in color, had a more mild taste, and did not become stretchy and smooth like traditional caramel. Feel free to experiment with other sweeteners, just be aware that the outcome may differ.
Tips and Substitutions
- Experiment with different flavors of Granola in your clusters Cinnamon Pecan and Honey Nut will both taste great.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to your caramel. It can enhance the warm, rich tones in the clusters.
- Be sure to use a tablespoon or scoop to measure out your mixture. Small scoops stick together better and also will help you be mindful of portions.
- Stir the caramel frequently. It will go through many stages of small bubbles, then foaming, then large bubbles. It’s important that you don’t walk away and leave the pan alone because it can easily burn. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the pot frequently as well.
- Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of chocolate as garnish to the clusters for an extra special presentation.
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Low Carb Caramel Pecan Clusters Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: N/A
Yield: 8 clusters, 1 per serving
Ingredients
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup granular allulose
1 cup NuTrail Cacao Nut Granola
1. Line a small baking sheet or cutting board with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Begin with a saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour in the heavy cream then add the butter, vanilla and allulose then stir gently.
3. Let the mixture heat until the butter is melted, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture begins to boil, keep a close eye on it. It will go through rounds of foaming and bubbling. Be sure to stir and scrape down the sides of the pot frequently. If you’re using an extra small pan and it begins to boil over, simply remove the pot from the heat and reduce the heat until it becomes more manageable.
4. After 5-7 minutes it will turn an amber color and the bubbles will become larger. It will begin to darken in color similar to caramel and become thick and sticky. Remove from heat and immediately pour into a medium mixing bowl.
5. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until it slightly cools. It should look like traditional caramel by this point.
6. Add the granola to the bowl and fold until well combined. Use a tablespoon to scoop the mixture onto the prepared parchment, making 8 clusters. If any caramel remains in the bowl, use a spoon to carefully divide among the top of clusters.
7. Place the clusters into the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes until set, then serve.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information was calculated using the Cronometer app. These numbers are meant to be estimates and you should always be sure to double check your own ingredients as nutrition can vary by brand.
Per serving (1 nut cluster)
112 calories, 1.7g protein 0.9g net carbs, 11.7g fat
