This easy keto pumpkin pie recipe will take your low carb pumpkin pie game to the next level – mostly because of the cardamom candied pecans. I also chose to make this pumpkin pie in a slab pie format, for reasons I’ll go into more detail about below!

I don’t know about you guys, but I’ll take a piece of keto pumpkin pie over a piece of cake any day. It’s the queen of pumpkin desserts.
Top it with some Cardamom Candied Pecans and I’m definitely all in. So while the keto pumpkin pie filling itself is pretty traditional for this low carb pumpkin pie recipe – it’s the candied pecans that take it to the next level.
Like wake up in the middle of the night thinking about that leftover pumpkin pie in the fridge and getting up to have some, because going back to sleep without at least one bite of that buttery shortbread crust and creamy pumpkin custard topped with crunchy, sweet, spicy pecans on top IS JUST NOT AN OPTION, next level.
It’s that good.

Keto Pumpkin Pie FAQs and Substitions:
Is a keto pumpkin slab pie better than a traditional keto pumpkin pie?
Slab pies are all the new rage in case you didn’t know. And lest you think it’s just a passing fad, let me come at you with some major pros of a slab pie over a traditionally shaped round pie…
First, a slab pie is much easier to cut and serve IMO. With a traditional keto pumpkin pie, your filling to crust ratio is much higher, and the steep incline on the sides means that it’s hard to serve a decent looking slice if that matters to you. Usually the rim of crust falls off onto the plate at least, or the entire slice just disintegrates and collapses flat anyway under the weight of the filling.
Second, because the filling to crust ratio isn’t as high in a keto pumpkin slab pie, you are less likely to end up with a bottom crust that is still raw on the bottom – and let’s face it, raw pie dough isn’t appetizing. Also, the crust is my favorite part of any keto pie – so I’m good with more crust and a little less filling per bite.

Third, a slab pie is preferable to a traditionally shaped keto pumpkin pie when you have multiple dessert options and you want a small piece of everything.
You can easily customize the size of your slice with a slab pie, whereas a traditional pie is hard to cut small or it just falls apart. Still tastes good, just not as pretty.
AND, bonus fourth pro, if you’re doing a keto dessert and coffee buffet cocktail party style, most slab pies (and especially this keto pumpkin slab pie) can be picked up and eaten easily by hand while standing and holding a plate or drink.
Which is especially nice when you don’t want to provide utensils, or you don’t have room to provide guests with tables and chairs if you’re entertaining in a smaller space.
So there you have it.
Slab pies rule. The end.
And if you haven’t tried slab pie before, this keto pumpkin pie is the perfect one to get your feet wet with! I’m excited for you!

What kind of pan do I need to make this keto pumpkin slab pie?
A 13 x 9 baking sheet with 1 inch sides is ideal for easy slicing, but a 13 x 9 regular baking pan will also work.
Can this keto pumpkin pie be made in a traditional pie pan?
Yes! Absolutely this low carb pumpkin pie can be made in a traditional pie plate. Because it will be thicker you will likely need to increase the baking time by about 15 minutes.
What is the best way to toast the candied pecans?
I chose to toast the pecans separately and then sprinkle them over the top after I baked this keto pumpkin pie, rather than adding them to the top during baking as I’ve seen done before with nut toppings.
I’m sure you could toast the nuts on top of the pie filling as it bakes, but since nuts go from mmmm nice and toasty and perfect to ugh black and bitter and burned like all get out in about 10 seconds, I decided not to risk it.
If you want to live on the edge – go for it and save yourself the extra step of toasting them separately.
Is pumpkin ok to eat on a keto diet?
Yes. Pumpkin is a relatively low carb squash, and is perfectly acceptable to use in moderation on the keto diet.
What type of pumpkin puree should I use for keto pumpkin pie?
I used organic canned pumpkin puree for my pumpkin pie, but you can also use fresh if you have it.
When purchasing canned pumpkin puree, make sure it is not pumpkin pie filling, which will contain a lot of sugar and is not keto friendly. Look for 100% packed pumpkin and get organic if you can find it reasonably priced.
If you are making your own pumpkin puree make sure it’s well drained and thick or it will add too much moisture to your pie, which will prevent it from setting firmly.
You can also substitute butternut squash for the pumpkin in this keto pumpkin pie recipe with excellent results.
How do I store this keto pumpkin pie?
For best results you should wrap this pumpkin pie in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To freeze this keto pumpkin pie I recommend slicing it in advance (so it’s pre-portioned and you don’t have to cut a frozen pie or thaw the entire thing to get one slice) and then wrapping it in plastic and placing it in an airtight container to protect it from freezer burn. This keto pumpkin pie will keep for up to 6 months in the freezer.
Print
Keto Pumpkin Pie with Cardamom Candied Pecans
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
This keto pumpkin pie is my new favorite – mostly because the Cardamom Candied Pecans on top take it to the next level! A low carb and gluten free pumpkin pie recipe.
Ingredients
For the shortbread pie crust:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sweetener (IBIH recommends)
- 2 1/4 cups almond flour (IBIH recommends)
- 1 teaspoon maple extract (optional)
- pinch of salt
For the pumpkin pie filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener (IBIH recommends)
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder (IBIH recommends)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
For the candied pecans:
- 1 cup pecan pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons granulated sweetener (IBIH recommends)
Instructions
To make the shortbread crust:
- Melt the butter.
- Add the rest of the crust ingredients and stir until a stiff dough forms.
- Press dough evenly into a nonstick 13 x 10 (or equivalent) cookie sheet/jelly roll pan along the bottom and up the sides, crimping the edges.
- Bake in a preheated 325 degree (F) oven for 10 minutes.
To make the filling and pie:
- Combine the eggs and cream and beat together until smooth.
- Add the pumpkin, sweetener, protein powder, and spices to the egg mixture and beat for at least one minute until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pre-baked pie crust and spread until even.
- Bake in a preheated 325 degree (F) oven for 35 – 40 minutes or until the filling is firm and the crust is golden. (If the crust is darkening too quickly, cover the edges loosely with foil in the last 10 minutes of baking. I didn’t and mine turned out fine, but it was close.)
- Turn off the oven and leave the slab pie in for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove and cool.
To make the candied pecans:
- Combine all of the pecan ingredients in a small bowl and stir until coated.
- Spread the nuts out on a cookie sheet and toast at 375 degrees (F) for 8 – 10 minutes or until crunchy.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the cooled nuts evenly over the top of the pie before cutting and serving.
Notes
To see a list of my favorite keto products and brands that I recommend for sweeteners, flours, etc. you can check out the IBIH Pantry Ingredients Page!
Nutrition info for a serving of pie with no candied nuts is – 264 calories, 21g fat, 4g net carbs, 8g protein
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: keto pie recipe
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12th pie
- Calories: 337
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 5g net
- Protein: 10g
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Joy Winston says
I’m sorry my computer is broken. Can I use honey instead? I know it is not keto
Darlene says
Hi Melissa!
Long time follower, first time commenter/questioner here. Do you think egg white protein powder would work instead of the whey protein powder? Sadly, I’m allergic to whey. I’ve finally got my husband slowly coming over to low carb, and I would love to suprise him with this slab pie. He LOVES punpkin pie, and I’d like to have some too. I’ll appreciate any response, even if it’s just “no”, lol.
Thank you for all you do and for all of your amazing recipes trough the years!
Mellissa Sevigny says
In theory I don’t see why it wouldn’t work – I can’t be 100% sure without trying it, but principally it makes sense that it would. Please let us know if you try it and how it turns out!
Deb says
What can I use instead of cardamom? I don’t’ want to buy just for this recipe. Thank you.
Mellissa Sevigny says
Cinnamon or nutmeg can work, just a different flavor profile.
Laurie D says
The links for the sweetener no longer work. Which one do you recommend? I don’t generally like erythritol so I hope it’s something different.
Thanks!
Mellissa Sevigny says
You can use any sweetener that measures cup for cup like sugar.
Lori says
Excellent recipe! The flavors are perfect and the texture was spot-on. I took off one star because there wasn’t enough crust for the filling (I see another commenter had the same issue). I could either hold back some filling and fill a ramekin for later or make more crust, but not sure how much more. Also, the 10×13 pan is unusual. I have lots of 9×13, but no 10×13 and perhaps that extra 13 sq. in. (1″x13″) would give me more room for the filling/crust to look like the photo? In any event – great recipe which I will make again and tweak for the pans I have. I Mellissa’s work!
Diana says
what is the protein powder for? Is there a substitute I could use? Thank you, it looks delicious!
Mellissa Sevigny says
It helps it set up, but you can omit it and just have a slightly more jiggly pie.
Diana says
thank you!
Kathy says
Darn…I was just looking up this pie recipe, planning to make it again, and I realize that I made an error in my review, and don’t know how to correct it. Instead of “filling” I should have used the word “crust”, which made my review confusing. It was the crust ingredients that I upped by 1/4…the filling amount was perfect for my sized pan. It was a great dessert, and I’m going to use it instead of traditional pumpkin pie recipes now. Sorry about my slip….
Immado keto says
This is my favorite keto pumpkin pie! The pecans on top really makes it!
TheaMaria says
I only have unflavored Isopure whey protein powder. Can I substitute that? Thanks!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Yes!
Cici says
I made this for Thanksgiving and my Non-low carb brother said “Cici is the only one who can make low carb taste good”. Thanks for making me look so good!! PS I burned the pecans (cooked them in the toaster oven because the turkey was in the big oven). I don’t know why I never learn that lesson! Grrrrr. Never had time to make another batch. I just served it with a little whipped cream & it was still awesome. This is now my go-to pumpkin pie recipe. Next year with the pecan topping!!