These orange cream cheese pecan bites are little two-pecan sandwiches filled with a bright, creamy orange-cheese mixture. Toasted pecan halves turn fragrant in the oven before Neuchatel cheese, butter and fresh orange zest whip together in a bowl. A light sprinkle of sea salt on top and four crunchy bites are ready to serve.
Looking for a snack that’s both incredibly simple and impressively elegant? You’ve found it! These Orange Cream Cheese Pecan Bites are the perfect little treat. They combine the buttery crunch of toasted pecans with a luscious, citrus-kissed cream cheese filling. In just a few minutes, you can whip up a sophisticated, low-carb snack that’s packed with flavor and healthy fats. Plus, pecans are a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with antioxidants and minerals, making this a treat you can feel great about enjoying.
Ingredients
• 8 pecan halves
• 1 tbsp / 14g unsalted butter, softened
• 2 oz / 56g Neuchâtel cheese, softened
• 1 tsp / 2g (0.07 oz) orange zest, finely grated
• pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. Preparation
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves on a small baking sheet and toast for 5–10 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, then set aside to cool completely.
3. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, Neuchâtel cheese, and finely grated orange zest. Mix with a fork or spatula until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
4. Once the pecans are cool, spread a small amount of the cheese mixture onto the flat side of one pecan half. Gently press another pecan half on top to create a small sandwich. Repeat with the remaining pecans.
5. Arrange the pecan bites on a serving plate and finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful crunch!
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Facts (per serving)
• Total Carbohydrates: 3.31g (0.12 oz)
• Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
• Net Carbs: 1.4g (0.05 oz)
• Protein: 3g
• Total Fat: 26g
• Calories: 243
Pro Tips
• For a different citrus twist, feel free to substitute the orange zest with finely grated lemon or lime zest.
• The cream cheese filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble the bites just before serving to ensure the pecans stay perfectly crisp.
• Don’t skip the toasting step! It deeply enhances the nutty flavor of the pecans and provides a superior texture.
FAQ
Q: Are these pecan bites keto-friendly
A: Yes, with only 1.4g (0.05 oz) of net carbs per serving, these Orange Cream Cheese Pecan Bites are an excellent low-carb and keto-friendly snack.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time for a party
A: You can prepare the cream cheese filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. However, to ensure the pecans remain crisp, it’s best to assemble the bites just before you plan to serve them.
Q: Is it necessary to toast the pecans
A: Toasting the pecans is a crucial step that you shouldn’t skip. It deeply enhances their nutty flavor and provides a superior crunchy texture that makes the snack much more enjoyable.
Q: Can I use a different citrus flavor instead of orange
A: Absolutely! For a different citrus twist, you can easily substitute the orange zest with an equal amount of finely grated lemon or lime zest.
Pro Tips
- Don't skip the toasting step – spread the pecan halves on a small baking sheet and toast at 350°F / 175°C for 5-10 minutes until fragrant; it deeply enhances the nutty flavor and gives a superior crunch.
- Let the toasted pecans cool completely before assembling, and watch them closely in the oven since they can burn quickly.
- The cream cheese filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge – but assemble the bites just before serving so the pecans stay perfectly crisp.
- For a different citrus twist, substitute the orange zest with finely grated lemon or lime zest.
- Spread the cheese mixture on the flat side of one pecan half, press a second half on top like a sandwich, and finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt before serving immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these pecan bites ahead of time?
The filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and kept in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving so the pecans stay crisp.
Do I really need to toast the pecans?
Yes – 5-10 minutes in the oven deepens their nutty flavor and gives the bites a much better texture. Cool the halves completely before spreading on the filling.
Can I use a different citrus zest?
Absolutely – finely grated lemon or lime zest works in place of the orange zest for a different citrus twist on the same creamy filling.
Are these bites keto-friendly?
Each serving has 243 calories, 26g fat, 3g protein and 3.31g carbs – with 1.5g of fiber that is about 1.4g net carbs per serving.
Recipe card below.
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Orange Cream Cheese Pecan Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the pecan halves on a small baking sheet and toast for 5–10 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, then set aside to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, Neuchâtel cheese, and finely grated orange zest.
- Mix with a fork or spatula until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Once the pecans are cool, spread a small amount of the cheese mixture onto the flat side of one pecan half. Gently press another pecan half on top to create a small sandwich.
- Repeat with the remaining pecans.
- Arrange the pecan bites on a serving plate and finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful crunch!
- Don't skip the toasting step! It deeply enhances the nutty flavor of the pecans and provides a superior texture.
