Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are a sweet and indulgent treat that combines rich, smooth chocolate, crunchy pecans, and creamy caramel to create a bite-sized dessert that’s impossible to resist. Inspired by the classic turtle candy, these clusters are a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making them a popular choice for holiday gatherings, gifting, or just a special homemade snack. The best part is that they are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to create gourmet-quality candy at home with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 12 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your workspace. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the clusters don’t stick during cooling.
- Toast the pecans to enhance their flavor. Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Once the pecans have cooled, arrange them into small mounds on the lined baking sheet. Each cluster should consist of 4-5 pecan halves arranged in a compact group, leaving enough space between clusters.
- Next, melt the caramel. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits or unwrapped caramel candies with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and completely melted. If the caramel is too thick, add a little more cream to reach a pourable consistency.
- Spoon a small amount of the melted caramel over each cluster of pecans, ensuring the caramel drips between the pecans and covers them slightly.
- Now, melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate chips and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stove.
- Pour or spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel-coated pecan clusters. Use a spoon to gently spread the chocolate to cover the pecans and caramel completely, ensuring that each cluster is evenly coated.
- Optionally, add a pinch of sea salt on top of each cluster for a hint of salty contrast to the sweet layers.
- Allow the clusters to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to set completely, which will take an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Once the clusters have cooled and the chocolate has hardened, remove them from the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge.
Conclusion
Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are a delicious and satisfying treat that brings together three classic ingredients—chocolate, pecans, and caramel—in one perfectly balanced bite. Whether you make them for special occasions or as an everyday indulgence, these clusters are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. With minimal preparation and just a few simple ingredients, you can create these gourmet candy clusters that rival any store-bought version.