Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are a sweet, indulgent treat made with chocolate, caramel, and pecans—reminiscent of the classic “turtle” candies! They’re super easy to make and perfect for gifting or satisfying a sweet tooth. Here’s a simple recipe to help you make these delicious clusters at home:
Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves (or chopped pecans)
- 1 cup caramel candies (about 20-25 pieces) or homemade caramel sauce
- 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (or a mix of both)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
Instructions:
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Toast the pecans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet.
- Toast in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside to cool.
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Prepare the caramel:
- If using store-bought caramel candies, place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. If the caramel is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream to loosen it up.
- If making your own caramel sauce, you can use a simple recipe like this:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of brown sugar, stirring until smooth and bubbly. Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
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Melt the chocolate:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler. For the microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
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Assemble the turtle clusters:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
- On the prepared baking sheet, place small piles of toasted pecans (about 5-6 pecans per pile). You want to form a little base to hold the caramel and chocolate.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of caramel over each pile of pecans, making sure it’s well-distributed but doesn’t spill over too much.
- Drizzle or spoon melted chocolate over the caramel and pecans, covering everything. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for more control.
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Chill the clusters:
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes to let the chocolate harden and the caramel set.
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Serve and enjoy:
- Once set, the chocolate pecan turtle clusters are ready to enjoy! You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.
Tips:
- Add sea salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate will elevate the flavor and add a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Storage: Keep the clusters in an airtight container to preserve freshness. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to refrigerate them to prevent the chocolate from melting.
- Flavor variations: You can experiment with different nuts (like cashews or almonds) or swap the caramel with dulce de leche for a different flavor twist.
Enjoy your Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters! They’re perfect for sharing with friends, adding to holiday gift boxes, or just enjoying as a treat. Let me know if you have any other questions!