Quick Description:
These indulgent yet easy pecan caramel clusters bring together toasted pecans, creamy caramel, and smooth chocolate—no oven required. A fantastic dessert for holidays, gifts, or weeknight cravings. Quick, customizable, and irresistibly delicious!
🕒 Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (just melting!)
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
- Servings: ~16 clusters
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Cluster – Approximate):
- Calories: ~130
- Carbs: ~12g
- Fat: ~9g
- Protein: ~1g
- Sugar: ~10g
📋 Ingredients List:
For the Clusters:
- 1½ cups pecans (halves or pieces)
- 20 soft caramel candies (approx. 6 oz)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk/alternative)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp neutral oil (olive or vegetable, optional for shine)
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring until fragrant. Let cool.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
Microwave caramel candies and 2 tbsp cream in 30-second bursts, stirring until melted and smooth (1–2 minutes total). Let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Clusters
Line a baking sheet with parchment. Group 3–4 toasted pecans together per cluster. Spoon 1–2 tsp caramel over each cluster center. Let set 10 minutes.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
Microwave chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted. Stir in 1 tsp oil for shine (optional).
Step 5: Top with Chocolate
Spoon chocolate over the caramel clusters, leaving some pecans peeking through. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Step 6: Let Set
Let clusters firm at room temperature for 30 minutes, or chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
💡 Flavor Tips & Customizations:
- Go Dark: Swap semisweet for dark chocolate.
- Nut Swap: Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
- Festive Flair: Drizzle with white chocolate or crushed candy canes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect for holiday trays, gifting, or a sweet treat after dinner.
- Serve alongside coffee or hot cocoa.
❄️ Storage & Reheat Tips:
- Store: In an airtight container at room temp for 1 week or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze: Store in freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.
❓ FAQs:
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Yes, use dairy-free chocolate and caramel alternatives. Coconut cream works in place of heavy cream.
Q: Can I skip toasting the pecans?
A: You can, but toasting adds flavor and crunch that’s worth the extra step.
📝 Optional Note:
These clusters are proof that simple pantry staples can become something spectacular with a little creativity. They’re fun to make and even more fun to share—if you don’t eat them all first!
📣 Call-to-Action:
Made these turtle clusters? Tag your creations and let me know how they turned out! 🐢🍫🥜
