Print

Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters : Irresistible & Crunchy Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters : Irresistible & Crunchy Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are irresistibly crunchy treats combining toasted pecans, rich caramel, and smooth melted chocolate. These bite-sized delights offer a perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and chocolatey flavors with an optional sprinkle of sea salt for added depth. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing or gifting, these clusters are a delicious homemade snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Nuts and Caramel

  • 2 cups pecan halves or chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup caramel candies or homemade caramel bits
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Topping

  • 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or a mix)

Optional

  • Sea salt flakes for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Toast the Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for 8 to 10 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Once toasted, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
  2. Melt the Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies with the butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the caramel mixture is completely smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
  3. Combine Pecans and Caramel: Toss the cooled toasted pecans into the melted caramel mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the sticky caramel.
  4. Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Spread the caramel-coated pecans evenly across the pan to form a uniform layer.
  5. Melt the Chocolate: In a clean microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips by heating them in 30-second bursts. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
  6. Pour Chocolate Over Pecans: Carefully spread the melted chocolate evenly over the pecan-caramel layer, ensuring complete coverage for a luscious chocolate topping.
  7. Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate and caramel have fully firmed up. If desired, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the clusters before chilling to add a subtle salty contrast.
  8. Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the clusters out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars or break into irregular cluster pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, toast the pecans before using.
  • Use high-quality caramel and chocolate for the best taste.
  • Optional sea salt flakes elevate the flavors through contrast.
  • Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to one week.
  • Clusters can be customized by mixing in other nuts or adding a splash of espresso powder to the chocolate.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chocolate pecan clusters, Turtle clusters, Caramel pecan chocolate, Easy homemade chocolate treats, Crunchy nut clusters

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/chocolate-pecan-turtle-clusters-irresistible-and-crunchy-recipe/