Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters Recipe
Delight in these rich and crunchy Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters, featuring toasted pecans layered with smooth caramel and coated in glossy melted chocolate. Perfect for a homemade treat or gifting, these no-bake clusters combine sweet, salty, and nutty flavors in bite-sized form.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 50 clusters 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pecan Base
- 2 cups pecan halves, lightly toasted
- parchment paper for lining
Caramel Layer
- 1 (14 oz) bag soft caramels (about 50 pieces)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Chocolate Coating
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional)
Optional Finishing Touch
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and arrange the toasted pecan halves into clusters of 3 or 4, spacing them evenly across the sheet.
- Melt Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until smooth and fully melted, approximately 2 minutes total.
- Add Caramel to Clusters: Carefully spoon about 1 tablespoon of the melted caramel over each pecan cluster, allowing it to drizzle without spreading too far. Let the caramel cool and set slightly for a few minutes.
- Melt Chocolate: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil or butter in 30-second bursts, stirring after each until smooth and glossy.
- Coat with Chocolate: Spoon a layer of melted chocolate over the caramel-covered pecan clusters, covering them completely.
- Finish and Chill: Optionally, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top to enhance the flavor. Allow the clusters to set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate hardens and the clusters are firm.
Notes
- Lightly toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and crunch.
- If you prefer, caramel can be melted using a double boiler instead of a microwave.
- Substitute dairy-free caramel and chocolate for a vegan alternative.
- Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to two weeks.
- Use a silicone mat instead of parchment paper for easier removal if available.
Keywords: chocolate pecan turtle clusters, caramel pecan clusters, no-bake chocolate dessert, homemade candy, pecan caramel treats
