Description
Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are an irresistible no-bake dessert featuring crunchy pecan halves coated with smooth caramel and rich chocolate. These homemade candy treats deliver the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, making them a delightful snack or party favor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Cluster Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup soft caramels (about 25 pieces)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Chocolate Coating
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Finishing Touch
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Clusters: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pecan halves into small clusters of 3–4 pecans each, spacing them evenly apart to form individual clusters.
- Melt the Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted, about 1–2 minutes total.
- Assemble Clusters with Caramel: Spoon a dollop of the melted caramel over each pecan cluster, allowing it to drip slightly to help bind the pecans together. Set the clusters aside to let the caramel set for 10–15 minutes at room temperature or speed up the process by chilling them in the refrigerator.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil or butter, if using. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Coat with Chocolate: Spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-coated pecan clusters, covering them completely or partially based on your preference. Optionally, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over the top to enhance the flavor.
- Chill to Set: Place the clusters in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set and hardened. Once set, they are ready to enjoy or store.
Notes
- You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate according to your taste preference.
- Store clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
- Toasting pecans before assembling adds extra depth of flavor and crunch.
