Print

Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★

3.9 from 40 reviews

These Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters combine toasted pecan halves with rich homemade caramel and creamy milk chocolate for an irresistible, bite-sized treat. Perfect for holiday gifting or anytime snacking, they feature a delightful mix of crunchy nuts, buttery caramel, and smooth chocolate.

Ingredients

Scale

Pecans

  • 2 cups pecan halves (toasted)

Caramel

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 7 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Topping

  • 12 oz milk chocolate chips
  • ½ tsp shortening

Instructions

  1. Toast Pecans: Toast the pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Prepare Clusters: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray them with non-stick spray. Arrange the toasted pecans into small clusters of 3 to 4 pecans each on the prepared sheets.
  3. Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Continue to stir constantly while cooking to prevent burning.
  4. Cook to Temperature: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and cook the mixture until it reaches between 235°F and 240°F, which is the firm ball stage for caramel. Once at temperature, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Coat Clusters with Caramel: Quickly spoon about 1½ teaspoons of the hot caramel over each pecan cluster. Work swiftly as the caramel hardens quickly; rewarm if necessary to keep it pliable.
  6. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between sessions until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  7. Top with Chocolate: Spoon about 1½ teaspoons of the melted chocolate over each caramel-coated pecan cluster, ensuring a nice even layer. Allow the clusters to cool at room temperature or chill them briefly in the refrigerator to set the chocolate.
  8. Store: Once fully set, store the chocolate pecan turtle clusters in an airtight container for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the clusters and thaw before serving.

Notes

  • Toast pecans just until fragrant to avoid burning and enhance flavor.
  • Use a candy thermometer for precise caramel cooking to ensure proper texture.
  • If caramel hardens too quickly while spooning, gently rewarm it.
  • Shortening in the chocolate helps it melt smoothly and gives a glossy finish.
  • Clusters can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated to preserve freshness.
  • These clusters make a great homemade gift wrapped in parchment or decorative boxes.

Keywords: Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters, pecan clusters, homemade caramel candy, chocolate pecan recipe, holiday treats, nut clusters, easy candy recipe

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/chocolate-pecan-turtle-clusters-recipe/