Pecan Caramel Clusters
These easy, no-bake Pecan Caramel Clusters combine toasted pecans, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate for the perfect sweet treat. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you'll love making this simple yet elevated homemade candy! 🍫
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If you're looking for an indulgent, no-bake treat that's both impressive and easy to make, this Pecan Caramel Clusters recipe is just what you need!
Think of it as an elevated version of the beloved Turtles candy—made with toasty pecans, gooey caramel, and a decadent layer of chocolate, all finished off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
This recipe is perfect for satisfying your candy cravings or whipping up a simple, homemade gift. Plus, it only requires a handful of ingredients and minimal effort!
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3 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
No-Bake Simplicity: This recipe comes together quickly and requires no oven time. You can whip up these delectable treats in less than 30 minutes with minimal clean-up!
Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: You can easily swap out ingredients to cater to different preferences. Whether you’re a fan of dark chocolate or prefer the sweetness of milk chocolate, this recipe is versatile enough to make it your own.
Perfect Balance of Flavors & Textures: The toasty crunch of pecans, the soft chewiness of caramel, and the smooth richness of chocolate create the ultimate texture combo. Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a sophisticated touch that elevates these clusters to gourmet status.
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How to Make Pecan Caramel Clusters (Turtles-Inspired)
Equipment You’ll Need:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Begin by toasting your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 4-5 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly toasted. Be careful not to let them burn!
Once toasted, remove them from the heat and set them aside to cool slightly.
Check out my blog post on How to Toast Pecans for more ways to toast pecans!
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Step 2: Prepare the Caramel
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the soft caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth—this should take about 1-2 minutes.
Let the caramel mixture cool for a minute or two to allow it to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Clusters
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Arrange small clusters of 3-4 pecan halves on the sheet, overlapping the pecans slightly to create a solid base so the caramel mixture won’t seep through.
Using a spoon, drizzle about 1-2 teaspoons of melted caramel over the center of each pecan cluster.
Let the caramel sit for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly.
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Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
If you'd like a glossy finish, stir in the coconut oil or olive oil. This step is optional but adds a nice sheen to the finished clusters.
Step 5: Coat the Clusters
Spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel-covered pecans, ensuring the caramel is fully covered but leaving a bit of the pecans peeking out.
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top if you’re a fan of that sweet-salty flavor.
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Step 6: Cool & Set
Allow the clusters to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can pop them in the fridge, and they’ll be ready in about 15 minutes.
Enjoy your irresistible, elevated Pecan Caramel Clusters! Perfect for gifting or indulging in a sweet snack.
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How to Store Pecan Caramel Clusters
These Pecan Caramel Clusters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
If you prefer to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to allow the caramel to soften slightly.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Nuts: While pecans are traditional, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even cashews for a fun twist.
Caramel: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a flavored caramel like salted caramel or vanilla caramel for extra depth.
Oil: You can use olive oil, coconut oil, or omit it altogether, depending on your preference. The oil is mainly used for sheen.
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FAQs
Q: Can I toast the pecans in the oven instead of on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can! Toast the pecans on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Q: How do I prevent my caramel from getting too hard?
A: The key to soft, chewy caramel is to not overheat it. Melt the caramels with heavy cream in short intervals and stir frequently to avoid overcooking.
Q: Can I freeze Pecan Caramel Clusters?
A: Yes, these clusters freeze well. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: What type of caramel works best for this recipe?
Store-bought soft caramels like Werther’s Original or Kraft work best. If you prefer homemade caramel, just make sure it’s the soft variety, so it doesn’t harden too much when the clusters set.
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Tips & Tricks
Watch Your Pecans: Pecans can go from toasty to burnt quickly, so keep stirring and keep an eye on them while they toast.
Microwave the Chocolate in Short Bursts: Melting chocolate can be tricky. Make sure you microwave in 30-second intervals to avoid scorching it.
Use Flaky Sea Salt: A small sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a beautiful contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
These Pecan Caramel Clusters are the perfect homemade treat that feels gourmet without the fuss. Whether you're making them as gifts, bringing them to a party, or simply enjoying them at home, you’ll love how simple and delicious they are.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes, and don’t forget to share your creations on social media by tagging #ChynaBSweets.
Stay Sweet, Xoxo Chyna B 🍫
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Watch the full recipe on YouTube!
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