Description
These Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are irresistibly crunchy treats combining buttery pecans, soft caramel, and rich semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect as a no-bake dessert, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite type of chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful sweet and salty flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup soft caramels (about 25 pieces)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and arrange the pecan halves into small clusters of 3 to 4 pecans each, spacing them evenly apart to allow for easy topping and setting.
- Melt the caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted, approximately 1 to 2 minutes total.
- Coat pecans with caramel: Spoon a dollop of the melted caramel over each pecan cluster, allowing it to drip slightly to hold the nuts together. Let the caramel set at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, or place the tray in the refrigerator to chill and speed up the setting process.
- Melt the chocolate: In another bowl, melt the chocolate chips along with coconut oil or butter (if using) by microwaving in 30-second bursts, stirring after each until smooth and fully melted.
- Apply chocolate topping: Spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-coated pecan clusters. Cover them fully or partially as per your preference. For an added touch, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over each cluster while the chocolate is still wet.
- Chill to set: Place the clusters in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set and firm to the touch. Once set, they are ready to serve or store.
Notes
- Feel free to use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips according to your taste preference.
- Store the clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- For extra flavor and crunch, toast the pecans lightly before assembling the clusters.
