Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are a delightful treat combining the richness of chocolate, the nuttiness of pecans, and the sweet gooeyness of caramel. Here’s a simple recipe to make these indulgent candies:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped semisweet chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pecans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly darker. Be sure to stir them halfway through to ensure even toasting. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Prepare the Caramel:
- If using store-bought caramel sauce, warm it slightly in the microwave to make it easier to work with (about 20-30 seconds). If making homemade caramel, prepare it according to your recipe and let it cool slightly before using.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Melt them together using a double boiler or in the microwave (heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth). If you like, you can add vanilla extract to the melted chocolate for added flavor.
- Assemble the Clusters:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- For each cluster, place a small spoonful of pecan halves (about 4-5 pecans) on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or spoon a small amount of caramel over the pecans.
- Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drizzle melted chocolate over the pecans and caramel, covering them completely. You can use a toothpick or a skewer to swirl the chocolate and caramel together if desired.
- Add Sea Salt (Optional):
- While the chocolate is still wet, you can sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each cluster for a touch of contrast and extra flavor.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the clusters for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate has fully set.
- Store:
- Once the clusters are set, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator if you prefer.
Tips:
- For a different twist, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate.
- If you prefer homemade caramel, use a recipe that doesn’t require heavy cream to avoid a runny consistency. Make sure to let it cool to a thick but pourable consistency before using.
Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters!