Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters, combining toasted pecans, rich caramel, and smooth semi-sweet chocolate for a perfect sweet and nutty treat. Ready in just 25 minutes and perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts
- 1 cup pecan halves
Sweets
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smooth melting)
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them for 5-7 minutes until they are lightly toasted, making sure not to burn them by watching closely.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: While roasting, line another baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking when assembling the clusters.
- Form Clusters: Once toasted, arrange 3-4 pecans into small clusters on the prepared baking sheet, grouping them closely together.
- Add Caramel: Drizzle about a small spoonful of caramel sauce evenly over each pecan cluster so that the nuts are coated nicely.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
- Coat with Chocolate: Spoon the melted chocolate generously over each pecan and caramel cluster, ensuring the pecans are fully covered and sealed inside the chocolate.
- Set Clusters: Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill the clusters for 15-20 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden and set perfectly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, remove the clusters from the fridge and enjoy your delicious homemade Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Use high-quality caramel sauce for best flavor, or make your own caramel at home.
- If you don’t have coconut oil, you can melt chocolate chips alone but adding it helps with smoother melting and shine.
- Store clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet if preferred.
- Make sure to watch the pecans closely while roasting to prevent burning.
- These clusters make a great homemade gift—consider packaging them in decorative boxes or bags.
