Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are a delightful combination of toasted pecans, rich caramel, and smooth milk chocolate. These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet snack anytime.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pecan halves (toasted)
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 7 oz sweetened condensed milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 12 oz milk chocolate chips
• ½ tsp shortening

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Remove and let cool on a plate.
2. Step 2: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray them. Arrange pecans into small clusters of 3 to 4 pieces each on the sheets.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly while cooking.
4. Step 4: Attach a candy thermometer and cook the mixture until it reaches 235–240°F. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Quickly spoon about 1½ teaspoons of the caramel over each pecan cluster. Work fast, reheating the caramel if it starts to harden.
6. Step 6: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth.
7. Step 7: Spoon about 1½ teaspoons of melted chocolate over each cluster. Let the clusters cool at room temperature or chill briefly to set the chocolate.
8. Step 8: Store the clusters in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
• Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty taste.
• If you don’t have a candy thermometer, cook the caramel mixture until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Storage

Keep the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To extend shelf life, freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months. Let frozen clusters thaw at room temperature before serving. For best texture, avoid refrigeration as it can make the caramel sticky and hard.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw pecans instead of toasted?

Yes, but toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the clusters.

What can I use if I don’t have light corn syrup?

You can substitute an equal amount of honey or maple syrup, though it may slightly change the flavor and texture of the caramel.

Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 131 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 24 clusters 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Delight in these decadent Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters, featuring toasted pecans coated in a rich caramel made from brown sugar, butter, and sweetened condensed milk, all topped with a smooth layer of melted milk chocolate. Perfect as a sweet snack or gift, these clusters combine a crunchy nutty texture with creamy caramel and chocolaty goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cluster Ingredients

• 2 cups pecan halves (toasted)

Caramel Sauce

• 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

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Instructions

1. Toast Pecans: Toast pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until they become fragrant. Remove from heat and cool on a plate.
2. Prepare Clusters: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick spray. Arrange the toasted pecans into small clusters of 3–4 pieces each on the prepared sheets.
3. Make Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt unsalted butter. Stir in brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk, continuously stirring to prevent burning.
4. Cook to Temperature: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and cook the mixture until it reaches between 235–240°F (soft-ball stage). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract thoroughly.
5. Coat Pecans with Caramel: Quickly spoon approximately 1½ teaspoons of the hot caramel over each pecan cluster. Work swiftly as the caramel will begin to set; rewarm if necessary to keep the caramel fluid.
6. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
7. Top with Chocolate: Spoon about 1½ teaspoons of the melted chocolate over each caramel-coated pecan cluster. Allow the clusters to cool at room temperature or chill briefly to help the chocolate set.
8. Store: Once set, store the clusters in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

• Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning; stirring frequently helps ensure even toasting.
• Using a candy thermometer is essential to reach the proper caramel consistency.
• If the caramel thickens too much before plating, gently rewarm it to maintain spreadable consistency.
• Shortening in chocolate helps create a smooth and shiny finish and prevents the chocolate from seizing.
• These clusters can be stored at room temperature but will last longer if refrigerated or frozen.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Candy/Sweets
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate pecan clusters, turtle clusters, pecan caramel candy, homemade chocolate treats, nut clusters, fudge candy, holiday candy