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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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