Chunky Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters Recipe

Sweet tooths rejoice as these decadent chocolate pecan turtle clusters emerge as a delightful confection that combines rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and gooey caramel.

Layers of flavor dance across your palate with each irresistible bite.

The classic treat brings together smooth melted chocolate and toasted pecans in a harmonious blend.

Caramel adds a luxurious touch that elevates these clusters from simple candy to an indulgent experience.

Crafted with minimal ingredients, this recipe promises maximum satisfaction for chocolate lovers.

Every cluster delivers a perfect balance of textures and deep, complex flavors.

Dive into this delectable dessert and let your taste buds celebrate the magic of homemade confections.

Ways To Serve Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters

• Sweet Snack Platter: Arrange these turtle clusters on a decorative wooden board with fresh berries, dried apricots, and a small dish of additional sea salt for elegant entertaining.
• Dessert Companion: Pair with warm coffee, dark roast espresso, or a creamy vanilla chai tea to enhance the rich chocolate and caramel flavors.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack clusters in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, creating beautiful homemade treats perfect for holidays, hostess gifts, or special occasions.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different chocolate types like milk, dark, or white chocolate, and try adding crushed almonds or toasted coconut flakes for extra texture and taste.

How To Store Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters

Keep clusters in a sealed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, maintaining freshness for 5-7 days.

• Quick Chilling Technique: Refrigerate treats in a single layer between parchment paper sheets to prevent sticking and preserve chocolate's glossy texture.
• Freezing Strategy: Layer clusters between wax paper inside a freezer-safe container, which can extend shelf life up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best taste and texture.
• Travel-Ready Tips: Pack clusters in a rigid container with cushioning between each piece to prevent breaking during transportation, ideal for picnics or gifting to sweet-loving friends.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 11

What Goes Into Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters

• Pecans: Creamy, rich nuts that provide a delightful crunch and earthy flavor, best when fresh and whole with no signs of rancidity.

• Soft Caramels, Heavy Cream: Silky caramel creates a luscious, stretchy layer that connects nuts and adds deep golden sweetness, choose high-quality caramels for best results.

• Chocolate Chips, Sea Salt: Smooth chocolate delivers rich decadence, opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate with good melting properties; sea salt enhances overall flavor complexity and provides subtle mineral crunch.

Tools You’ll Need For Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters

• Baking Sheet: Flat metal pan for arranging and baking ingredients.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Non-stick surface to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Heat-resistant container for melting caramels and chocolate.
• Spoon: For spooning caramel and chocolate over pecan clusters.
• Measuring Teaspoon: To precisely measure caramel and chocolate amounts.
• Optional Sea Salt Grinder: For sprinkling salt on top of clusters.

Steps To Make Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters

• Pecan Foundation Clusters create the perfect base for these irresistible treats. Arrange small star-shaped groupings of pecan halves on a lined baking sheet, ensuring the nutty edges gently touch.
• Caramel Magic transforms ordinary pecans into something extraordinary. Gently melt caramel with a touch of cream, creating a smooth golden liquid that will cascade over the nut clusters.
• Chocolate Embrace brings these delights to life. Carefully drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel-coated pecans, allowing the rich dark layer to blanket each cluster with decadent goodness.
• Salt Whisper adds a sophisticated twist. Sprinkle a delicate pinch of sea salt across the clusters, enhancing the sweet and nutty flavor profile with a subtle mineral crunch.
• Cooling Transformation happens naturally. Let the clusters rest at room temperature, watching as the chocolate firms and the layers meld into a harmonious treat that promises pure indulgence.

Tips To Improve Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters

• Caramel Consistency Magic: Heat caramels slowly and stir frequently to prevent burning, ensuring a smooth and silky texture that perfectly coats the pecans.
• Chocolate Tempering Trick: Use high-quality chocolate chips and melt them gently to achieve a glossy, professional-looking finish that snaps when broken.
• Nutty Alternatives: Swap pecans with almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a delightful twist that keeps the recipe exciting and suits different taste preferences.
• Dietary-Friendly Swaps: Create vegan versions by using dairy-free caramel sauce, plant-based chocolate, and coconut cream to accommodate various dietary needs without compromising flavor.
• Storage Secret: Keep turtle clusters in a cool, dry place for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Gooey Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Irresistible chocolate pecan turtle clusters deliver rich caramel and nutty goodness in one delectable bite. Gooey caramel, smooth chocolate, and toasted pecans create a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) pecan halves, toasted
• 1 ½ cups (270 grams) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup (240 grams) soft caramels, unwrapped
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) heavy cream
• Sea salt (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prep Surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to create a non-stick foundation for pecan clusters.
2. Arrange Pecans: Create star-shaped clusters of pecan halves across the prepared surface, positioning nuts to gently touch.
3. Caramel Creation: Melt caramels with cream in a microwave-safe container, stirring at intervals until a smooth, uniform liquid forms.
4. Caramel Application: Drizzle warm caramel over the center of each pecan cluster, allowing it to flow and coat the nuts with a golden sheen.
5. Chocolate Coating: Carefully melt chocolate chips in short microwave bursts, stirring between intervals to prevent burning, then generously spoon over caramel-covered clusters.
6. Finishing Touch: Optionally sprinkle a light dusting of sea salt across the chocolate surface for a gourmet flavor profile.
7. Setting Process: Let clusters solidify at room temperature for 30 minutes, or expedite by chilling in the refrigerator until firm.

Notes

• Prevent Caramel Burning: Microwave caramel and cream in short 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each burst to avoid scorching and ensure smooth, even melting.
• Control Chocolate Texture: Melt chocolate chips slowly using 50% power in microwave, stirring every 20 seconds to maintain glossy consistency and prevent chocolate from seizing or becoming grainy.
• Optimize Cluster Formation: Arrange pecan halves symmetrically with pointed ends touching to create stable base, ensuring even caramel and chocolate coverage for professional-looking turtle clusters.
• Salt Enhancement Technique: Sprinkle high-quality flaky sea salt immediately after chocolate coating while surface remains slightly wet, allowing salt to adhere perfectly and provide balanced sweet-savory flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg