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