Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are a delightful combination of toasted pecans coated in rich caramel and buttery goodness. These sweet, crunchy treats are perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings with an easy homemade touch.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups pecans
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• Chocolate for drizzling (optional)
• Caramel sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toast the pecans in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly golden, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir continuously until combined.
3. Step 3: Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil and cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring to develop a rich caramel flavor.
4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the toasted pecans until they are fully coated.
5. Step 5: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the pecan mixture onto parchment paper and let them cool to set.
6. Step 6: Once cooled, optionally drizzle melted chocolate and caramel sauce over the clusters for extra decadence.
7. Step 7: Let the clusters cool completely before serving and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes with a different but delicious flavor.
• Ensure the caramel mixture is bubbly but not burnt; using a candy thermometer to reach about 240°F helps achieve the perfect chewy texture.
• Mix the pecans and caramel just enough to coat the nuts; overmixing can cause a clumpy texture.

Storage

Store your Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be refrigerated to extend freshness. For longer storage, freeze individual clusters in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, let them come to room temperature or eat them straight from the freezer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as substitutes. They provide a different but equally tasty flavor and texture.

How do I know when the caramel mixture is ready?

The caramel should come to a gentle boil and bubble steadily for 2-3 minutes without burning. For accuracy, a candy thermometer should read around 240°F to ensure the right chewy texture.

Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 592 reviews

Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are a delightful caramel and nut treat featuring toasted pecans coated in a buttery brown sugar mixture, optionally drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauce for extra indulgence. These easy-to-make clusters offer a perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and rich flavors that pair wonderfully with coffee, milk, or ice cream.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 20 clusters 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Nut and Caramel Mixture

• 2 1/2 cups pecans
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar

Optional Toppings

• Chocolate for drizzling
• Caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans: Begin by toasting the pecans in a skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and slightly golden. This process enhances their natural flavor and adds a pleasant nuttiness to the clusters.
2. Prepare the Mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, stir in the brown sugar continuously until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
3. Bring to a Boil: Allow the butter and brown sugar mixture to reach a gentle boil, maintaining this for about 2-3 minutes without stirring. This step is key for developing the caramel flavor and reaching the correct consistency.
4. Combine and Drop: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the toasted pecans to coat them evenly. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper, spacing them apart to allow for cooling and setting.
5. Drizzle if Desired: Once the clusters have cooled and set, optionally drizzle melted chocolate and caramel sauce over them for an extra layer of decadence and flavor.
6. Enjoy: Let the clusters cool completely before serving. These treats are perfect for snacking or as a complement to desserts like ice cream or coffee.

Notes

• If pecans are unavailable, walnuts or almonds can be substituted for a different but delicious flavor profile.
• Ensure the caramel mixture reaches approximately 240°F (soft ball stage) for the perfect chewy texture by using a candy thermometer if available.
• Avoid overmixing when combining the pecans with the caramel mixture to prevent clumpy textures.
• Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, refrigerate to prolong freshness, or freeze individually for up to three months.
• When frozen, allow clusters to come to room temperature before serving or enjoy them straight from the freezer.

Keywords: Chocolate pecan clusters, caramel pecan treats, turtle clusters, easy caramel desserts, nutty candy clusters