Description
Delight in these rich and decadent Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters, combining toasted pecans, smooth caramel, and luscious melted chocolate. Perfect as a no-bake dessert or gift, these clusters offer a satisfying crunch with a gooey caramel center, all topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect sweet and salty finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cluster Base
- 2 cups pecan halves (toasted)
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup soft caramels (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Chocolate Topping
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Garnish
- Sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Clusters: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the toasted pecan halves into small clusters of 3 to 4 pecans each, spacing them evenly.
- Make Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel is smooth and pourable.
- Add Caramel to Clusters: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of warm caramel onto the center of each pecan cluster, allowing it to drizzle slightly but stay mostly centered. Let the caramel set for 10–15 minutes at room temperature or chill briefly to firm up.
- Melt Chocolate: In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Top with Chocolate: Spoon or drizzle approximately 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate over each caramel cluster, covering the pecans and caramel completely.
- Garnish and Set: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top if desired. Allow the clusters to set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate is firm.
- Store: Keep the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans in a 350°F oven for 7–8 minutes before assembling the clusters.
- Use dark chocolate for a less sweet alternative or white chocolate for a unique twist.
- These clusters make excellent holiday gifts when packaged individually in mini cupcake liners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
