Homemade Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters

These Homemade Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are the kind of sweet treat I keep coming back to—gooey, nutty, and irresistibly rich. Each bite is packed with crunchy pecans, soft, buttery caramel, and a smooth layer of melted chocolate. I love how easy they are to make with just a few ingredients, and they look (and taste) like something straight from a candy shop.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how these clusters check every box—sweet, salty, crunchy, and melty. They’re perfect for holidays, homemade gift boxes, or anytime I want a decadent bite-sized dessert. There’s no baking involved, just a little melting and assembling, and they’re ready in no time. I also like that I can make a big batch and store them for days (if they last that long).

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups pecan halves, lightly toasted
• 1 package (11 oz) soft caramels, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother chocolate)
• Sea salt flakes for topping (optional)

Directions

1. Toast the pecans: I toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5–6 minutes, just until fragrant. Then I let them cool while prepping everything else.

2. Make pecan bases: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, I arrange 3–4 pecan halves in little clusters. I like to crisscross them to form a sturdy base.

3. Melt the caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, I heat the caramels with the heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and pourable.

4. Add the caramel: I spoon about 1 teaspoon of caramel over each pecan cluster, making sure it touches all the nuts to help them stick together.

5. Melt the chocolate: I melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil (if using) in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth.

6. Top with chocolate: I spoon melted chocolate over the caramel-covered pecans, gently spreading it with the back of the spoon to cover them completely.

7. Chill and set: I refrigerate the clusters for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate and caramel are firm. I sometimes sprinkle sea salt on top before the chocolate fully sets for that sweet-salty contrast.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 20–24 clusters

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 5 minutes

• Chill time: 30 minutes

• Total time: Around 50 minutes

Variations

• Dark chocolate version: I use 70% dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.

• Nut mix: I’ve swapped in almonds or cashews, or even done a mix for variety.

• Salted caramel twist: I stir a pinch of sea salt directly into the melted caramel.

• Candy bar style: I spread the clusters in a lined pan, let them harden, then cut into squares for a homemade turtle bark.

• Drizzled finish: I drizzle white chocolate over the set clusters for a decorative touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge or a cool, dry spot for up to 2 weeks.

• Freezing: I freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. I thaw in the fridge before serving.

• Reheating: These don’t need reheating, but if I want a softer caramel bite, I let them sit at room temp for 10 minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I make these without toasting the pecans?

Yes, but I love the extra depth of flavor that toasting gives. It brings out the natural nuttiness and adds a little crispness.

What’s the best caramel to use?

I usually go for soft, chewy caramels like the individually wrapped kind. They melt smoothly and work well with cream to make a pourable sauce.

How do I keep the caramel from sliding off?

I let the pecan clusters sit on parchment paper and make sure the caramel touches all parts of the pecans so it can act like glue.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

If it’s thick enough, yes. But I find melted caramels with cream give a better set and chew.

Are these gluten-free?

They can be, as long as the caramels and chocolate chips I use are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Homemade Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are one of my favorite quick treats to whip up when I want something indulgent but simple. The combination of creamy caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate is timeless—and once I realized how easy it is to make them at home, I stopped buying the boxed kind. They make amazing gifts, but honestly, I usually keep most of the batch for myself. Want to package them for a party or holiday box? I’ve got tips for that too!