Description
Homemade Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence, combining crunchy toasted pecans, buttery caramel, and rich melted chocolate. These no-bake treats are easy to make, beautifully giftable, and taste like gourmet candy shop confections—perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want a decadent dessert with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves, lightly toasted
- 1 (11 oz) package soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smooth chocolate)
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast pecan halves for 5–6 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
- Arrange clusters: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange 3–4 pecan halves in small crisscross clusters.
- Melt caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramels and heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and pourable.
- Add caramel: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted caramel over each pecan cluster, ensuring it touches all nuts to hold them together.
- Melt chocolate: In a separate bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Top with chocolate: Spoon melted chocolate over each caramel-covered cluster, gently spreading to cover completely.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set. Sprinkle with sea salt before chocolate sets, if desired.
Notes
- Dark chocolate lovers: Use 70% dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
- Nut swap: Try almonds, cashews, or a nut mix for variety.
- Salted caramel version: Stir a pinch of salt into the melted caramel for extra depth.
- Turtle bark option: Spread all ingredients in a pan, let set, then cut into squares.
- Gift idea: Wrap clusters in mini cupcake liners or cellophane bags for holiday treats.
