Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters

Ouadie Rhabbouron

🐢 Decadent Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters: The Ultimate Easy Candy Recipe

 

Craving a sweet treat that's rich, chewy, and utterly irresistible? Look no further than these Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters! Combining crunchy toasted pecans, gooey homemade caramel, and a smooth blanket of chocolate, these candies are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or simply satisfying a serious sweet tooth.

Forget the store-bought versions—homemade caramel makes all the difference! This recipe uses a simple, shortcut caramel technique with store-bought soft caramels, making the process quick and stress-free.

 

✨ Why You'll Love This Recipe

 

  • Classic Flavor: The timeless combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans.
  • Easy to Make: Simplifies the candy-making process using soft caramel candies.
  • Perfect for Gifting: They look beautiful and transport well, making them an ideal homemade gift.
  • No-Bake (Mostly): Minimal cooking required, mostly just melting!

 

🥜 Ingredients

 

Component Ingredient Quantity Notes
Pecan Base Pecan Halves 1 cup (or about 48 pieces) Good quality, large halves work best.
Caramel Layer Soft Caramels, unwrapped 20-28 pieces (approx. 11 oz bag) Use good quality, individually wrapped soft caramels.
Milk or Heavy Cream 1 Tablespoon Helps the caramel melt into a smooth, dippable consistency.
Chocolate Coating Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips 1 cup (about 6 oz) High-quality chocolate is recommended for the best flavor.
Coconut Oil or Shortening (Optional) 1 teaspoon For a smoother, glossier, and easier-to-dip chocolate.
Topping Coarse Sea Salt (Optional) 1/2 teaspoon For a perfect sweet and salty contrast.

 

👩‍🍳 Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide

 

 

Step 1: Prepare the Pecans

 

  1. Toast (Optional but Recommended): Preheat your oven to $350^{\circ}\text{F}$ ($175^{\circ}\text{C}$). Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Let them cool completely.
  2. Arrange: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange the cooled pecan halves into clusters, using 3-4 pecans per cluster. For the classic "turtle" look, arrange four pecans in an 'X' shape. This recipe should yield about 12 clusters.

 

Step 2: Melt the Caramel

 

  1. Combine: Place the unwrapped caramels and the milk/heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat OR in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Melt:
    • Stovetop: Cook and stir continuously until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This takes about 5-8 minutes. Do not boil.
    • Microwave: Heat on $50\%$ power for 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until smooth.
  3. Spoon: Working quickly (as the caramel thickens as it cools), spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of the melted caramel over the center of each pecan cluster, allowing it to coat and hold the pecans together.
  4. Set: Let the caramel-pecan clusters set at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is firm enough to handle for dipping. You can also place the tray in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed this up.

 

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Coat

 

  1. Melt Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips (and optional coconut oil/shortening) in a microwave-safe bowl or in the top of a double boiler.
    • Microwave: Heat on $50\%$ power in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Avoid overheating.
    • Double Boiler: Heat over barely simmering water, stirring until smooth.
  2. Dip: Take one caramel-pecan cluster and, using a fork, dip it into the melted chocolate. Turn it until it's completely coated.
  3. Drain Excess: Lift the cluster with the fork and gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
  4. Place and Sprinkle: Return the coated cluster to the parchment-lined baking sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a small pinch of coarse sea salt on top, if desired.
  5. Repeat with the remaining clusters.

 

Step 4: Chill and Serve

 

  1. Set: Place the baking sheet with the completed clusters into the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened.
  2. Enjoy: Once set, remove from the parchment paper and serve immediately or store for later.

 

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Turtles

 

  • Toasting the Pecans: Don't skip this! Toasting enhances the nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch.
  • Thinning the Chocolate: Adding a small amount of coconut oil or shortening to your melted chocolate helps it become runnier and ensures a thinner, smoother, and glossier coating.
  • Parchment Paper is Key: Do not use aluminum foil or wax paper that isn't specifically coated for candy—the caramel or chocolate will stick!
  • Storage: Store Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

 

variaciónes: Mix It Up!

 

  • Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips or melting wafers for a richer, less sweet candy that balances the caramel perfectly.
  • Nut Swap: Substitute or mix in other nuts like toasted walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
  • Extra Drizzle: Instead of fully dipping, drizzle the chocolate over the caramel clusters for a more rustic look. Use white chocolate for a beautiful contrast!
  • Pretzel Crunch: Add a few small broken pretzel pieces to the pecan cluster for an extra salty, crunchy surprise.

Pin this recipe now and get ready to enjoy the most delightful homemade candy!

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