Description
Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are the perfect sweet treat combining toasted pecans, a gooey caramel center, and a rich milk chocolate topping. These delightful clusters are simple to make and pack a serious flavor punch—ideal for gifting or satisfying your sweet tooth. Enjoy the creamy, nutty, and chocolatey goodness of this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients
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2 ½ cups pecans (whole or halves, toasted)
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½ cup butter (salted or unsalted)
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1 cup brown sugar (packed tightly)
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½ cup light corn syrup
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7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (half a 14-ounce can)
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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12 ounces milk chocolate chips
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½ teaspoon shortening (butter-flavored Crisco recommended)
Instructions
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Toast the Pecans:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for about 8 minutes until fragrant, then set aside to cool. -
Make the Caramel:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture reaches 234°F (soft-ball stage), then remove from heat. -
Add Vanilla:
Stir in the vanilla extract and allow the caramel mixture to cool for a few minutes, thickening slightly. -
Assemble the Clusters:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange small clusters of toasted pecans, about 6–8 pecans per cluster. Spoon caramel over each cluster, ensuring they’re well-covered. -
Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips and shortening in 30-second intervals. Stir until smooth and fully melted. -
Top with Chocolate:
Spoon the melted chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster. Let the clusters cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate to speed up the process. -
Enjoy:
Once set, enjoy these sweet, nutty, and chocolatey turtle clusters—perfect for sharing or gifting!
Notes
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Storage: Store the chocolate pecan turtle clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them for longer freshness.
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Substitutions: Use dark or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
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For a smoother caramel: Ensure the caramel mixture reaches 234°F for the perfect texture.
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Gift Idea: These clusters make a great homemade gift, especially around the holidays!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (for toasting) + 5 minutes (for caramel)
- Category: Dessert, Candy, Sweets
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters, Turtle Clusters, Caramel Pecan Clusters, Chocolate Candy, Homemade Chocolate Clusters, Nut Clusters, Giftable Sweets, Pecan Candy Recipe