Description
Delight in these irresistible Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters, combining toasted pecans coated in rich caramel and topped with a smooth layer of melted chocolate. These crunchy, sweet treats are perfect for snacking or gifting, offering a perfect balance of nutty, buttery, and chocolate flavors with an optional touch of sea salt for enhanced taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves or chopped pecans
- 1 cup caramel candies or homemade caramel bits
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: sea salt flakes for sprinkling
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves or chopped pecans evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until they become fragrant. Once toasted, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Melt the Caramel: Place the caramel candies and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramel and butter are completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to add depth to the caramel flavor.
- Combine Pecans and Caramel: Transfer the cooled toasted pecans to the melted caramel mixture. Toss well to ensure every pecan piece is evenly coated with the luscious caramel.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Spread the caramel-coated pecans into the pan evenly, pressing gently to create a uniform layer.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Pour Chocolate Over Pecans: Pour the melted chocolate over the pecan-caramel layer in the baking dish. Spread it evenly over the mixture to fully cover the nuts and caramel beneath.
- Chill and Set: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top if desired for a salty contrast to the sweetness. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until the chocolate and caramel layers are firm and set.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the clusters out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into bars or break apart into clusters for serving. Enjoy these crunchy, sweet treats immediately or store them in an airtight container.
Notes
- Toasting pecans enhances their natural flavor and adds extra crunch.
- If you don’t have caramel candies, you can substitute with homemade caramel or dulce de leche.
- Use a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate to balance sweetness and bitterness.
- Sea salt flakes add a lovely contrast to the sweetness but can be omitted.
- Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
