Name: Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups pecan halves; 1 cup soft caramels, unwrapped; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate); Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)

Description

Delight in these homemade Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters featuring crunchy pecan halves, gooey caramel, and smooth melted chocolate, topped with a touch of flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty. These no-bake treats are quick to make, gluten-free, and ideal for holiday gifts or party snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Clusters

2 cups pecan halves
1 cup soft caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Chocolate Coating

1 ½ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)

Topping

Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Prepare the clusters: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange pecan halves in clusters of 3 to 4 nuts each, forming about 20 clusters in total.
Melt the caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Apply the caramel: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the melted caramel over the center of each pecan cluster. Allow the caramel to cool and set for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature.
Melt the chocolate: In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips along with the coconut oil or vegetable shortening (if using) in 30-second bursts. Stir thoroughly after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
Coat with chocolate: Spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate over the tops of the caramel-covered pecan clusters, ensuring most of the caramel is covered.
Add finishing touch: Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate-coated clusters for a salty contrast.
Set the clusters: Let the clusters cool completely at room temperature, or refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes to speed up setting.
Store properly: Once set, store the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, lightly toast the pecans before forming clusters.
These clusters make excellent homemade holiday gifts and party treats.
If coconut oil or shortening is not available, melted chocolate alone can be used, though texture may slightly vary.
Use either semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips based on preference.