Here’s a delicious recipe for Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters—a sweet treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, making for the perfect bite-sized indulgence.
Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole pecan halves (about 4 oz)
- 1 cup caramel bits or 12 soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips (or a mix of both)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or coconut oil (optional, for smooth melting)
- Sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions:
1. Toast the Pecans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Toast them in the preheated oven for about 7-10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until they’re fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
2. Make the Caramel:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and the caramels have completely melted (about 1-1.5 minutes total). Set the caramel aside.
3. Melt the Chocolate:
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate chips and the vegetable oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth (this should take about 1 minute).
- You can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stove, stirring constantly until smooth.
4. Assemble the Turtle Clusters:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- To make each cluster, place 5-6 pecan halves in a small pile on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of melted caramel over the pecans. Then, spoon or drizzle about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate over the caramel, making sure it covers the pecans and caramel.
- Repeat with the remaining pecans, caramel, and chocolate to form all the clusters.
5. Chill to Set:
- Place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set and the caramel is firm.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the clusters have cooled and set, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each one (optional) for a sweet-salty finish.
- Store the Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for a longer shelf life.
Tips:
- You can also use dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor to contrast the sweetness of the caramel and pecans.
- If you want a smoother caramel, you can substitute the caramel bits with soft caramel squares, melting them with a little bit of heavy cream as described above.
- These clusters are great for gifting or serving at parties during the holidays.
Enjoy your Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters—a decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!