These Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are a delightful, indulgent treat made with toasted pecans, creamy caramel, and smooth milk chocolate. They’re simple to make yet luxurious in taste, perfect for gifting or satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of crunchy nuts, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate makes them impossible to resist. Follow this easy recipe to create these irresistible clusters!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These turtle clusters combine the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors, thanks to the toasted pecans, buttery caramel, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate coating. They’re also highly customizable—feel free to use dark or semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a homemade treat, these turtle clusters are sure to impress!
What You’ll Need
- 2 1/2 cups pecans
- 1/2 cup butter (salted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (half of a 14-ounce can)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 (12-ounce) package milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp shortening (butter-flavored Crisco works great)
Instructions
1. Toast the Pecans
- In a large skillet, toss the 2 1/2 cups of pecans.
- Toast them over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they darken slightly and become fragrant. This should take just a few minutes. Set the toasted pecans aside.
2. Prepare the Cookie Sheets
- Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking spray.
- Arrange the toasted pecans into clusters on the sheets. Aim for three pecans per cluster, and leave about an inch of space between each cluster.
3. Make the Caramel
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of light corn syrup, and 7 ounces of sweetened condensed milk.
- Stir continually and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the caramel, stirring often, until it reaches 235-240°F. Once it reaches about 234°F, remove it from the heat (the temperature will rise a little after removing it from the heat, giving you the perfect consistency).
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla.
4. Drizzle the Caramel
- Carefully drizzle about 1 1/2 teaspoons of caramel over each pecan cluster. Work quickly, as the caramel will begin to set up as it cools. Make sure each pecan is coated and that the caramel helps hold the nuts together.
5. Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, place the 12 ounces of milk chocolate chips.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of shortening to the melted chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir to combine—this will make the chocolate smoother and easier to spread.
6. Spoon the Chocolate
- Spoon about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the melted chocolate over the top of each caramel-covered pecan cluster.
- Swirl the chocolate gently with the spoon to create a smooth, pretty finish.
7. Let the Chocolate Set
- Allow the chocolate to cool and set completely. You can place the clusters in the refrigerator for faster setting.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Once the chocolate has hardened, serve the clusters immediately or store them in an airtight container.
Helpful Tips
- Caramel consistency: The caramel is best when it reaches the right temperature. Too low, and it won’t set; too high, and it may become too hard. Be sure to monitor it closely with a candy thermometer.
- Storing: Store your turtle clusters in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with other types of nuts, such as cashews or almonds, for a variation on the classic turtle.
Serving Suggestions
- Gift giving: Package these chocolate pecan turtle clusters in a decorative box for a homemade gift that’s sure to delight.
- Pair with a drink: Enjoy with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or hot cocoa for the ultimate treat.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Conclusion
These Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are the ultimate sweet treat with a perfect combination of crunchy, salty, and sweet flavors. Whether for a holiday, a special event, or just to satisfy a craving, these clusters are a guaranteed hit. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’ll become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!