Turtle clusters are the classic candy box favorite: crunchy pecans held together with chewy caramel and topped with chocolate. At home they take three ingredients and a few minutes. Toast the pecans, top each little pile with melted caramel, and finish with a spoonful of chocolate. They look store-bought and make the best Christmas gift.
Why You’ll Love It
- Three ingredients.
- Looks like boxed candy.
- Perfect for gift tins.
What You Need
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 bag (11 oz) soft caramels (unwrapped)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Make Pecan Turtle Clusters
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Toast the pecans on a baking sheet for 6 to 8 minutes, then cool.
- Line a tray with parchment and arrange the pecans in 24 small piles of 4 or 5.
- Melt the caramels with the cream in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Spoon caramel over each pecan pile. Let set 10 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate and spoon it over the caramel.
- Let set until firm, about 30 minutes in the fridge.
Tips
- Toasting the pecans makes them taste much richer.
- Work quickly with the caramel before it firms up.
- A pinch of flaky salt on top makes them taste like a candy shop.
Serving and Storing
Keep in an airtight tin up to two weeks at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use walnuts?
Yes, walnuts work the same way.
Why are they called turtles?
The pecans poking out look like a turtle’s legs.
How many does it make?
About 24 clusters.
Pecan Turtle Clusters
Toasted pecans, soft caramel and a chocolate top. These turtle clusters taste like the boxed candy and take three ingredients.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 bag (11 oz) soft caramels unwrapped
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Toast the pecans on a baking sheet for 6 to 8 minutes, then cool.
- Line a tray with parchment and arrange the pecans in 24 small piles of 4 or 5.
- Melt the caramels with the cream in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Spoon caramel over each pecan pile. Let set 10 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate and spoon it over the caramel.
- Let set until firm, about 30 minutes in the fridge.
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