Enjoy the rich and delicious flavors of these Pecan Caramel Clusters! This easy recipe combines crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and creamy chocolate for a treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Sweet, salty, and perfect for gift giving during the Holidays!
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These Caramel Pecan Clusters are one of my most favorite treats to make during the Holiday season! Of course, you can make these any time of the year, but when I assembling my Christmas goodie trays, these are a must have item! Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they are ready to serve in only 30 minutes! These taste just like Chocolate Turtle Candy, but even easier to make! If you’re looking for more candy recipes to try, also check out my Peanut Brittle, Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark, Cornflake Brittle, and Oreo Peppermint Bark!
Why You’ll Love these Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters
- Quick and Easy– using simple ingredients, these clusters are done in only 30 minutes! Perfect way to save time in the kitchen!
- Salty and Sweet– whether you are craving salty or sweet, this caramel clusters recipe is sure to satisfy any craving! Perfect for snacking or as a dessert!
- Customizable– if you don’t have pecans on hand, you can use macadamias or peanuts, change up the chocolate by using white or dark chocolate, etc.
- Perfect for gifting– these are a favorite with everyone and can easily be placed in tins, boxes, or plastic bags to be given to friends, neighbors, teachers, and family. These are great gift ideas for Valentine’s Day too!
Ingredients Needed to make these Chocolate Pecan Clusters
Below is a brief overview of each ingredient needed to make this homemade candy. To see full printable recipe card, scroll to the bottom of this post.
- Pecan Halves– you’ll be toasting these in the oven to give them added flavor and crispness. You can also use candied pecans for added sweetness.
- Sugar– white granulated sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness to this pecan clusters recipe.
- Butter– unsalted butter is best as you’ll be adding salt to this recipe.
- Heavy Cream– any brand, this helps create the homemade chewy caramel mixture.
- Vanilla Extract– try to use pure vanilla extract versus imitation as it adds way more flavor.
- Salt– just a little, but this helps with the salty sweet combination.
- Chocolate Chips– I use semi-sweet chocolate chips, however, you can also use milk chocolate chips, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate in this recipe.
How to make the BEST Pecan Caramel Clusters
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until they are fragrant. Let them cool.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
- Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, until the caramel thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, arrange small clusters of pecans (about 4-5 pecans per cluster).
- Spoon a tablespoon of the caramel mixture over each pecan cluster, ensuring they are well-coated. PRO TIP: Use a small cookie scoop for this step to keep it uniform. Let them cool and set for about 15 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
- Spoon the melted chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster, covering them completely. Allow the clusters to set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate is firm.
- Once the chocolate has set, the caramel candies are ready to be enjoyed.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover candy in an airtight container up to one week at room temperature. These do not need to be placed in the fridge if not preferred.
- If placing in the refrigerator, this pecan caramel recipe will be good up to 3 weeks. Separate layers using wax paper or parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- To freeze, place chocolate caramel clusters into a freezer safe container or bag up to 3 months.
More Holiday Recipes to try
- Buckeye Balls– the classic recipe of peanut butter balls dipped in melted chocolate. Incredibly simple to make, no-bake, and packed with flavor, this is a great treat during the Holiday season or anytime of year!
- Pretzel Turtles– this shortcut version is only 3 ingredients and made using a Hershey kiss!
- Fantasy Fudge– a classic, no-fail fudged loaded with chocolate and creaminess throughout. This recipe originally appeared on the back of the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar and is a tried and true recipe!
- Bacardi Rum Cake– has been a classic since the 70’s! Soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor in every bite!
- Christmas Puppy Chow– an easy to make Holiday favorite! Rice Chex Cereal coated in a chocolate peanut butter mixture and finished off with a powdered sugar coating with Holiday M & M’s sprinkled throughout.
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Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters
Enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and salty with this delicious Pecan Caramel Clusters recipe. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Servings: 24
Calories: 211kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter *unsalted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 oz chocolate chips *semi-sweet
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spread the pecan halves onto a baking sheet and toast in the oven about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and deep golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking about 4-5 minutes, or until caramel thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- ON a parchment paper lined baking sheet, arrange small clusters of the toasted pecans (about 4-5 pecan halves per cluster).
- Spoon a tablespoon of the caramel mixture evenly over each cluster, ensuring that are well coated. Let them cool and set for about 15 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, in 30 second increments until chocolate is smooth and melted.
- Spoon the melted chocolate over each caramel pecan cluster covering them completely.
- Allow the clusters to set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate is firm.
- Once chocolate has set, clusters are ready to enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving: 1cluster | Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 227IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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Joanne Petrillo
Didn’t say how much caramel to use in this recipe
Kristin
You create the caramel sauce with the brown sugar mixture! Hope you enjoy!