Description
Crunchy toasted pecans, buttery caramel, and rich chocolate come together in these irresistible turtle clusters—perfect for gifts or snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups pecan halves, lightly toasted
- 1 (11 oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups chocolate melting wafers (or chopped high-quality chocolate)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes (optional)
Optional Enhancements:
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for caramel)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (to thin chocolate)
- Crushed pretzels or chopped toasted almonds (variation)
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Toast pecans on a baking sheet for 6–8 minutes. Let cool.
- Arrange Nuts: On a lined baking sheet, group 3–4 pecan halves in a fan shape, spaced 1–2 inches apart.
- Melt Caramel: Microwave caramels and cream in 30-second bursts until smooth. Stir in vanilla if using. Spoon 1 tsp over each pecan cluster. Cool for 5 minutes.
- Melt Chocolate: Microwave chocolate in 20–30 second bursts until smooth. Add coconut oil if needed. Spoon 1 heaping tsp over each caramel mound.
- Finish: Sprinkle with sea salt or toppings. Let set at room temp 1–2 hours or refrigerate 15–20 minutes. Peel off and enjoy.
Notes
- Store at room temp for 1 week, refrigerated up to 3 weeks, or freeze for 2 months.
- Substitute other nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews) or use roasted seeds for nut-free versions.
- Avoid caramel sauce—it won’t set properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg