Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters

Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters: A Sweet & Crunchy Treat You’ll Love

If you’re looking for an irresistible homemade candy that’s simple, delicious, and sure to impress, these Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are exactly what you need! With buttery pecans, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, this treat combines everything you love about classic turtle candy into an easy, no-fuss recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Not only do these clusters come together with just a few ingredients, but they also require minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for holiday gifts, a party platter, or a sweet snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, because you can customize them with sea salt, dark chocolate, or even a drizzle of white chocolate, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

The secret to the best Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters lies in quality ingredients. Toasted pecans add a deep, nutty crunch, while soft, melted caramel creates that irresistible chewiness. And let’s not forget the smooth chocolate coating, which ties everything together in one delicious bite. Since this recipe is so easy, even beginner cooks can make these like a pro!

Perfect for Any Occasion

What makes these treats even better is their versatility. They’re ideal for holiday gift-giving, birthdays, or even a last-minute dessert when you need something quick yet impressive. Plus, they store well, so you can make them ahead of time!

If you love the combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, this easy turtle candy recipe will become a favorite in no time. Let’s get started and make a batch of these irresistible clusters today! 🍫✨

Recipe Yield: 18–20 clusters

INGREDIENTS

3 cups pecan halves
3 cups soft caramels (about 48 caramels), unwrapped
5 tbsp heavy cream
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
½ tsp sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Toast the pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 6–8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant. Let cool.

2. Arrange the clusters: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange small clusters of 3–4 pecans (or pecan halves for a smaller size), making sure to leave space between each.

3. Melt the caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-seconds intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Let sit for 1 minutes to thicken slightly.

4. Spoon the caramel: Using a spoon, drizzle about 1 ½ tsp of melted caramel over each pecan cluster, ensuring they stay together. Let set for 5 minutes.

5. Melt the chocolate: In another microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in 20-seconds intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.

6. Coat the clusters: Spoon melted chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster, spreading to coat completely. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle with sea salt.

7. Let them set: Allow clusters to cool at room tempature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 15 minutes until firm.

8. Serve and store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room tempature for up to 1 week. If keeping longer, refrigerate and bring to room tempature before serving for the best texture.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Use Fresh, High-Quality Pecans for the Best Crunch
  Since pecans are the foundation of this treat, using fresh, high-quality nuts will significantly enhance both the flavor and texture. Additionally, toasting them for 6–8 minutes before assembling the clusters not only deepens their natural nuttiness but also makes each bite even more flavorful.
• Melt Caramel and Chocolate Slowly for a Smooth Finish
  To ensure the caramel doesn’t harden too quickly, heat it in short 20-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each session. This approach helps maintain a silky-smooth consistency, making it much easier to spoon over the pecans. Likewise, when melting the chocolate, slowly heating it in intervals prevents overheating. Otherwise, the chocolate may seize up or develop a grainy texture, which can affect the final look and taste.
• Let Clusters Set Completely for the Best Texture
  Once the clusters are coated with rich, melted chocolate, allow them to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. However, if you’re short on time, chilling them in the fridge for about 15 minutes speeds up the process without compromising texture. This step is crucial because it ensures the caramel and chocolate firm up perfectly, resulting in a glossy, professional-looking finish while still maintaining that deliciously chewy, crunchy bite.