Description
Indulgent chocolate pecan turtle clusters blend rich chocolate, buttery caramel, and crunchy pecans into a divine confection. Sweet memories of homemade treats come alive when you savor these irresistible morsels of pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup caramel
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 2 tbsp butter
Garnish/Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for your turtle clusters.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously until they release a rich, nutty aroma and develop a golden-brown color.
- In a medium saucepan, combine caramel, corn syrup, and butter. Heat the mixture over low flame, stirring constantly until smooth and fully integrated, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the caramel mixture from heat and quickly fold in the toasted pecans, ensuring each nut is generously coated with the glossy caramel sauce.
- Melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave, stirring at 30-second intervals until completely smooth and glossy.
- Drop spoonfuls of the pecan-caramel mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, creating small mounds with ample spacing between each cluster.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over each caramel pecan cluster, covering them completely and creating an elegant, swirled pattern.
- Sprinkle sea salt and vanilla extract over the chocolate-covered clusters, adding a sophisticated flavor complexity.
- Refrigerate the clusters for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate sets and hardens completely.
- Gently remove the turtle clusters from the parchment paper and serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Customize the recipe by using dark, milk, or white chocolate to suit different taste preferences and create unique flavor profiles.
- Replace corn syrup with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness and added depth of flavor.
- Transform these clusters into a gluten-free treat by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Elevate the clusters by experimenting with different nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts, offering a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg