Description
Sweet Southern chocolate pecan turtle clusters blend rich caramel, smooth chocolate, and crunchy pecans into irresistible bite-sized treats. Homemade confections bring pure indulgence that will make friends and family swoon with delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp white chocolate chips (optional for drizzling)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth, flat surface for cooling the clusters.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly golden, then set aside to cool.
- Melt semisweet chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently until completely smooth and glossy.
- In a separate saucepan, combine caramel sauce, heavy cream, and butter, heating gently until fully incorporated and silky.
- Stir vanilla extract into the caramel mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavor.
- Arrange toasted pecan halves in small clusters on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Drizzle the warm caramel mixture over each pecan cluster, allowing it to pool slightly around the nuts.
- Pour melted chocolate over the caramel-coated pecans, ensuring complete coverage and creating a smooth surface.
- Sprinkle sea salt delicately across the top of each cluster for enhanced flavor contrast.
- Optional: Melt white chocolate chips and create decorative drizzles across the clusters for visual appeal.
- Refrigerate the clusters for 15-20 minutes until chocolate sets completely and becomes firm.
- Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving to achieve optimal texture.
- Store in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Toasting pecans intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch, transforming the texture of the clusters.
- Use high-quality chocolate for a richer, more luxurious taste that elevates the entire dessert experience.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt strategically to create a perfect sweet-and-salty balance that makes these clusters irresistibly addictive.
- Customize the recipe by swapping pecans with almonds or using dark chocolate for a more intense flavor profile, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 209
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 36mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg