Description
Sweet chocolate pecan turtle clusters deliver a luxurious caramel-chocolate indulgence that melts seamlessly with nutty crunch. Rich layers of smooth chocolate, golden caramel, and toasted pecans create a delightful treat you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate and Nuts:
- 1 ½ cups (180 grams / 6.3 ounces) pecan halves, toasted
- 1 ½ cups (270 grams / 9.5 ounces) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
Caramel Binding:
- 1 cup (240 grams / 8.5 ounces) soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Garnish:
- Sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for your confectionery creation.
- Craft delicate pecan clusters by arranging 3-4 pecan halves in star-like formations, ensuring the ends gently touch, covering the entire baking sheet with these nutty foundations.
- Transform soft caramels into a luscious sauce by gently melting them with heavy cream in short microwave bursts, stirring between intervals until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Carefully drizzle the warm caramel onto the center of each pecan cluster, allowing it to cascade and slightly envelope the nuts, then pause to let the caramel stabilize for approximately 10 minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips using precise microwave techniques, stirring frequently to ensure a smooth, glossy texture without scorching.
- Generously crown each caramel-kissed cluster with molten chocolate, using a spoon to create an elegant coverage that embraces the caramel beneath. Optional: Sprinkle a delicate whisper of sea salt for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Permit the clusters to solidify naturally at room temperature for half an hour, or expedite the process by placing them in the refrigerator until the chocolate becomes completely firm.
- Serve these decadent treats immediately or preserve their exquisite texture by storing in an airtight container, ready to delight at a moment’s notice.
Notes
- Ensure pecans are evenly toasted by lightly roasting them in a dry skillet before arranging, which enhances their nutty flavor and provides a deeper, richer taste profile.
- Use high-quality caramel and chocolate for superior results, as premium ingredients significantly elevate the overall taste and texture of the clusters.
- Create dairy-free alternatives by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using dairy-free chocolate chips, making the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Control chocolate’s temperature carefully during melting to prevent seizing or burning; use low, consistent heat and stir frequently to maintain a smooth, glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 191
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg