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Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

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Homemade chocolate pecan turtle clusters with rich caramel. Perfect for gifting!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
  • 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped (optional, for deeper flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
  • 4 cups pecan halves

Instructions

  1. In a heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
  3. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, still stirring constantly. Once boiling, insert a candy thermometer.
  5. Continue cooking, without stirring, until the candy thermometer registers 245°F (118°C), which is the soft ball stage (about 10-15 minutes).
  6. Remove from heat.
  7. Carefully stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
  8. Let cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes.
  9. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  10. Arrange the pecan halves in clusters of 5-7 pecans on the prepared baking sheets.
  11. Spoon the slightly cooled caramel evenly over the pecan clusters.
  12. Let the caramel set for about 30-45 minutes, or until firm.
  13. Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add the chopped chocolate (and unsweetened chocolate, if using) and vegetable shortening (if using) to the bowl. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  14. Place the chopped chocolate (and unsweetened chocolate, if using) and vegetable shortening (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  15. Stir the melted chocolate until smooth and glossy.
  16. Spoon the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel-covered pecan clusters.
  17. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt while the chocolate is still wet.
  18. Let the chocolate set completely (1-2 hours at room temperature or 30-45 minutes in the refrigerator).
  19. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for up to two months.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the caramel from scorching.
  • Don’t overcook the caramel.
  • Use good quality chocolate.
  • Don’t overheat the chocolate.
  • Allow the caramel and chocolate to set completely before storing.
  • For variations, try different nuts, dried fruit, chocolate types, or spices.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/chocolate-pecan-turtle-clusters/