Pecan Caramel Clusters
Pecan caramel clusters are a delicious dessert to make around Christmas. Pecans, caramel and chocolate make up the base of this recipe for a delicious treat.
Pecan Caramel Clusters
If you're looking for a delicious recipe that is easy to make, pecan caramel clusters are the perfect treat!
These clusters are always a hit, perfect for adding to cookie exchanges, gifting to friends, or enjoying them as a snack.
Ingredients
Pecan halves: Look for fresh pecans.
Granulated sugar: Using regular granulated sugar works well.
Unsalted butter: Choose unsalted butter to control the salt content better.
Heavy cream: Make sure to use heavy cream.
Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract if possible.
Salt: A touch of salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Select good-quality chocolate chips for melting.
How to Make
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until they become fragrant. Once toasted, let the pecans cool.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream.
Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil, then continue cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until the caramel thickens.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange small clusters of pecans, using about 4 to 5 pecans per cluster.
Spoon a tablespoon of the caramel mixture over each cluster, making sure they are well-coated.
Allow the clusters to cool and set for about 15 minutes.
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
Once melted, spoon the chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster, making sure to cover them completely.
Let the clusters set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate is firm.
After the chocolate has set, your pecan caramel clusters are ready to enjoy.
Tips & Tricks
Here's some tips for making these pecan caramel clusters:
Caramel Consistency: For thicker caramel, cook it a little longer after it boils. If it gets too thick, you can add a splash of cream to loosen it up.
Try Different Nuts: You can try using different nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans mixed with nuts for different flavors.
Flavor Variations: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets for a sweet and salty combo. You can also mix in a bit of cinnamon or espresso powder into the caramel for a slightly different flavor.
Leftovers
Store leftover Pecan Caramel Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
You can freeze the clusters by placing them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to an airtight freezer bag or container.
Make sure to remove excess air from the bag to prevent freezer burn, and they can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To enjoy frozen clusters, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, or microwave them briefly to soften slightly.
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Pecan Caramel Clusters
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until they are fragrant. Let them cool.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
- Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, until the caramel thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange small clusters of pecans (about 4-5 pecans per cluster).
- Spoon a tablespoon of the caramel mixture over each pecan cluster, making sure they are well-coated. Let them cool and set for about 15 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
- Spoon the melted chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster, covering them completely.
- Allow the clusters to set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate is firm.
- Once the chocolate has set, the clusters are ready to be enjoyed.
Notes
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.
