Caramel Pecan Clusters

Brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, and toasted pecans come together in these irresistible Caramel Pecan Clusters!

this Recipe

Okay, confession time. I wasn’t planning on making Caramel Pecan Clusters that day. I mean, who has a sudden urge to make candy on a Tuesday? But there I was, standing in my kitchen, craving something sweet and chewy and crunchy all at the same time. (And don’t we all get that feeling sometimes? Tell me I’m not alone!)

What started as a let’s see if I have the ingredients moment turned into one of the best candy-making sessions I’ve had in ages. And let me tell you—these clusters? They disappeared faster than a pint of ice cream after a breakup. My husband said they reminded him of those fancy caramel candies you get at the farmer’s market… but, you know, better because they were homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Pecan Clusters Recipe?

First off, you don’t need to be a candy wizard to pull these off. I’m no candy expert—believe me, I’ve burned sugar more times than I can count—but these clusters are forgiving. The combo of brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream makes for a foolproof caramel that stays soft and chewy without sticking to your teeth like that caramel from the store. You know the one.

And the pecans? Toast them just a little, and they get this deep, nutty flavor that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together. Plus, they add the perfect crunch.

Ingredient Notes:

You might already have most of this stuff hanging out in your pantry. I did! Here’s what’s going into your new favorite treat:

• 1 cup Brown Sugar: Gives the caramel its rich, almost molasses-y flavor. Dark or light? Dealer’s choice. I went with light brown because it’s what I had.
• 1 cup Light Corn Syrup: Keeps things smooth and prevents the dreaded crystallization. You can try dark corn syrup if you’re feeling bold!
• ¼ tsp Kosher Salt: Balances out the sweetness. Don’t skip it!
• 1 cup Heavy Cream: This is the magic that makes the caramel creamy instead of tooth-breaking.
• ¼ cup Unsalted Butter: Adds richness. If you only have salted butter, no worries. Just ditch the extra salt.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: A little splash for warmth. Kinda like putting on fuzzy socks.
• 1 cup Toasted Chopped Pecans: Toasting brings out their real flavor. Don’t just dump them in raw. I’ve tried it, and you’ll be missing out.

How To Make Caramel Pecan Clusters?

Step 1: Get Set Up First

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Or a silicone baking mat if you’re fancy. Trust me, you don’t want to be scraping caramel off your counter later.

Step 2: Cook That Caramel

In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven), toss in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Turn the heat to medium-high and stir like you’re on a mission. You want the sugar to melt and everything to combine into a sweet, golden pool.

Step 3: Cream & Butter Time

Now, slowly pour in the cream. It’ll bubble up like it’s mad at you—just keep stirring. Then add the butter. You’ll feel like a caramel magician as it all smooths out into velvety goodness.

Step 4: Hit That Sweet Spot

Here’s where the candy thermometer comes in. Keep cooking and stirring until you hit 245°F (that’s soft-ball stage, but we’re not playing baseball). It should take about 15-20 minutes. This is when it starts to smell insane.

Step 5: Pecans & Vanilla

Pull the pot off the heat, stir in the vanilla, and then dump in those toasted pecans. The mixture will thicken up a bit—totally normal.

Step 6: Scoop & Shape

Use a spoon to scoop little mounds onto your parchment paper. Don’t worry about making them perfect circles. Rustic is a vibe.

Step 7: Let ‘Em Set

This is the hard part—waiting! Let the clusters cool completely so they hold their shape. I usually sneak one early. Don’t tell.

Storage Options:

Store these babies in an airtight container at room temp. They’ll stay good for about a week, but I doubt they’ll make it past day three. If you want to stash them longer, toss them in the fridge or freezer—just layer parchment paper in between so they don’t stick.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Nuts: No pecans? Use walnuts, almonds, or even cashews.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and go wild. Drizzle, dip, whatever you’re feeling.
• Sea Salt Sprinkle: Right after scooping, add a pinch of flaky sea salt. It’s like candy from a fancy shop, but you made it!
• Maple Syrup Twist: Swap out some of the corn syrup for maple syrup. Perfect for fall.

What to Serve with Caramel Pecan Clusters?

You could just eat them straight off the tray (hi, it’s me). But if you’re feeling fancy:

• With coffee or tea—trust me on this.
• On a dessert board—pair with cheeses and fruits for an epic platter.
• As gifts—put them in a cute jar or baggie, and you’re suddenly that friend who brings the best treats.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I really need a candy thermometer?
Honestly, yes. I’ve tried winging it, and it didn’t end well. They’re cheap and make life easier.

Can I make these dairy-free?
I haven’t tried, but coconut cream and vegan butter might work. If you give it a go, let me know how it turns out!

How do I toast pecans?
Easy! Spread them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they go from toasted to burnt real fast.

And that’s it! Caramel Pecan Clusters that are easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Try ‘em out, and tell me how it goes! Did you change it up? Eat the whole batch? (Been there.) Leave a comment—I want all the details!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Southern Chocolate Cobbler

Home-Style Classic Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Delicious Mini Pecan Pies – A Sweet Bite of Heaven

Caramel Pecan Clusters

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Indulge, in the mixture of textures and flavors found in these Caramel Pecan Clusters, where every morsel carries you on a voyage through a pastureland of sensations. Picture the creamy caramel with its deep and rich sweetness reminiscent of molasses welcoming the crunch of toasted pecans. Each cluster is like a rustic treasure that goes beyond being a piece of candy; it's a homage to simplicity and indulgence. Meticulously crafted with care these clusters capture the heart of confectionaries while adding a twist that makes them incredibly tempting. They're absolutely perfect, for those moments when you're yearning for something fulfilling – they truly embody the happiness that homemade treats bring.

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18 Servings

Ingredients

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• 1 c Brown Sugar
• 1 c Light Corn Syrup
• ¼ tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 c Heavy Cream
• ¼ c Unsalted Butter
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 c Toasted Chopped Pecans

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Instructions

 

1. Line a cookie sheet, with parchment paper. Use a silicone baking mat.
2. In a pot with high ides mix together sugar, light corn syrup and kosher salt. Heat it over medium-high heat while stirring to dissolve the sugar.
3. Pour in the cream while continuously stirring to ensure that the mixture keeps bubbling.
4. Stir in the butter while continuing to stir the mixture.
5. Keep stirring until the mixture reaches 245°F on a candy thermometer. This process usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Remove, from heat. Quickly stir in vanilla extract and toasted chopped pecans.
7. Scoop out portions of caramel mixture onto your sheet. Allow it to spread naturally. Then gently press each cluster into your desired shape.
8. Let the clusters cool down completely and set before serving them.

Notes

If you're someone who enjoys treats but follows a gluten-free diet you'll be pleased to know that making these Caramel Pecan Clusters gluten-free is quite simple. The recipe itself is beautifully straightforward as the main ingredients, like sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, vanilla extract and pecans are naturally gluten-free. However it's important to be cautious when selecting ingredients to ensure that these delicious clusters remain safe for a gluten-free diet. Specifically pay attention to the brand of vanilla extract and any additional ingredients you plan to use. Some vanilla extracts or processed nuts may contain gluten. Come into contact, with it during manufacturing. Therefore always choose products that are certified as gluten-free.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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