Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters
These Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters combine pecans, creamy caramel, rich chocolate, and coarse salt into an elegant, easy-to-make candy perfect for gifting or entertaining.
12 Servings
Ingredients
- 20 wrapped caramels
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
Instructions
Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pecan halves into 12 clusters, using 3 to 5 pecan halves for each cluster. Set aside.
Melt the Caramels
- Place the caramels and milk into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir regularly until the caramels melt completely and form a smooth, cohesive mixture.
Apply the Caramel Layer
- Spoon a generous amount of melted caramel over each pecan cluster, ensuring the caramel coats and adheres to the pecans. Allow the caramel to set for approximately 10 minutes.
Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until fully melted and smooth.
Coat the Clusters
- Dip each caramel-coated pecan cluster into the melted chocolate or spoon the chocolate over the top to cover. Return the coated clusters to the parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Chill and Serve
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator until the chocolate has fully hardened. Once set, serve immediately or store the clusters as desired.
Notes
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as all primary ingredients—caramels, pecans, chocolate, milk, and salt—are typically gluten-free. For complete gluten safety:
- Verify that the caramels, chocolate chips, and milk are labeled gluten-free, as processing facilities may vary.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using clean utensils, bowls, and baking sheets.
- If gifting to someone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, wrap the clusters in certified gluten-free parchment or wax paper.