Description
A Southern holiday classic featuring toasted pecans, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate. These no-bake pecan clusters are the perfect sweet treat for gifting or indulging.
Ingredients
- Pecan Halves: 2 cups, toasted for nutty crunch and flavor
- Soft Caramel Candies: 11 oz, melted for gooey sweetness
- Heavy Cream: 2 tablespoons, softens the caramel
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 ½ cups, melted for coating
- Butter: 1 tablespoon, adds richness to the caramel
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, adds depth to the flavor
- Flaky Sea Salt (optional): A sprinkle, for contrast and flair
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Line a baking sheet with parchment and toast pecans at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Melt caramel candies, cream, and butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Add vanilla.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler until glossy and smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange 4–5 pecans per cluster on parchment. Spoon 1 tablespoon of caramel over each.
- Cook to Perfection: Drizzle melted chocolate over caramel clusters. Work quickly before caramel sets.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with sea salt (optional) and chill 20–30 minutes until firm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Store in an airtight container. Serve chilled or at room temp.
Notes
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform clusters.
- Layer with parchment to prevent sticking during storage.
- For a flavor twist, add cinnamon or espresso powder to chocolate.
- Great for gifting—wrap in wax paper and pack in tins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Pecan Clusters, No Bake Candy, Holiday Treats, Chocolate Caramel, Southern Dessert