Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

These Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they make an excellent addition to your Christmas desserts lineup.

The recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

Decadent Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters

This recipe yields clusters of pecans coated in a luscious caramel and enrobed in smooth chocolate. The preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, and the clusters need to set before serving, making them a convenient make-ahead treat for festive occasions.

Ingredients

1 cup pecan halves
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

Toast the Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Remove and let cool.
Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, and salt. Stir until the mixture melts and turns a golden brown color. Carefully add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
Combine: Add the toasted pecans to the caramel mixture and stir until well coated.
Form Clusters: Using a spoon, drop clusters of the pecan-caramel mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow to cool and set for about 15 minutes.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped chocolate and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Coat the Clusters: Dip each cooled pecan cluster into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Return to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Set: Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker results. Once set, serve or store in an airtight container.