Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are a delightful confection that merges the rich, indulgent flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans into a harmonious blend. Picture this: a base of whole, toasted pecans, their earthy and slightly sweet flavor providing a crunchy foundation. These pecans are not just scattered randomly; they are carefully arranged to ensure each bite contains their nutty goodness.
Next, imagine a layer of thick, creamy caramel draped over these pecans. This caramel, often homemade, is cooked to just the right stage where it’s neither too runny nor too stiff, achieving a perfect, chewy texture. Its deep amber color and buttery, sweet taste with hints of vanilla, contrast beautifully with the pecans.
The masterpiece is then crowned with a generous coating of smooth, luscious chocolate. This isn’t just any chocolate – connoisseurs often use high-quality milk or dark chocolate, which is melted and tempered to a glossy sheen. The chocolate envelops the caramel and pecans, creating a shell that cracks delightfully when bitten into.
Each Chocolate Pecan Turtle Cluster is a mini universe of textures and flavors. The initial chocolate layer gives a sweet, creamy introduction, followed by the rich, gooey caramel that stretches with each bite, and finally, the satisfying crunch of the pecans. The contrast between the slightly bitter, intense flavor of dark chocolate and the sweet caramel is particularly striking if dark chocolate is used.
The clusters are usually modest in size, making them perfect for a luxurious treat that doesn’t overwhelm. They’re often found in elegant packaging, making them popular as gifts during the holiday season or special occasions. However, their simplicity also makes them a favorite for homemade batches, where bakers can tweak the proportions and ingredients to their preference, perhaps adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top or a dash of cinnamon in the caramel for a unique twist.
In essence, Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are not just a dessert; they are an experience – a journey through textures and a celebration of flavors that range from the nutty crunchiness of pecans to the silky smoothness of quality chocolate, all bound together by the golden ribbon of soft, sticky caramel.
Ingredients :
°48 pecan halves (get more if small breaks occur)
°28 individually wrapped caramels
°1 tablespoon of cream
°1 1/4 c semisweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli chips)
°1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
Methods :
Covering sheet of parchment paper with parchment paper.
Arrange the pecans in twelve Xs, with the four legs sticking out.
Peel the caramel and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Do not use a bowl that is too small. You should be able to move it easily. Add the cream and heat in the microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds if the heat does not melt for 15 seconds at 50% power interval. Stir occasionally. Stir and spoon a heaping tablespoon into the center of each batch of pecans. Let cool for at least 10 minutes.
Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave for 1 minute at 50% power. Stir so the bowl doesn’t get too hot. Continue heating in 15-30 second intervals at 50% power until completely melted. Stir occasionally so the pan doesn’t get too hot.
Pour chocolate over caramel; Spread and float with the back of a spoon. Allow to harden completely for several hours. You can refrigerate the turtle to speed up the process.
Enjoy !
