Description
Delightful chocolate pecan turtle clusters offer a luxurious blend of rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and golden caramel. Sweet indulgence meets nutty perfection in this irresistible treat you cannot resist savoring.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Base:
- 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 oz milk chocolate chips
Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Nut and Topping:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 2 tbsp sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for your clusters.
- Toast pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until they release a rich, nutty aroma and develop a golden-brown color.
- Craft the chocolate base by melting semisweet and milk chocolate chips in a double boiler, stirring gently until the mixture becomes silky and completely smooth.
- Spread a thin, even layer of melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, creating a foundation for the clusters.
- Create the caramel by combining sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heating over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a deep amber color (approximately 340°F).
- Remove caramel from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and salt, ensuring a uniform, glossy consistency.
- Carefully drizzle the hot caramel over the chocolate base, allowing it to create an elegant, swirling pattern.
- Arrange toasted pecan halves strategically across the caramel layer, pressing them gently to ensure they adhere.
- Drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the pecans, creating a decorative zigzag pattern that covers the entire surface.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes across the top for a sophisticated flavor contrast, if desired.
- Refrigerate the clusters for 30-45 minutes until the chocolate sets completely and becomes firm.
- Break or cut the clusters into irregular, rustic pieces, revealing the beautiful layers of chocolate, caramel, and pecans.
Notes
- Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning, stirring constantly for even golden-brown color.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise caramel temperature to avoid crystallization and ensure smooth, glossy consistency.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt sparingly to balance sweetness and add gourmet touch, creating complex flavor profile.
- Refrigerate clusters on flat surface to help chocolate set evenly and maintain perfect layered texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg