Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan Caramel Clusters are incredibly easy to make and offer a satisfying contrast in textures: the crunchiness of the pecans, the chewy richness of the caramel, and the creamy smoothness of the chocolate. The combination of sweet caramel and the earthy flavor of pecans creates a balanced, decadent treat that’s perfect for gifting, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. These little clusters pack a lot of flavor, and they’re sure to become a go-to for anyone who loves the combination of nuts and caramel.

Ingredients

1 cup pecan halves (or chopped pecans if you prefer smaller pieces)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the pecans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Make the caramel:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar. Stir constantly to avoid burning, as sugar can caramelize quickly. Once the sugar has melted into a golden liquid, add the butter and continue stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
Add the cream and flavorings:
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. The mixture may bubble up, so be cautious. Stir until the caramel is smooth and has thickened. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Assemble the clusters:
Drop a spoonful of toasted pecans into each section of a silicone mold, mini muffin tin, or parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of caramel over the pecans, making sure they’re well-coated.
Chill the caramel:
Allow the caramel-coated pecans to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, just until they begin to firm up slightly. This will help hold the pecans in place when adding the chocolate.
Add the chocolate:
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel clusters, making sure each cluster is generously covered.
Cool and set:
Place the clusters in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set and hardened. Once the chocolate has cooled, the clusters are ready to serve.
Serve:
Once fully set, remove the pecan caramel clusters from the molds (if using) or gently peel them off the parchment paper. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16 clusters (depending on size)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes

Variations

Nut variations: While pecans are the star of this recipe, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different flavor profile.
Sea salt topping: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate before it hardens for a sweet-and-salty finish.
Dark chocolate version: For a richer, less sweet version, use dark chocolate in place of semi-sweet chocolate.
Add-ins: If you love a little extra crunch, add a handful of crushed pretzels, toffee bits, or even a dash of cinnamon to the caramel for a fun twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the Pecan Caramel Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If your kitchen is warm, consider refrigerating them to keep the caramel from getting too soft.
Freezing: These clusters freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these clusters as they are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Simply allow them to come to room temperature after storing them in the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-shelled pecans?

Yes, you can use pre-shelled pecans, but I recommend toasting them yourself to bring out their flavor. If you’re using chopped pecans, they don’t need to be toasted for as long—just a few minutes will do.

2. How do I prevent the caramel from being too hard?

To avoid overly hard caramel, make sure not to cook the sugar too long and keep an eye on the consistency as you add the cream. The key is to stop cooking once the caramel has thickened enough to coat the pecans.

3. Can I make these clusters with other types of chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference. Each type of chocolate will give the clusters a slightly different flavor.

4. Can I add other flavors to the caramel?

Absolutely! You can infuse the caramel with vanilla, cinnamon, or even a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist.

5. How can I make these clusters more decorative?

You can drizzle some extra melted chocolate on top of the clusters, or sprinkle them with crushed nuts or cocoa nibs for extra texture and visual appeal.

6. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so that you have control over the amount of salt added to the caramel. However, if you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe accordingly.

7. How can I make these clusters more festive?

For a holiday or special occasion, you can add sprinkles, edible gold dust, or colored sugar on top of the chocolate before it sets for a fun and festive touch.

8. Can I use other sweeteners instead of granulated sugar?

You can experiment with other sweeteners, such as brown sugar for a richer flavor, or honey for a more natural alternative. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture of the caramel.

9. How do I store leftover clusters?

Store leftover Pecan Caramel Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate them if you prefer them to be firmer.

10. Can I make these clusters without the chocolate coating?

Yes! If you prefer a more straightforward caramel-pecan treat, you can skip the chocolate coating and just allow the caramel to harden around the pecans for a simpler version.

Conclusion

Pecan Caramel Clusters are a deliciously indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds: rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing at a party or enjoying as a personal treat. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and salty snacks or just love pecans, these clusters will surely become your go-to dessert for any occasion!