Description
Indulgent chocolate pecan turtle clusters blend rich chocolate, caramel, and pecans into an irresistible sweet treat. Homemade confections delight senses with complex layers of flavor that leave you craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups (300 g) pecans (toasted)
- 12 oz (340 g) milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup (113 g) butter (salted)
- ½ cup (120 mL) light corn syrup
- 7 oz (198 g) sweetened condensed milk (half of a 14-oz can)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp shortening (butter-flavored Crisco works well)
Instructions
- Toasting Pecans: Gently heat pecans in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until a rich, nutty fragrance emerges, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Cluster Preparation: Arrange 4-5 pecans in circular formations on parchment-lined baking sheets, creating uniform bases for the candies.
- Caramel Creation: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter, dark brown sugar, corn syrup, and condensed milk. Whisk continuously over medium heat until the mixture reaches 240°F (116°C) on a candy thermometer, creating a smooth, golden caramel.
- Caramel Coating: Pour warm caramel directly over pecan clusters, ensuring even coverage and allowing slight pooling around the nuts for maximum flavor integration.
- Chocolate Melting: Combine chocolate chips with vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning, until smooth and glossy.
- Final Assembly: Drizzle melted chocolate over caramel-coated pecan clusters using a spoon or piping bag, creating elegant zigzag patterns that completely cover the caramel layer.
- Setting and Storage: Refrigerate or place in a cool, dry area for 15-20 minutes until chocolate sets completely. Once hardened, separate clusters and store in an airtight container between parchment paper layers at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- Toast Pecans Perfectly: Gently heat nuts over medium-low flame, stirring constantly to release deep, rich aroma without burning, which enhances overall flavor profile.
- Caramel Temperature Matters: Use a candy thermometer to precisely hit 240°F, ensuring smooth, glossy caramel that sets properly without becoming grainy or too hard.
- Chocolate Melting Technique: Microwave chocolate in short 15-second bursts, stirring between intervals to prevent scorching and achieve silky, uniform melted consistency.
- Storage Smart: Keep clusters in airtight container with parchment paper layers, maintaining freshness and preventing sticking for up to one week at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 25
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg