Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters

Introduction

Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are a classic homemade candy that combines crunchy toasted pecans, rich buttery caramel, and smooth milk chocolate. These sweet treats are perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or anytime you want a decadent bite-sized dessert. Despite their impressive look, they’re surprisingly easy to make and require simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups pecans

• ½ cup butter (salted works well)

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ½ cup light corn syrup

• 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (½ of a 14-ounce can)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 (12-ounce) package milk chocolate chips

• ½ teaspoon shortening (butter-flavored Crisco or similar)

Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans
   Place the pecans in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toast them, stirring occasionally, until slightly darkened and fragrant. This should take just a few minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare Baking Sheets
   Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Arrange the toasted pecans into small clusters on the sheets, using about three pecans per cluster. Leave about 1 inch of space between each cluster.

3. Make the Caramel
   In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously while cooking until the mixture reaches 235–240°F. Remove from heat at about 234°F, as the temperature will continue to rise slightly.

4. Add Vanilla
   Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

5. Drizzle the Caramel
   Working quickly, drizzle about 1½ teaspoons of caramel over each pecan cluster. Make sure the caramel touches all the nuts to help hold the cluster together.

6. Melt the Chocolate
   Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted.

7. Add Shortening
   Stir in the shortening and let it sit for a minute so it melts completely. Mix until smooth and glossy.

8. Top with Chocolate
   Spoon about 1½ teaspoons of melted chocolate over each caramel-covered cluster. Gently swirl the chocolate on top for a decorative finish.

9. Set and Store
   Allow the clusters to cool until the chocolate is fully set. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are a timeless treat that delivers the perfect balance of crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or a simple sweet craving, these homemade candies are sure to impress with both flavor and presentation. Enjoy every bite!