Decadent Turtle Chocolate Caramel Clusters
Indulge in the irresistible combination of creamy caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich milk chocolate with these Decadent Turtle Chocolate Caramel Clusters. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a personal treat, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a delightful candy that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a special event or just craving something sweet, these clusters are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family.
26
Servings
80
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Caramels
26 (Unwrapped)
Pecan halves
104 (About 2 cups, arranged in clusters)
Milk chocolate chips
1 cup (For melting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and generously grease a large cookie sheet with non-stick spray or butter.
2
On the greased cookie sheet, arrange 4 pecan halves together in a cluster with the flat side facing down. Repeat this process with the remaining pecan halves until you have 26 clusters.
3
Place one caramel on top of each pecan cluster, ensuring it is centered.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the caramels begin to soften and melt.
5
With a buttered spatula, gently press down on the melted caramels, flattening them evenly over the pecan clusters. Make sure to butter your spatula as needed after every few caramels to prevent sticking.
6
Once flattened, remove the clusters from the cookie sheet and carefully transfer them to a sheet of wax paper to cool.
7
In a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips. If using the microwave, heat on medium-high power for 25-second intervals, stirring in between until completely melted and smooth.
8
Once melted, spoon the chocolate generously over each caramel-pecan cluster, covering them completely.
9
Allow the clusters to cool at room temperature for several hours or until the chocolate is set.
10
Enjoy your homemade turtle chocolate caramel clusters, and share them with friends and family!
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
10.5g
Carbs
0.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Turtle Chocolate Caramel Clusters?
They are a delightful candy made from a combination of creamy caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich milk chocolate, resembling the shape of a turtle.
How many ingredients are required for this turtle cluster recipe?
This recipe requires only 3 simple ingredients: caramels, pecan halves, and milk chocolate chips.
How many clusters does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 26 individual turtle chocolate caramel clusters.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) before starting the assembly process.
How should I prepare the cookie sheet?
Generously grease a large cookie sheet with non-stick spray or butter to prevent the caramels from sticking.
How many pecans are used for each cluster?
Arrange 4 pecan halves together in a cluster with the flat side facing down for each candy.
How many pecan halves are needed in total?
You will need a total of 104 pecan halves, which is approximately 2 cups.
Where do I place the caramel in the cluster?
Place one unwrapped caramel directly on top of each 4-pecan cluster, ensuring it is centered.
How long do the clusters bake in the oven?
Bake the pecan and caramel clusters for 4 to 6 minutes.
How do I know when the caramels are finished baking?
The caramels are ready when they begin to soften and melt.
What is the best way to flatten the melted caramels?
Use a buttered spatula to gently press down on the melted caramels, spreading them evenly over the pecans.
How do I stop the caramel from sticking to the spatula?
Re-butter your spatula after every few caramels to ensure it remains non-stick.
Where should I move the clusters after they are flattened?
Carefully transfer the clusters from the cookie sheet to a sheet of wax paper to cool.
What methods can I use to melt the milk chocolate chips?
You can melt the chocolate using a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl.
How do I melt chocolate in the microwave safely?
Heat on medium-high power for 25-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
How much chocolate should I use for each cluster?
Spoon the melted chocolate generously over each cluster until the caramel and pecans are completely covered.
How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
Allow the clusters to cool at room temperature for several hours or until the chocolate is completely firm.
What is the calorie count for one turtle cluster?
Each serving (one cluster) contains approximately 80 calories.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are approximately 4.5 grams of fat in each turtle cluster.
What is the carbohydrate content per cluster?
Each cluster has approximately 10.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Do these clusters contain protein?
Yes, each cluster contains about 0.8 grams of protein.
Are these clusters suitable for holiday gifting?
Yes, they are described as a perfect holiday candy for sharing with friends and family.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
While the recipe specifies milk chocolate chips, you can substitute dark chocolate if you prefer a less sweet, richer flavor.
Do I need to chop the pecans?
No, this recipe uses whole pecan halves to create the traditional turtle cluster shape.
Can I use parchment paper instead of wax paper?
Yes, parchment paper is an excellent alternative to wax paper for cooling the clusters.
Should the pecans be raw or roasted?
The recipe uses pecan halves which will lightly toast in the oven while the caramel melts.
Is there a specific brand of caramels recommended?
The recipe doesn't specify a brand, but standard soft caramels that come individually wrapped work best.
How should I store the finished turtle clusters?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
What tags define this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as candy, chocolate, caramel, pecan, turtle candies, dessert, and sweet treat.
Are these turtle clusters gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients (pecans, caramels, chocolate), they are generally gluten-free, but always check the packaging of your specific caramel and chocolate brands.