Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters

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Simple, easy, and absolutely irresistible, these Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are a family favorite. Toasted pecans are held together with rich homemade caramel and finished with smooth melted chocolate for the perfect sweet, nutty bite. Once you make these, they’ll quickly become a go-to treat for holidays, parties, or everyday indulgence.

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 (half of a 14-ounce can)

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 12-ounce package milk chocolate chips

  • ½ teaspoon shortening (or butter-flavored shortening)

Directions

Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Place the pecans in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toast them for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly darkened and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheets
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Arrange the toasted pecans into small clusters, about three pecans per group, leaving roughly one inch of space between each cluster.

Step 3: Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly as the mixture heats. Continue cooking and stirring until the caramel reaches 235–240°F. Remove from heat at around 234°F, as it will continue to rise slightly in temperature.

Step 4: Flavor the Caramel
Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Drizzle the Caramel
Working quickly, spoon about 1½ teaspoons of caramel over each pecan cluster. Make sure the caramel touches all the nuts so it acts as glue to hold them together.

Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and fully melted.

Step 7: Add Shortening
Stir the shortening into the melted chocolate and let it sit for a minute before mixing thoroughly. This helps the chocolate spread smoothly.

Step 8: Top the Clusters
Spoon about 1½ teaspoons of melted chocolate over each caramel-covered cluster. Gently swirl the chocolate on top with the back of a spoon.

Step 9: Set and Store
Allow the clusters to cool completely until the chocolate has hardened. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Storage Tips

  • Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week

  • Refrigerate for longer storage, up to 2 weeks

  • Great for gifting during holidays

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