These Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are the ultimate sweet treat—crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate all in one bite! If you’re looking for a simple homemade candy recipe that everyone will love, this is it. Warning: They’re so good, you won’t be able to stop eating them! 
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet, Crunchy & Gooey – A perfect balance of textures in every bite. Easy to Make – No special equipment needed! Great for Gifting – Perfect for holidays, parties, or homemade treats. Irresistibly Addictive – You can’t eat just one!
Ingredients (Makes About 24 Clusters)
For the Pecan Clusters:
- 2½ cups pecans, toasted for extra flavor
For the Caramel Sauce:
- ½ cup butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (half of a 14 oz can)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 12 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (or chocolate melting wafers)
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for a smoother coating)
Optional Additions: Sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet-salty twist! Use dark chocolate for a richer taste. Add a drizzle of white chocolate for decoration.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended!)
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. Let cool.
Toasting enhances the pecans’ natural nutty flavor!
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes, until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
The caramel is ready when it reaches a golden color and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Assemble the Clusters
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange small piles of pecans (about 4-5 pecans per cluster). Spoon a dollop of warm caramel over each pile. Let cool for 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is set.
Tip: Work quickly! Caramel thickens as it cools.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate & Coat the Clusters
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips & coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spoon or drizzle melted chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster. Let them set at room temperature or chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
For a thicker chocolate layer, dip the entire cluster in melted chocolate!
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Once set, peel clusters off parchment paper. Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week, or in the fridge for 2 weeks.
Perfect for holiday treats, parties, or gifting in festive tins! 
Recipe Timing & Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Calories: ~180 kcal per cluster
- Servings: ~24 clusters
Pro Tips & Variations
No Corn Syrup? Use honey or maple syrup instead. Want a Darker Caramel? Cook an extra 2 minutes for a deeper flavor. Crunchy Add-Ins? Try adding toasted coconut or chopped almonds! Make It Vegan? Use vegan butter, coconut condensed milk & dairy-free chocolate.
FAQs
Can I freeze these turtle clusters?
Yes! Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months.
How do I prevent the caramel from getting too hard?
Cook it just until thickened, and avoid overcooking past soft ball stage (235-240°F / 113-116°C).
What’s the best chocolate to use?
Use high-quality chocolate bars or melting wafers for the smoothest texture.