Pecan Caramel Clusters

Believe it or not, whipping up a batch of homemade candy is much easier than you think! Take these pecan caramel clusters that come together with a zap in the microwave, a stay in the freezer and a quick dip in chocolate. The result is a candy that’s equal parts gooey, crunchy and chocolaty. Because the recipe is simple and involves mostly stirring and shaping, it’s a great treat to make with kiddos or entrust to teens working on independence in the kitchen.

Despite their simplicity, these bites would be a perfect homemade gift, either as a stocking stuffer or as an unfussy Valentine’s Day treat.

Ingredients for Pecan Caramel Clusters

• Caramel candies: Buy high-quality caramel candies, or try making a batch of your own creamy caramels. Fancier caramels have fewer ingredients—often just sugar, a bit of corn syrup, and some heavy cream or butter—so you’ll get a better end result. Lower quality caramels might use hydrogenated oil, a higher percentage of corn syrup, and powdered milk or buttermilk, so they don’t taste as rich.
• Butter: Since this recipe doesn’t call for any salt, feel free to use salted butter or add a pinch of salt to the caramel-and-nut mixture to help cut the sweetness. After all, there’s a reason why salted caramel desserts are still trendy after all these years.
• Chopped pecans: You can buy chopped pecans or pecan pieces, which are often cheaper than whole nuts.
• White and dark candy coatings: Why use candy coating or candy melts instead of chocolate chips? Candy coatings are formulated to melt easily and create a smooth, shiny surface on treats. Chocolate can also be used as a coating, but you’ll need to make tempered chocolate, which requires precise temperature control when melting.

Directions

Step 1: Make the caramel filling

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels, water and butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 3 to 3-1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Mix in the pecans.

Step 2: Form and chill

Drop the caramel mixture by tablespoonfuls onto greased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Freeze for 15 to 20 minutes or until set.

Step 3: Make the coating

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine candy coatings. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 15 seconds. Keep mixing until smooth.

Dip the caramel clusters in the coating, and allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper or parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill until firm.

Pecan Caramel Cluster Variations

• Use different nuts: This treat would be wonderful with other nuts you enjoy, especially walnuts, almonds, cashews or hazelnuts.
• Try flavored caramels: Caramel candies come in all sorts of flavors, so consider using candies with vanilla, cinnamon, or even something boozy like rum or whiskey.
• Add coconut: To give the candy more depth, substitute 1/2 cup shredded coconut for 1/2 cup pecans.
• Try out different coatings: As mentioned, you can make these with candy melts or with tempered dark, milk or white chocolate, or a combination.
• Add feet: These are similar in flavor to turtle candies, so you could drop the tablespoons of caramel mixture onto whole pecans. Then, either dip them into the melted candy coating or pour the coating over the top.

How to Store Pecan Caramel Clusters

Placed in an airtight container on waxed paper, with a second layer of waxed paper on top, these candies can be stored on the counter or in the fridge. They can also be individually wrapped and frozen in a zip-top bag.

How long do pecan caramel clusters last?

On the counter, these will keep for up to two weeks. If you want to hold on to the candies for longer, they’ll last a month in the fridge or six months in the freezer.

Pecan Caramel Cluster Tips

Should you toast pecans before using them?

Using toasted pecan nuts for caramel pecan clusters deepens the flavor, so it’s a wonderful move. You could even use spiced pecans for more flavor.

How do I prevent my caramel pecan clusters from sticking to the pan?

To keep the caramel mixture from sticking to your sheet pan, be sure to line the pan with parchment and grease the paper with oil or butter for good measure.

If your candies still stick after 20 minutes in the freezer, pop them back in for another 10 minutes, then lift up the parchment and peel the caramels off.