Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters
User Reviews
5
Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters
Description
Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters feature toasted pecan halves as the foundation, which are carefully arranged into groups before being topped with a creamy caramel made from butter, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk cooked to a specific temperature for proper consistency. The clusters are finished by drizzling melted milk chocolate blended with shortening over the caramel. Cooling the clusters on parchment-lined trays allows the chocolate to set into a shiny, firm coating, complementing the nutty caramel and pecans underneath.
The combination of toasted pecans and the layered caramel and chocolate provides a rich texture contrast between crunchy and chewy. Preparing the caramel to a temperature between 2356F and 2406F ensures it is just right: thick enough to hold shape but soft enough to bite through easily. These clusters make a personal-sized sweet bite suitable for holiday treats or dessert accompaniments.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1 butter stick
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk 2 tablespoons
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon shortening
Instructions
- In a large skillet, toast the pecans over medium high heart for a few minutes.
- Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the toasted pecans in groups of 3 leaving about an inch of space between each group. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Cook and stir continuously until it reaches 235-240F on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Drizzle about 1/2 tablespoon of caramel over each cluster, set aside.
- Fill a pot about 1/4 of the way with water, and fit with a bowl that won't touch the bottom of the pot to create a double boiler.
- Heat the pot over medium heat.
- After letting it heat up for a few minutes, start to stir the chocolate chips until they are fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in the shortening and spoon about 1/2 tablespoon on the top of each cluster.
- Once the chocolate has cooled serve immediately or store in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer of clusters.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 30Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 184 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 184kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 23mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 72mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 23g | 46% |
| Vitamin A | 51IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 47mg | 5% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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