Ingredients

For the Caramel:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Clusters:

• 3 cups pecan halves
• 16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Pecans

1. Toast pecans at 350°F for 8-10 minutes
2. Arrange in small clusters (4-5 pecans each)
3. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets
4. Let cool completely

Make the Caramel

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine:

• Sugar
• Water
• Corn syrup

1. Cook over medium heat without stirring
2. Heat until golden amber (350°F)
3. Remove from heat and carefully add:

• Heavy cream (mixture will bubble)
• Butter
• Vanilla
• Salt

1. Whisk until smooth
2. Let cool until thick but still pourable

Assembly

1. Spoon caramel over pecan clusters
2. Let set for 30 minutes

Chocolate Coating

1. Melt chocolate and oil using double boiler
2. Temper chocolate if desired
3. Spoon over caramel-covered clusters
4. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired
5. Let set completely

Pro Tips

• Use fresh, high-quality pecans
• Don’t skip toasting the pecans
• Use a candy thermometer for caramel
• Keep clusters uniform in size
• Temper chocolate for best results
• Work in a cool environment

Storage

• Store in airtight container
• Keep at room temperature up to 2 weeks
• Refrigerate in warm weather
• Can be frozen up to 3 months
• Layer with wax paper

Troubleshooting

• If caramel is too hard: cook to lower temperature
• If chocolate blooms: ensure proper tempering
• If clusters spread: wait for caramel to cool more
• If pecans separate: use more caramel
• If chocolate seizes: start over, avoid water contact

Variations

• Use different nuts (almonds, cashews)
• Try dark or milk chocolate
• Add toffee bits
• Drizzle with white chocolate
• Make mini clusters

This recipe creates perfect homemade turtle clusters with the ideal balance of crunchy pecans, chewy caramel, and smooth chocolate. The key to success lies in the quality of ingredients and careful attention to temperature control during each step. These clusters make wonderful gifts and are perfect for special occasions or holiday treat boxes.

Remember that humidity and temperature can affect candy making, so choose a dry day with moderate temperature for best results. With proper technique, these turtle clusters will rival any store-bought version, offering a fresh, homemade taste that’s impossible to resist.