Best 12 Caramel Clusters Recipes

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Are you craving a sweet and crunchy treat? Look no further than caramel clusters! These delightful confections are made with a combination of sugar, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla extract, cooked to a golden brown perfection. The result is a batch of irresistible clusters that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. In this article, we will provide you with two mouthwatering recipes for caramel clusters: the classic caramel cluster recipe and a more adventurous chocolate-dipped caramel cluster recipe. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you wanting more!

Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!

CHOCOLATE PECAN CARAMEL CLUSTERS



Chocolate Pecan Caramel Clusters image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • For the caramel: Mix 2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring just until the sugar dissolves. Cook, swirling the pan (do not stir), until the mixture is light amber and a candy thermometer registers 320 degrees, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; slowly whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream, then 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Return to low heat and whisk until smooth.
  • Stir 1 1/3 cups chopped nuts into the warm caramel; cool until the mixture is thick enough to hold its shape. Drop spoonfuls onto an oiled parchment-lined baking sheet; let set. Top with melted chocolate and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

CHOCOLATE-CARAMEL PECAN CLUSTERS



Chocolate-Caramel Pecan Clusters image

Sweet, chewy and crunchy, all at the same time -- these bite-size treats go perfectly with a cup of coffee after a meal.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes

Time 45m

Yield Makes 1 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 cup pecan halves (3 1/4 ounces)
12 soft caramel-candy cubes
1 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, broken into 12 pieces (1/2 inch each)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange pecans in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven until fragrant, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven (leave oven on); set aside 36 pecans on baking sheet. Finely chop remaining pecans (for about 1/4 cup); set aside.
  • When pecans are cool enough to handle, make 12 clusters by arranging 2 pecans vertically, side by side, below 1 pecan placed horizontally. Gently flatten each caramel; place 1 on top of each cluster. Bake clusters 5 minutes. Remove from oven (leave oven on).
  • Place 1 piece of chocolate on top of each cluster. Return to oven; bake until chocolate begins to melt, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from oven. With the back of a spoon, gently spread chocolate over caramel without completely covering it.
  • Sprinkle clusters with reserved chopped pecans. Refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes. Bring to room temperature before serving.

PECAN CARAMEL CLUSTERS



Pecan Caramel Clusters image

A box of this mouthwatering homemade candy does an outstanding job of showing your affection on Valentine's Day or any time. The recipe comes from Janice Price of Lexington, Kentucky, who notes, "These are delicious and so easy to make."-Janice Price, Lexington, Kentucky

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 25m

Yield about 2 pounds.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 package (14 ounces) caramels
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
4 ounces white candy coating, coarsely chopped
4 ounces dark chocolate candy coating, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • 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. Stir in pecans. , Drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Freeze for 15-20 minutes or until set., In a microwave-safe bowl, combine candy coatings. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 15 seconds; stir until smooth. Dip caramel clusters in coating; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until firm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 152 calories, Fat 10g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 40mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

CARAMEL CASHEW CLUSTERS



Caramel Cashew Clusters image

Several years ago, a co-worker came across candies like these in a store and asked if I could make them. After some trial and error, I came up with a winning recipe. -Karen Daniels, Jefferson City, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 25m

Yield 2-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 teaspoons butter
2 pounds milk chocolate candy coating, coarsely chopped, divided
1 cup salted cashew halves
28 caramels
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Steps:

  • Line baking sheets with waxed paper and grease paper with butter; set aside., In a microwave, melt 1 pound of candy coating; stir until smooth. Drop by scant tablespoonfuls onto prepared pans. Let stand until partially set, about 3 minutes. Top each with six or seven cashews. Let stand until completely set., In a small heavy saucepan, combine caramels and cream. Cook and stir over low heat until melted; stir until smooth. Spoon over cashews. Reheat caramel over low heat if it thickens. Melt remaining candy coating; spoon over caramel. Let stand until set.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 228 calories, Fat 13g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 57mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (25g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

CARAMEL PECAN CLUSTERS



Caramel Pecan Clusters image

I make lots of candies and I often add a few ingredients or leave some out. My great-nephew, Josh, is my taste-tester, and this recipe is among his favorites. It seems that my snack jar is always going on empty, but this gives me great joy. -Marcille Groenke Minneapolis, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 15m

Yield 6 clusters.

Number Of Ingredients 3

30 pecan halves
6 caramels
6 squares milk chocolate candy bar

Steps:

  • On a greased baking sheet, arrange pecans in six clusters of five pecans each. Place a caramel on each cluster. Bake at 300° for 4-5 minutes or until caramels are melted., Top each with a chocolate square. Bake 1 minute longer or until chocolate is melted. Spread the chocolate over caramel until smooth. Remove from pan to cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts :

CARAMEL CORN CLUSTERS



Caramel Corn Clusters image

Fall harvest snack? Check. Homemade Halloween treat? Check. Movie-night munchie? Check. Deploy these nutty clusters for any and all occasions.

Categories     Small Plates     Dessert     Candy     Butterscotch/Caramel     Corn     Peanut     Kid-Friendly     Quick & Easy     Gourmet     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher     snack     Halloween     Fall

Yield Makes about 12 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup popcorn kernels
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
11/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup salted peanuts (5 oz)
Special Equipment
a candy thermometer

Steps:

  • Heat oil with 3 kernels in a 3-quart heavy saucepan, covered, over moderate heat until 1 or 2 kernels pop. Remove lid and quickly add remaining kernels, then cook, covered, shaking pan frequently, until kernels stop popping, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and uncover.
  • Line bottom of a large shallow baking pan with foil. Lightly oil foil. Melt butter in a 6-quart heavy pot over moderate heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup and bring to a boil over moderate heat, stirring, then boil, without stirring, until syrup registers 300°F on thermometer, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat.
  • Using a wooden spoon or a heatproof spatula, stir salt and baking soda into syrup, then quickly stir in peanuts and popcorn to coat. Immediately spread mixture in baking pan as thinly and evenly as possible. Cool completely, then break into bite-size pieces.

CHUNKY CARAMEL POPCORN CLUSTERS



Chunky Caramel Popcorn Clusters image

This recipe is from Land O lakes, and they have a winner here for sure. It is downright habit forming! Once you start eating it, you just can't stop! A mixture of dark chocolate, white chocolate, cashews, and pecans that can't be beat.

Provided by Lou6566

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h20m

Yield 38 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

12 cups popped popcorn
1 (9 3/4 ounce) can whole cashews (2 cups)
1 (5 ounce) bag pecan halves (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter (land O lakes)
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon shortening
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 250°F Place popcorn, cashews and pecans in large roasting pan.
  • Combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil (7 to 8 minutes). Continue boiling 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda.
  • Pour butter mixture over popcorn mixture in pan; stir well. Bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven; place onto waxed paper or parchment paper. Cool completely. (DO NOT BREAK INTO PIECES.).
  • Place chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon shortening into resealable plastic food bag. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 30 to 45 seconds; knead bag. Continue microwaving at 15 second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag; drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn mixture. Repeat with white baking chips and remaining 1/2 teaspoon shortening, microwaving on MEDIUM-HIGH (70% power). Drizzle over popcorn mixture. Let stand until chocolate is set (3 to 4 hours). Break popcorn mixture into pieces.
  • Store in container with tight-fitting lid or resealable plastic food bag.
  • Recipe Tip
  • Chocolate and white baking chips can be melted separately with shortening in a small bowl in microwave or in small saucepan over low heat until melted. Drizzle chocolate mixtures with fork or spoon.

NANCY'S CHOCOLATE, CARAMEL & PECAN CLUSTERS



Nancy's Chocolate, Caramel & Pecan Clusters image

Turtles my way

Provided by Nancy Potter

Categories     Other Snacks

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 c milk chocolate chips divided
64 pecans, halved
28 chewy caramels
2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream

Steps:

  • 1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper; set aside. In a microwave, melt 1 cup chocolate chips ( about 1 1/2 minutes) stir until smooth. Drop chocolate by tablespoon onto prepared baking sheet.
  • 2. Immediately place one pecan halve on top of each; Place the caramels in a 1 quart microwave-safe dish; add cream. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 2 minutes, stirring once. Spoon by teaspoon on top of each piece.
  • 3. Melt the remaining chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Spread over caramel. Then I like to drizzle the remaining caramel over each piece

CARAMEL APPLE POPCORN CLUSTERS



Caramel Apple Popcorn Clusters image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h

Yield about 2 dozen clusters

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2/3 cup popcorn kernels
4 cups dried apple chips, broken into pieces
1 cup unsalted almonds, roughly chopped
2 cups apple juice
2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
1 tablespoon applejack or other apple brandy (optional)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Steps:

  • Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels; cover and cook, shaking the pan, until the popping subsides. Remove from the heat and let any remaining kernels pop for 30 more seconds. Divide the popcorn between the prepared baking sheets, discarding any unpopped kernels. Scatter the apple chips and almonds on top.
  • Make the caramel: Bring the apple juice, brown sugar and corn syrup to a boil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook without stirring until the mixture is deep amber and a candy thermometer registers 280 degrees F, about 30 minutes (the caramel will bubble vigorously toward the end of the cooking time).
  • Stir the butter into the caramel until melted. Add 2 teaspoons salt and the apple pie spice. Add the applejack and cayenne, if using, and cook until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn mixture and carefully toss with two rubber spatulas. Let cool slightly, then separate the mixture into clusters while still warm. Let cool completely.

NUTTY CARAMEL CLUSTERS



Nutty Caramel Clusters image

Don't be fooled by the impressive presentation of these sweet candies. They're so easy to make, even our two young sons can help. -Charlyn Koistinen, Hayti, South Dakota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 15m

Yield 1-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 8

25 caramels
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon milk
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup salted dry roasted peanuts
1/2 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons shortening

Steps:

  • In a 1-qt. microwave-safe dish, combine the caramels, butter and milk. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until caramels are melted, stirring once. Stir in the almonds, peanuts and pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets., In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until blended. Spoon over clusters. Refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 74mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

DIVINE CARAMEL CLUSTERS



Divine Caramel Clusters image

The best old fashion sweets this side of the south. Baking and cooking comes natural sense I had the best teaher...My beloved mother! I remember when we didn't have sweets in the house me & my sister would take biscuits and create our own sugar & cinnmon donuts & even cookies from scratch. We had a cherry tree out back & we would...

Provided by gina haynes

Categories     Chocolate

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 7

14 oz caramels
16 oz chopped pecans
1/2 c brown sugar, light
1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 c maple syrup
1/2 Tbsp butter, cold
GG'S DIVINE CARAMEL CLUSTERS

Steps:

  • 1. Utensils you will need! wooden spoon, measuring cups & spoons, dipping spoon, sauce pans, mixing bowls, parsement paper, cookie sheet. Place your liquid ingredients in your sauce pan along with your brown sugar on high heat, letting your liquid come to a boil for 5 minutes or until it has come to a hard candy like stage. Half way through the liquid stage you will began preparing the camels in another sauce pan, add your butter to the sauce pan & your carmels. continue to stir the carmels until they have all melted. In your mixing bowl, have your pecans ready for the next process, which will be adding the ingredients from your first sauce pan. Next you will need to fold in the ingredients untill the pecans our completely coverd. Allow your already ingreients to set for a few seconds and then add the melted carmels and again fold in the camels. You are now ready to make your carmel clusters.
  • 2. Began by using a tablespoon and dipping your product up by sliver dollar size spoon fulls. At this point drop onto parsement paper and load into the frige for chilling for at list 3-5min. or until it is to your liking and serve. White Chocolate swirl optional....

CARAMEL CLUSTERS



Caramel Clusters image

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/4 cup margarine or butter
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 pound caramels (about 28)
1 cup cocktail peanuts
4 cups Smacks® sweetened puffed wheat cereal

Steps:

  • 1. Place margarine, milk, and caramels in large saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.2. Add peanuts and KELLOGG'S SMACKS cereal stir until cereal is evenly coated. Spread on waxed paper or buttered baking sheet and allow to cool. Break into bite-size pieces.

Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves

Tips:

  • Using a candy thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the caramel reaches the correct temperature.
  • Stir the caramel mixture continuously to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
  • To achieve a smooth and glossy caramel, avoid adding water or ice to the mixture.
  • Chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even crumbled cookies can be added to the caramel mixture for extra flavor and texture.
  • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy removal of the caramel clusters.
  • Allow the caramel clusters to cool completely before breaking them apart to prevent crumbling.
  • Store the caramel clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

These caramel clusters are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a combination of crunchy caramel and a variety of mix-ins, these clusters offer a satisfying and flavorful experience. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or topping, these caramel clusters are sure to be a hit. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your unique and delicious variations.

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