Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our delectable Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters, a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate, the gooeyness of caramel, and the crunchiness of pecans. These bite-sized clusters are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
This recipe article provides detailed instructions for creating these irresistible clusters, along with variations to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer dark, milk, or white chocolate, we've got you covered. You'll also discover tips for achieving the perfect caramel consistency, ensuring that your clusters are neither too hard nor too soft.
But that's not all! This article also includes recipes for additional flavor combinations that will tantalize your taste buds. From the nutty delight of Chocolate Peanut Butter Clusters to the fruity burst of Chocolate Cherry Clusters, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
These Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters are not only a treat for your palate but also a feast for the eyes. Arrange them beautifully on a platter or in individual treat bags for a delightful presentation. They make excellent gifts for friends, family, or as a special treat for yourself.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey to create these irresistible Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters. Your taste buds will thank you!
CHOCOLATE PECAN CARAMEL CLUSTERS
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
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
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.
NANCY'S CHOCOLATE, CARAMEL & PECAN CLUSTERS
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
Tips:
- Use high-quality chocolate: The quality of the chocolate you use will greatly affect the taste of your clusters. Choose a chocolate that is at least 60% cacao and that you enjoy the taste of.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans will enhance their flavor and make them more crunchy. You can toast them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Use a candy thermometer: A candy thermometer is essential for making caramel. It will help you to ensure that the caramel reaches the correct temperature, which is 248 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Be careful when handling hot caramel: Caramel is very hot and can cause serious burns. Be sure to use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling it.
- Work quickly: Caramel hardens quickly, so you need to work quickly when assembling the clusters. Once the caramel is ready, have all of your other ingredients ready to go.
Conclusion:
Chocolate caramel pecan clusters are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. They are made with just a few simple ingredients and can be customized to your liking. With a little practice, you can make perfect clusters every time.
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