Pecan Caramel Clusters
Pecan caramel clusters come together with just a handful of ingredients for an easy candy that is sweet, a bit salty, and totally perfect for gift giving.
Servings 18 clusters
Ingredients
- 11 ounces caramel squares unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves coarsely chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt use less if you aren't a fan of salted caramel
- ¼ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon shortening or coconut oil
- additional sea salt for sprinkling on top optional
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine caramels and heavy cream. While stirring constantly, heat mixture until caramels are fully melted. Remove pan from heat.
- Using a rubber spatula, stir in vanilla, pecans, and salt until they are thoroughly mixed into the melted caramels.
- Spray a small cookie scoop with non-stick cooking spray and scoop the caramel-pecan mixture 2 inches apart onto the prepared pan. Repeat with the rest of the mixture to create until you create 16-18 clusters.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and coconut oil until smooth stirring every 30 seconds or so.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over clusters. If desired, sprinkle with additional sea salt. Pop the pan into the refrigerator to set the clusters before serving.
Notes
- The clusters are sticky, so you'll want to store them on parchment in the refrigerator. Leave them on the parchment and remove them to room temperature about 30 minutes before serving.
- If unwrapping the caramels is not accessible for you, feel free to use an 11-ounce bag of Kraft Caramel Bits instead.
- Definitely feel free to experiment with the type of nuts that you use. Peanuts, cashews, and walnuts would be delicious.