Soft Caramel Pecan Clusters
A decadent homemade candy featuring toasted pecans, a rich and soft buttery caramel, and a smooth chocolate coating.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
- Yield: 24 clusters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups Whole Pecan Halves
1 cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup Light Corn Syrup
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Pinch of Sea Salt for topping
Instructions
1.Toast pecan halves at 350°F for 5-7 mins; arrange in clusters of 3-4 on parchment paper.
2.In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, butter, and heavy cream.
3.Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches 245°F (firm ball stage).
4.Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
5.Spoon about 1 tablespoon of hot caramel over each pecan cluster; let cool for 30 mins.
6.Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second bursts until smooth.
7.Spoon melted chocolate over each caramel cluster, covering the top completely.
8.Sprinkle with sea salt and let set at room temperature until firm.
Notes
Use a candy thermometer for the most accurate and consistent results.
Wait for the caramel to be fully set and cool before adding the chocolate layer.
If the caramel is too stiff to pour, gently reheat it over very low heat.