Chocolate Turtle Pecan Cluster Recipe (2024)

Chocolate Turtle Pecan Clusters are a hit any time of the year, especially during the Holiday season and Valentine’s Day. No one will ever know how easy they are to make with only 5 ingredients. Creamy caramel, smooth rich chocolate, and toasty pecans combine for a mouth-watering decadent treat, also known as Chocolate Bear Claw Candy.

My childhood memories include my daddy buying my mom chocolate turtle clusters, especially during the Holidays. It’s always been one of her favorite sweet treats, and I know she’s not the only one to love this delectable bite of sweet and savory goodness. It’s one of my favorites,, too, especially when they are homemade with big crunchy pecans. This homemade candy recipe is a far superior take on the store-bought pecan caramel cluster we all love. Homemade turtles are so simple to make and a lot of fun to include in your gift giving at any holiday!

What is a turtle pecan cluster?

It’s a delicious candy that starts with crunchy pecan halves and then is topped with melted pecans and chocolate. Because all the ingredients are staked on each other, like a turtle shell, they are most commonly known as turtle pecan clusters. Other names include Bear Claws, Pecan Turtle candy, pecan delights, pecan caramel clusters, and a host of different combinations.

What You’ll Need to make chocolate turtle pecan clusters

Caramels – We’re keeping the recipe simple by using premade caramels. The caramel melt will add a perfectly chewy element to our treat!

Milk – You will use a bit of milk to help the caramels melt smoothly.

Pecan halves – Pecans are the base of this candy and add a perfectly nutty, savory flavor and crunch to every bite!

Semi-sweet chocolate chips – I prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips for a mildly sweet chocolate over this nut cluster.

Salt – Topping each candy with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt is a must, in my opinion! It isn’t essential to the recipe itself, but it certainly adds complexity and brings out the nuanced flavors of the candy.

How to Make the turtle Pecan Clusters

Step 1: Melt your unwrapped caramels with milk in a medium sauce pan and stir over medium-low heat until the caramel is melted and smooth.

Step 2:Once melted, place a dollop of caramel over each cluster of pecans on a large cookie sheet.

TIP: Let the caramel you’ve dolloped on the pecans set for about ten minutes.

Step 3: Next, melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Once completely melted, use a spoon to dip each cluster into the milk chocolate until completely drenched.

Step 4: Place the turtle pecan cluster back on the parchment paper and sprinkle it with coarse salt. Repeat for each turtle pecan bite.

Step 5: Finally, place the clusters in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens. Once the chocolate hardens, place your goodies on a festive tray or box them up to gift to your friends and family!

Recipe notes and helpful tips

Make sure the candies are set and hardened completely before removing the turtles from the parchment paper. If you find the caramel is sticking to the paper, you can place the clusters in the freezer for 15 minutes; then, you should be able to remove them more easily. If you do not have parchment paper, you can spray the baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

Can I Use Other Types Of Chocolate?

Yes! Since semisweet chocolate typically contains around 50% of the sugar in milk chocolate, milk chocolate chips would offer a much sweeter treat. If bittersweet dark chocolate is your preference or simply what you have on hand, that would also work! You could also melt chopped baking chocolate for this recipe.

Best Ways to Melt Chocolate:

To melt the chocolate, use a microwave-safe bowl. Cook and stir in 30-second intervals until the chocolate, is completely melted. You can also melt chocolate chips with butter or coconut oil to provide a nice shine to the chocolate when it hardens.

Variations for this recipe

• In place of milk, you may use heavy cream to help melt the caramel and add creamy richness and depth. Homemade caramel sauce is also an option for this recipe if you feel inspired!
• Toasted pecans can be used by spreading your pecans out in a single layer on your baking sheet. Toast the pecans at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes and allow them to cool. Then follow the recipe!
• While this traditional Christmas candy calls for pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts, or almonds would serve as great substitutes. For nut allergies, pretzels also offer a savory crunch for each bite!
• In place of salt, feel free to use festive sprinkles to match your occasion!
• This chocolate pecan turtle clusters recipe is certainly a simple homemade treat, but if you’re in a pinch, you can always use Rolos! Rolos are storebought chocolate and caramel candy. Use a pretzel as a base, place a Rolo on top, bake for 4 minutes at 300 degrees, then place a single pecan half on top and press down. Let the chocolate harden, and voila!

What Is The Difference Between Turtles And Pralines?

Both candies include caramel and nuts, but there are distinctions. Traditionally, turtle candy uses pecans, while pralines use almonds. Another difference is that turtle recipes typically use chocolate, whereas praline recipes do not.

How to Make Crockpot Chocolate Turtles

To make crockpot chocolate turtles, melt chocolate chips on low for about 45 minutes. Stir the chocolate. Next, add the pecans and premade caramel pieces, mixing well. Allow the mixture to cook on low for 5-10 minutes until the caramel softens. Turn off the crockpot. Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and spoon the mixture onto the paper, making the turtle bites as small or large as you’d like. Sprinkle with coarse salt and allow the chocolate to set. Once hardened, you can plate or store it as you’d like!

How To Store Turtle Pecan Clusters

You can store turtle pecan clusters in an airtight container at room temperature or the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure they remain at room temperature or cooler to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Can Chocolate Turtles Be Frozen

Yes. To freeze the chocolate turtles, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. You can freeze them for up to 2 months.

More chocolate Dessert recipes

• Oreo Bark Recipe
• Grandma’s Mississippi Mud Cake
• Easy Chocolate Mound Cake Recipe
• Christmas Crack Cookie Bites
• Cosmic BrownieRecipe