Home DessertCandy Chocolate Caramel and Pecan Turtle Clusters

Chocolate Caramel and Pecan Turtle Clusters

by Jamie

I have always wanted to make Turtle Clusters.

Not because I have a fascination with real live turtles and think it would be fun to nibble on one. I’ve actually NEVER wanted to do that. Thank you so much for asking. You are always so considerate. 🙂

I’ve wanted to make Turtle Clusters because the flavors of chewy homemade caramel, crisp pecans and heavenly chocolate all combined into one blissful candy is just a bite of heaven right here on earth, that’s why. Heaven. On. Earth. Is what I am saying here, folks. Whoever came up with the combination should be kissed on both cheeks, high-fived with both hands and given 50 thumbs up.

You’ll have to help me out with the thumbs, guys. The last time I checked I only had two.

If you hate caramel, pecans and chocolate…please do not give 50 thumbs up, just disregard this post. No hard feelings. See you tomorrow for a chocolate free recipe. 🙂

As for you fellow turtle lovers, let me show you how easy they are to make!

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL AND PECAN TURTLE CLUSTERS
PRINT RECIPE
PRINT RECIPE WITH PICTURE

Time: 40 min hands on + 20 min to cool and set
Yield: about 40 clusters

***NOTE: I used my homemade caramel recipe for these clusters. I only made half a batch of caramel, as the ingredients below indicate. I’ve got to think about my health you know. Consuming 80 Turtle Clusters could kill a person. Dead. Dead as a door nail! However, if are making Turtle Clusters for the masses please feel free to double this recipe. It will turn out very well.***

2 1/2 C pecans
1/2 C butter (I use salted)
1 C brown sugar
1/2 C light corn syrup
7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1/2 of a 14 ounce can)
1/2 t vanilla
1 (12 ounce) package milk chocolate chips
1/2 t shortening (I use butter flavored Crisco)

1. Toss 2 1/2 cups of pecans into a large skillet. Toast them over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until they have darkened just a bit and smell fragrant and wonderful. Should only take a few minutes.

2. Find yourself 2 large cookie sheets. Line them with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray. Arrange your pecans into clusters, three to a group works well. You want to leave some space (about an inch) between each cluster.
3. Make your caramel (full tutorial with pictures found here). Place 1/2 C butter into a medium-sized sauce pan. Melt it over medium high heat. Add  1 C brown sugar, 1/2 C light corn syrup and 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk to the pan. Increase the heat just a bit and stir it continually. Cook and stir until it reaches 235-240 degrees. I generally remove it from the heat when it reaches about 234 degrees. It will continue to rise in temperature just a bit even without the direct heat, making the caramel just the right texture.
4. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.

5. Carefully drizzle about 1 1/2 teaspoons of caramel over each nut cluster. You’ll want to work quickly, as the caramel will begin to set up. Be sure there is caramel touching all of the nuts in your cluster. The caramel works like glue, sticking the nuts together.

6. In a microwave safe bowl pour 12 ounces of milk chocolate chips. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each cooking interval.
7. Add 1/2 teaspoon of shortening to the melted chocolate. Allow it to sit for a minute or two (so it can melt and make the chocolate chips more spreadable). Stir it all together.

8. Spoon about 1 1/2 teaspoons of melted chocolate over the top of the caramel and nuts. Swirl it around along the top making a pretty swoop with your spoon.
9. Allow the chocolate to set up. Once it has hardened and cooled you can serve them immediately, or transfer them to an air tight container.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

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207 comments

34 Dr. Seuss Birthday Party Ideas to Celebrate Baby's First Year ~ Incredible Infant January 23, 2014 - 5:31 pm

[…] World’s Easiest Turtle Clusters ~ Entertaining explanation at Jamie Cooks It Up […]

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Chocolate Caramel Macadamia Nut Turtle Pops | DIY Recipe | Natural Beauty Lifestyle February 14, 2014 - 3:58 pm

[…] recipe is adapted from Jamie Cooks it Up Chocolate Caramel and Pecan Turtle Clusters. The caramel recipe is also adapted from her homemade caramel recipe. My version calls for […]

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srnhrrs February 27, 2014 - 4:50 pm

I just made these and they turned out perfectly. I always appreciate a recipe that’s accurate in the amount it says it will produce, and this made forty turtles exactly. Thanks!

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Dee Dee June 16, 2014 - 6:58 am

Thank you for a great recipe! Made these for Father’s Day and they came out great. So easy I no longer have to buy them. Modified recipe by substituting honey for corn syrup and coconut oil for shortening.

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Carol October 9, 2014 - 8:27 am

Need to make about 250 for granddaughter’s wedding reception. Can I make ahead and freeze; or is it best to make in the days preceding the wedding?

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Bonnie October 30, 2014 - 2:18 pm

You may want to put a watermark on your pictures. I found you pictures on a website with another recipe tacked on to them and you weren’t cited on it. Just thought you should know! They look beautiful!! http://fattaincassa.blogspot.ca/2014/09/chocolate-caramel-and-pecan-turtle.html

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Alice October 31, 2014 - 4:46 pm

I made them for my daughter’s birthday, they were delicious! Thank you!

Reply
Handmade Holidays Nov. 20: BBQ Time | Sew Mama Sew | Outstanding sewing, quilting, and needlework tutorials since 2005. November 20, 2014 - 8:27 am

[…] Caramel Pecan Turtle Clusters Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtle Clusters from Jamie Cooks it Up are perfect for a special office snack, for the neighborhood holiday party, […]

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Kimberly December 5, 2014 - 12:05 pm

This site appears to be using your photos and recipe (with some weird instructions). Not sure if they were used with your permission or not, so I thought I’d mention it. I’m going to make some of these for Christmas, btw. They look yummy! 🙂

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Kimberly December 5, 2014 - 12:08 pm

Oop! I suppose I ought to actually give you the website, eh?
http://fattaincassa.blogspot.com/2014/09/chocolate-caramel-and-pecan-turtle.html

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Megan December 7, 2014 - 1:08 pm

Can I use golden corn syrup for the caramel sauce

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Jan December 9, 2014 - 10:38 am

I’ve made thes twice and my chocolate doesn’t set up. I’ve had to put them in the freezer. Suggestions?

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Cassandra December 21, 2014 - 12:07 pm

Chances r it’s the shortening. I make chocolates all the time and use anything from chips to molding wAfers to baking chocolate n all I add is a wee touch of coconut oil BEFORE melting to keep it smooth and have never had it not set up. I made these yesterday n they were set in 20 mins. I’d say if u wanna try again don’t add the shortening n see what happens

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MOM IN NEED December 11, 2014 - 8:29 am

hi, I WOULD LIKE TO WRAP THESE TURTLES UP AND GIVE TO MY AUNTS, GRANDMOTHERS, ETC AS CHRISTMAS GIFTS. ANY IDEA OF HOW TO DO THIS WITHOUT RUINING THE TURTLES AND LOOKING LIKE A GREAT GIFT?

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mary December 23, 2015 - 4:34 pm

We use the mini tart papers(like cupcake liners only smaller). They have them in seasonal patterns. If the turtles are smaller we put them back to back and put two per tart liner.

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Gena December 13, 2014 - 11:14 am

I made these and my chocolate is not setting up either. I am so bummed. I think 1/2 tsp is not enough shortening to make the chocolate set. Don’t think I will try them again. Ingredients are too expensive to experiment. 🙁

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Gena December 13, 2014 - 11:48 am

They did set up. I am too impatient! They are delicious. Thanks!

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Lily December 19, 2014 - 4:54 pm

My experience is that you never mix anything with the chocolate chips specialy butter. Just melt the chocolate chips and pour.

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Janice Albrecht September 25, 2016 - 9:40 pm

I melt Kraft caramels. I think about a TBLS milk to a bag of caramels. I buy chocolate wafers from cake decorating store and melt them for the topping.

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Kathy fuhrman December 14, 2014 - 6:23 am

I use Dove chocolate candies for the chocolate part and don’t add anything to it……you can also freeze the turtles without the chocolate,then pull them out,when at room temp. Put the chocolate on. I have to make a lot of these near Christmas so I start a week ahead and freeze,then put the chocolate on before I give them out.

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Crystal S December 14, 2014 - 9:22 pm

Made these for the first time tonight. Why did I wait so long? They are better than any I’ve bought at the store, and a lot cheaper to make at home. 🙂 The caramel did cook up quicker than your recommended time. It probably took around 15 minutes. I can’t wait to make these to take to my family next week for the holidays. Thank you so much for your recipes and instructions. 🙂

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Penelope December 18, 2014 - 8:45 am

I would imagine leaving out the shortening altogether would make the chocolate set. I make something similar to these on a regular basis, and I just melt the chocolate in the microwave, spoon it on the top and wait til it’s rock hard.

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BDM December 18, 2014 - 1:39 pm

Sorry, but this was a waste of good pecans, chocolate and vanilla. The caramel made with the condensed milk was awful. Not buttery or tasty.

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Cathy December 19, 2014 - 9:56 am

To BDM: I cannot imagine anybody not liking these & ur comment they r not buttery what kind of butter did u use.
THEY WERE WONDERFUL!
Thanks for sharing the re ipe.

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Denine December 21, 2014 - 1:56 pm

My caramel is rock hard. I only cooked it for 20, not the whole thirty, and followed the ice water instructions. I don’t have enough ingredients to try again and they’re expensive ingredients at that. Is there ANY way I can still save my caramel?

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Cathy December 21, 2014 - 2:43 pm

This happened to me also. I have a gas stove & med. low is a 5 on my stove and I did mine over and set my heat at 2 which is low and stirred for 20 min. and it came out perfect.
Hope this helps and if u research the internet I think there is a way to save ur caramel.

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ellen December 24, 2014 - 11:55 am

Wonderful

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Ash December 25, 2014 - 7:31 am

Shortening makes the chocolate seize up. Don’t add it.

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Amy December 29, 2014 - 1:11 pm

I would love to use the image of your turtles for a candy company website I am building. Can I purchase it from you?

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[email protected] February 9, 2015 - 11:14 am

I made them for my husband for Valentines, he is going to love them. I make a lot of truffles so at the holidays I stock up on Ghirardelli candy and dipping chocolate from Sam’s and I used that, they turned out awesome! Going to try your caramel recipe next. Thanks

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Rachel Ash February 21, 2015 - 2:10 pm

Are you using dark or light brown sugar for the caramel? Thanks!!

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Jamie February 28, 2015 - 11:11 am

I almost always use light. Best of luck to you!

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Fast Cook | Chocolate Caramel and Pecan Turtle Clusters February 25, 2015 - 12:48 am

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Jamie June 22, 2015 - 3:22 pm

I made these and refridgerated them after. And my Carmel turned hard like toffee?? Will it get soft if not refridgerated or did I do something to the Carmel wrong?

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Jamie June 23, 2015 - 9:10 am

Jamie,
I would suggest setting them out on the counter so they can come to room temperature. The caramel should soften back up for you. However, if you by chance over cooked the caramel then it will still be hard. Bringing them to room temperature should help you know for sure.
Good luck!
~Jamie

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Postres fáciles para navidad | Girls With Curves December 11, 2015 - 1:28 pm

[…] Procedimiento: tuesta un poco las nueces en un sartén, acomódalas en una bandeja con papel encerado roseado de spray para cocinar. Acomoda las nueces en bonchecitos de 3 en 3. Haz un caramelo derritiendo la mantequilla en un sartén, agrega el azúcar, leche condensada y miel de bebé en fuego bajito, mezcla bien hasta que el color comience a volverse dorado, retira del fuego inmediatamente y agrega la cucharada de vainilla. Vierte un poco sobre cada bonche de nueces. Derrite el chocolate con la manteca y también vierte un poco encima de cada nuez con caramelo. Deja que se seque y se ponga duro. Para ver la receta más detallada entra a la página donde la encontré aquí. […]

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Janet December 22, 2015 - 8:29 pm

This was a simple and easy recipe. They turned out great and will use this for holiday gifts. Thanks

Reply
Jamie December 23, 2015 - 6:54 am

Janet,
So happy to hear it! Thanks for letting me know!
Best,
~Jamie

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Janille December 22, 2015 - 10:16 pm

I made these last night and they were amazing. I followed your directions with the caramel and It taste perfect. If it didnt turn out for other people then it is operator error. This is a great recipe and it will be one for the books. Thanks

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Jamie December 23, 2015 - 6:53 am

Janille,
So happy they turned out well for you! Thanks for letting me know!
Best,
~Jamie

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Jill December 30, 2015 - 3:58 pm

my caramel never set, it was a sticky mess. Had to throw the whole batch out!

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Susan December 30, 2015 - 3:59 pm

This was a simple and delicious recipe. They turned out great! Thanks for sharing.

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Susan May 11, 2016 - 2:50 am

These would be great with unsalted cashews too.

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Donna May 11, 2016 - 3:21 pm

Used pecans, hazelnuts, and walnuts. I also use milk chocolate and white chocolate with heath bits. It came out wonderful

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Janet August 13, 2016 - 2:45 pm

Where can I get the recipe for chocolate pecan turtle clusters?

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Debbie Maynard August 15, 2016 - 7:56 pm

I haven’t tried these yet, but I’m sure going to. We’ve got loads of pecans. I love turtles, man I can just see the lbs. piling on!

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Deb Nadd September 20, 2016 - 11:13 am

Hi Jamie…I am not a cook and no where near a great baker as you….I read all the comments for : CHOCOLATE CARAMEL AND PECAN TURTLE CLUSTERS and now I am afraid to make these..” I was all excited ” any tips for me?
THX Deb

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Marcia September 23, 2016 - 5:08 am

I like to use dark chocolate for health reasons. Have you ever used that? Was it good?

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Josie Morgan September 24, 2016 - 4:55 am

I help my daughter make Christmas goodie platters and I make and freeze items ahead of time. Has anyone made these and put in the freezer? If so, how was it done, and how long can I keep them in before Christmas? Thanks

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Sharon Rossiter September 25, 2016 - 6:39 am

I just love this recipe, and look forward to trying it and giving at Christmas. I sure hope I can make the caramel cause it is what makes these “turtles” so good Thank you so much for sharing this w/everyone.

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Tampa Girl September 25, 2016 - 9:25 am

Has anyone made these with with Dark Chocolate? Thanks

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Jamie September 29, 2016 - 7:58 am

Tampa Girl,
You can certainly use dark chocolate if that is your preference. Best of luck to you!
~Jamie

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Tampa Girl September 29, 2016 - 8:46 am

Thank you, love this site!

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April Zimmerman October 23, 2016 - 6:33 pm

I use 3/4 package of dark chocolate and 1/4 package milk chocolate with a chunk of almond bark and it turns out amazing.

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Linda Wade September 27, 2016 - 8:32 pm

I wonder if these will work well with semi sweet chocolate. I love dark chocolate.

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Jamie September 29, 2016 - 7:53 am

Linda,
Yes, if you are a dark chocolate lover, please feel free to make them with dark chocolate.
Best of luck!
~Jamie

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Lynda Wilson October 8, 2016 - 6:13 am

Bookmarking is easier. My grown up kids have banned me for the printer…have an unwanted talent for killing printers… I am saving this for the holidays…over sugar the group and then hand them rakes and lawn machines…this should get interesting.

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Miri October 19, 2016 - 7:20 pm

I made these a few days ago to mail out as Halloween treats. They turned out exactly right and taste great. Thanks!

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johnny October 21, 2016 - 8:07 pm

If you really love these use dark chocolate.

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Debbie October 23, 2016 - 2:43 pm

How do you make the caramel? I have some condensed milk on hand

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Sharon Lynne Huffman October 24, 2016 - 10:40 pm

I love Turtles, I must try this.

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Darlyn Bilodeau October 27, 2016 - 4:08 pm

At 82 I’m getting lazy about cooking anything. Who wants to make me a batch and mail them to me in Rochester, NY?

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Barbara October 27, 2016 - 6:43 pm

Hi Jamie,
Thank you very much. I took these to an outdoor roast along the river bank this year, and they went over really well. I had to laugh when I saw a young man gobbling them down with one hand and getting as many as he could hold in the other hand. Then, clutch them to his chest for a quick get away. Knowing just how good they were, I had made two batches, and it made me feel good to see how much they were appreciated. Those of us who enjoyed them, thank you for your time and talent with this recipe.
Yummy.. !

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Jamie October 29, 2016 - 8:33 am

Barbara,
Thanks for your fun comment. 🙂 So happy they were enjoyed by all.
Best to you,
~Jamie

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