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

Suzanne Reising October 28, 2016 - 2:45 pm

Could I use a jar of caramel for ice cream instead of making it by scratch?

Reply
Jamie October 29, 2016 - 8:31 am

Hi Suzanne,
Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, the caramel you mention wouldn’t be thick enough, or have the capacity to set up like the homemade version does.
Best of luck!
~Jamie

Reply
Jill October 30, 2016 - 8:07 am

I use Kraft caramels and a little milk

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JMD October 31, 2016 - 7:08 pm

I am planning to make these for a fundraiser in about a week. Rather than freeze them, can I store them in a sealed plastic container in the refrigerator?

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Jamie November 1, 2016 - 1:46 pm

JMD,
Thanks for your question. I’ve had these turn a little bit spotted if I store them in a sealed plastic container on the counter. I’m not sure if the nuts give off some moisture that makes the chocolate turn spotted…or not. However, it doesn’t generally turn out well. I would opt to store them in the freezer. Best of luck to you!
Best,
~Jamie

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pat November 4, 2016 - 3:32 pm

i just made these…used wrapped caramels…i went to walmart day after halloween and got them half price for this reason 🙂 but they really set fast but soooo delicious. enjoy!!

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Carolyn November 22, 2017 - 10:20 am

May I ask how many wrapped caramels you used for this recipe?

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Susan August 21, 2019 - 4:23 pm

Did you add anything to the melted caramels? How much

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Sheila November 6, 2016 - 12:26 pm

How long do you think these will keep fresh? I want to start early for Christmas.

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Ginny November 22, 2016 - 10:30 am

I want to also start early for Christmas and give them as gifts. What is the best way to give them? Should it be in an airtight container? How many days will they keep? Can I do them 2 weeks ahead of time? Thanks

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Carole November 20, 2016 - 10:34 am

I just made these and the caramel is NOT setting up. I followed the directions to a tea!I used my candy thermometer and did exactly as you said. Any way to save them???
It tastes fantastic but the caramel is gooey! HELP

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Rosie April 8, 2018 - 3:15 pm

Carole
My caramel didn’t set up quite perfect, but I spooned each cluster of pecans, then the chocolate, & put the sheet pan in the freezer, about 5 to 7 minutes
Came out perfect

Reply
Angela November 21, 2016 - 4:02 pm

I like my clusters completely covered. What can be done to cover the bottom as well.
I made some last year from a different recipe but they were a bit thick.

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Jamie November 22, 2016 - 12:01 pm

Hi Angela,
I would suggest waiting for the caramel to set up completely. Then set each cluster on top of a fork and submerge it in the melted chocolate. Bring it up out of the chocolate and allow any excess to drip off into the bowl. Set them back on some parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set up. It should work well for you. Best of luck!
~Jamie

Reply
Rebecca Wilkins December 21, 2016 - 10:01 am

Instead of dipping the whole Turtle in chocolate I put a dollop of chocolate down before placing the pecans and caramel…this gives a chocolate base and chocolate top to the Turtles.

Reply
Debbie September 26, 2019 - 6:56 am

I plan on using cupcake liners like I do when I make peanut butter cups. A bit of chocolate on the bottom and build your clusters in them .. No muss no fuss.. I hope this helps

Reply
Kolleen November 24, 2019 - 1:47 am

Do the turtles stick to the paper? It seems a lot easier to make these in mini muffin liners to keep them all corralled. I’ve made a batch and they have sort of spread out.

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Tina November 22, 2016 - 9:37 pm

I need some ideal for a bariatric diet.

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Nancy Malig April 22, 2017 - 10:06 pm

Pecans are very nutritious! These turtles would be a yummy way to fit nuts into your diet.

Reply
claudette November 29, 2016 - 9:29 am

are the choc. chips sweetened or non sweetened kind?
Thanks

Reply
Jamie December 13, 2016 - 1:08 pm

Claudette,
Thanks for your question. I like to use Milk Chocolate, but semi sweet works as well.
Best,
~Jamie

Reply
Deborah McClintick December 2, 2016 - 5:20 pm

I made these for co-worker Xmas gifts and WHAT A HIT!! Once they were I put the nut “blobs” into mini cupcake papers and poured thee chocolate over them. It kept them separate and added a festive touch. The downside is that you must make them just before packaging them to gift to your friends. I left them in the fridge overnight and put 12 in each small Xmas tin I bought at the Dollar Store. What Fun!! Thanks Jamie!! Wonderful recipe.

Reply
Jamie December 13, 2016 - 1:03 pm

Deborah,
So happy they turned out well! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
All my best,
~Jamie

Reply
Dianne Voisin December 10, 2016 - 10:16 am

Can the turtles be kept in my freezer for use later.

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Jamie December 13, 2016 - 12:59 pm

Dianne,
These freeze very well.
Best of luck to you!
~Jamie

Reply
Debbye Crain December 10, 2016 - 4:16 pm

I suppose I can use choc. almond bark instead of choc. chips?

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Jamie December 13, 2016 - 12:57 pm

Hi Debbye,
Almond Bark is not a good option here. Much too waxy and artificial tasting. I would stick with milk or semi sweet chocolate chips. Best of luck to you!
~Jamie

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Doug Clifton December 18, 2016 - 3:42 pm

how would you get the whole thing covered in chocolate

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lupe solis December 21, 2016 - 5:35 pm

Chocolate did not set , I followed the directions , caramel turned out perfect .

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Dorothy December 23, 2016 - 11:44 am

neither caramel nor chocolate set up as thick as shown–2nd year I have done this. Worked but not as pretty.

Reply
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Phyllis Fregeson Wil March 31, 2017 - 10:48 am

I am making these for the second time, they were loved by all, and the Carmel is the best I HAVE EVER
TASTED AND SETS UP PERFECTLY. MORE THAN WORTH THE TIME AND EFFORT,

Reply
Diane April 11, 2017 - 3:34 pm

Love this recipe! Planning to make them as a favor for my daughters wedding!
Glad to hear they freeze well so I can make them a bit in advance.

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Cathleen August 20, 2017 - 1:10 pm

I use Ghiridelli milk choco chips for the chocolate, it melts so well and is rich for this treat to say the least.

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myrna ackerman October 12, 2017 - 3:57 pm

Instead of chocolate chips can I use Wilton melting wafers instead?

Reply
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Dave Conrad November 28, 2017 - 1:56 pm

Great taste! I followed the recipe to the T but the chocolate didn’t set up well. Used Nestle’s milk chocolate chips. Any thoughts on why it didn’t set up?

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Billie Jean December 13, 2020 - 10:50 pm

I’m leaning towards the shortening / oil being your culprit. Original recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of shortening. Shortening is solid at room temperature. Was oil substituted?

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Joan December 14, 2017 - 10:18 am

This was my first experience making caramel and, like others who posted, I overcooked it. I didn’t want to ruin an entire batch of turtles, so I did a test of the caramel on an aluminum cookie sheet set over ice. The caramel was like shoe leather. I thought it was a lost cause, but I didn’t want to waste all that butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, so I let the caramel cool, tossed it in the refrigerator overnight and thought about how to fix it. The next morning, I set the shoe leather caramel over a double boiler added a couple of tablespoons of half and half, stirred, and tried the cookie sheet over ice test again. When I had the right consistency, I proceed with making the turtles. They were perfect!

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Lori December 18, 2017 - 10:39 pm

These are soooo tasty and easy to make. I can’t imagine having any difficulty with them setting if you use a candy thermometer. I found the caramel reached temp in 10 – 15 min. Also found that letting the caramel cool just a tick before pouting over the nuts stopped it from spreading out excessively, Easy to just leave the element on and just place the pot back on for a minute if it starts to stiffen. Fills two large cookie sheets with turtles. Delicious!! A tradition in my Christmas baking for a couple of years now 🙂

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Christa December 19, 2017 - 6:08 pm

Can you substitute semi sweet?

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Christa December 19, 2017 - 6:08 pm

Can I substitute semi sweet instead of milk chocolate chips?

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Eleanor December 22, 2017 - 11:42 am

I just made these first tryed the carmel candies but
didnt work for me, but your recipe for carmel worked great will be makeing these again, and will be useing the carmel recipe also for other recipes, thanks

Reply
Linda December 23, 2017 - 10:18 am

Great recipe. I ran out of Caramel so instead of making more I just put a carmel on top and poppep in oven low for about 6 min and then did
Chocolate

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Cathleen June 8, 2018 - 7:57 pm

The better the chocolate. the better the turtle. The homemade caramel is so much better than the wrapped ones. Just try it. This caramel is soooo good.

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Mary Laarman September 27, 2018 - 3:11 pm

2 questions. Would dark chocolate chips work? Also, would real butter work to replace teh crisco.

Reply
Jamie September 28, 2018 - 9:27 am

Hi Mary,
Thanks for your question. Dark chocolate would be wonderful, real butter would also work well.
Best of luck to you!
~Jamie

Reply
Anna G. HAEBERLEN October 9, 2018 - 11:38 pm

Thank you for this recipe, cant wait to try it. Anna

Reply
CS October 25, 2018 - 7:51 am

If your caramel doesn’t set up check instructions on the internet for making candy at your altitude. That can also be found on the internet. I’m at a very high altitude and have to adjust cook times on about everything.

Reply
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Marianne December 19, 2018 - 9:05 pm

If I do not use all of the caramel because I ran out of peacans will it keep in the fridge to make more another day?

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Gina June 28, 2019 - 9:55 am

Hi, can I use the caramel recipe to dip apples? Thank you

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Miranda November 2, 2019 - 8:05 pm

Can I use wrapped candy instead of homemade carmel?

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Barb November 13, 2019 - 5:56 pm

1/2 t butter crisco? What’s the purpose of it? Can I use real butter instead?

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Sharon Sims November 18, 2019 - 9:14 am

You said to use Shortning, what kind exactly?

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Stephanie H December 13, 2019 - 1:44 pm

Hi,I made these in molded form. After placing melted chocolate in the molds I put chopped pecans in the bottom of the molds then put a layer of cooled caramel and finished with last layer of chocolate. They turned out great! The caramel turned perfect and I had lots of caramel left over. My husband requested your original method so all that caramel will get used. That caramel was delicious! Thanks for the recipe. It’s a keeper.

Reply
Erin December 19, 2019 - 8:34 pm

Amazing! I can’t believe ***I*** (we;) ) made this!!

My first batch I did the wrong /smaller amount of butter and didn’t cook as long- came out on the softer side and didn’t set.

2nd batch was perfect- correct amounts and once all ingredients to caramel were in I boiled for a min 10 minutes (maybe even 12) and it set perfectly right away.

Wi didn’t toast my pecans which I will do next time.

I’ll probably add a lil coarse sea salt to top!

Mmmmm, everyone will enjoy this Xmas, thanks!!!!

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sidnee kasnowicz November 25, 2020 - 9:28 am

I make these every Christmas and there is NO substitute for the caramel. I am told it is the best they have ever had!

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Sarah December 1, 2020 - 3:56 pm

After making should I put in freezer and for how long? Do I cover them when I put in freezer ?

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Shana December 22, 2020 - 7:37 pm

Hi sorry to ask you this but I can’t find an answer, If I make these Wednesday and put them in a tin will they be ok Christmas on Christmas? Sorry your the most recent post that has made these. Thank you!!

Reply
Gwen December 7, 2020 - 6:52 am

Can I freeze these

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Candi Blackwell December 23, 2020 - 1:13 am

How do you store these? Air tight container or in the frig?

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Tracie Torrence November 17, 2021 - 6:37 am

Could you use butter instead of butter flavored Crisco?

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Julie December 14, 2021 - 6:48 pm

I’m going to try and make this recipe. I love turtles. Makes me think of my mom. She loved them. Ty for sharing this

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Melissa February 23, 2022 - 5:32 pm

What if I don’t have a candy temp to check it? How else will u kkow the Caramel is where it suppose to be?

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Raini Cacy May 9, 2022 - 11:42 pm

These are amazing and very easy to make. We did 2 batches, one with milk chocolate and one with dark chocolate. A couple were not quite as good looking so we took the opportunity to taste test…yummy!

Reply
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