1. Toast the pecans
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 7–9 minutes, stirring once halfway through. They should smell fragrant and lightly browned.
Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
2. Make the pecan clusters
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange about 4–5 pecan halves together for each cluster, overlapping them slightly to create a little nest.
3. Melt the caramel
Place the caramel candies, heavy cream, butter, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan.
Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth.
4. Add the caramel
Spoon a small amount of warm caramel into the center of each pecan cluster.
Make sure the caramel touches several pecans so everything sticks together.
Allow the caramel to cool for about 15–20 minutes until slightly firm.
5. Melt the chocolate
Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until completely smooth.
If desired, stir in the coconut oil to make the chocolate thinner and easier to coat.
6. Coat the clusters
Spoon melted chocolate over each caramel-and-pecan cluster, covering most of the caramel while leaving some pecans visible.
For the look shown in the picture, let some pecan halves remain exposed on top.
7. Let them set
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for approximately 20–30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm.
8. Serve
Remove the clusters from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Perfect Turtle Clusters
- Toast the pecans first for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Keep the caramel over low heat so it doesn’t scorch.
- Don’t make the caramel layer too thick, or the clusters can become difficult to bite.
- Semi-sweet chocolate gives a nice contrast to the sweet caramel, while milk chocolate makes them more like classic candy-shop turtles.
See more on the next page