This delightful treat combines the rich flavors of toasted pecans, velvety caramel, and smooth milk chocolate for a decadent and satisfying experience. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful homemade gift, these clusters are crafted with care and feature a perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and a touch of elegance. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create these delightful confections that are sure to become a favorite among friends and family. Elevate your dessert game with this easy-to-follow recipe that brings together the timeless combination of chocolate and pecans in a delightful cluster form.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups pecans
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1/2 of a 14-ounce can)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 (12-ounce) package milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon shortening (butter-flavored Crisco recommended)
Instructions:
- Toast 2 1/2 cups of pecans in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they darken slightly and emit a fragrant aroma. This process should take just a few minutes.
- Prepare 2 large cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper and spraying it with cooking spray. Arrange the toasted pecans into clusters, grouping three nuts together. Leave about an inch of space between each cluster.
- In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk. Increase the heat slightly and stir continuously. Cook until the mixture reaches 235-240 degrees (remove from heat around 234 degrees). The caramel will continue to rise in temperature even off the heat, achieving the desired texture.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
- Drizzle about 1 1/2 teaspoons of caramel over each nut cluster quickly, ensuring that the caramel touches all the nuts to bind them together.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 12 ounces of milk chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of shortening to the melted chocolate. Let it sit for a minute or two to melt and make the chocolate more spreadable. Stir the chocolate until well combined.
- Spoon about 1 1/2 teaspoons of melted chocolate over the caramel and nuts. Swirl it along the top to create an attractive pattern with the spoon.
- Allow the chocolate to set up. Once it has hardened and cooled, you can serve the clusters immediately or transfer them to an airtight container. Enjoy!
