Description
These Caramel Pecan Clusters are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Made with buttery caramel and toasted pecans, they’re a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups pecan halves (lightly toasted – or swap with walnuts for variety)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and salt until well blended.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns golden caramel.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the toasted pecans, making sure they are fully coated in caramel. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Scoop small clusters onto a lined baking sheet using a spoon. Don’t stress about the shape!
- Let clusters firm up at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate to speed up the process.
Notes
Avoid overheating the caramel to prevent it from turning grainy. Make sure the clusters cool completely before serving so they set properly. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy twist or drizzle with dark chocolate for extra indulgence. Store in an airtight container for up to a week – if they last that long!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: caramel, pecan, clusters, candy, sweet treat