Patrick Simon January 1, 2026

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Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters

Name: Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup caramel sauce; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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There is something quietly irresistible about a small, glossy cluster of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, warm in your hands, the caramel just soft enough to tug a tiny string when you bite in. Make these Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters for an afternoon treat by the kettle, a holiday platter, or a simple, elegant gift tucked into a cellophane bag. The scent of melted chocolate and toasted pecans fills the kitchen, and the texture shifts delightfully from crisp nut to smooth caramel, to the melt of chocolate, all in one bite. If you love chewy, nutty confections, these clusters will quickly become a go to, alongside other cozy bakes like brown butter chocolate chip cookies that share the same warm, caramelized flavor notes.

Why This Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters Works

These clusters hit a comforting balance of textures and flavors, where each element plays a clear role. The chocolate acts as a binding, glossy coat that gives the clusters their neat shape and snap, while the caramel provides a silky, sweet center that contrasts with the pecans, which introduce a toasty crunch. Together, they create a candy like experience that feels both indulgent and homemade.

What makes this recipe reliable is how simple the technique is, you only need to melt, stir, fold, and set, yet the result tastes like something far more elaborate. Because the components are familiar, you can adapt them easily, swapping dark for milk chocolate, or using chopped walnuts or almonds if you prefer, without losing the heart of the treat.

Reasons to enjoy these clusters right away

Quick to make, no baking required so you can have treats in under an hour
Great for gifting, they store well and travel without fuss
Texture and flavor contrast that appeals to all ages

What You’ll Need

These ingredients each play a clear part, chocolate for structure and shine, caramel for chew and richness, pecans for crunch, salt to balance sweetness, and vanilla to deepen flavor. If you like a richer profile, choose dark chocolate, for a sweeter bite choose milk chocolate, or mix varieties for complexity.

1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Notes, keep your caramel sauce at room temperature for easy stirring, and chop the pecans to bite sized pieces so every cluster has a good nut to chocolate ratio.

How to Cook Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters

In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30 second intervals, stirring after each burst until smooth. The chocolate should be glossy and fluid, with a faint cocoa aroma that deepens as it heats. Avoid overheating so the texture stays silky.
Stir in the caramel sauce, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined. The caramel should ribbon through the chocolate, creating a marbled sheen and a sticky sweet scent that hints at toffee.
Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated with the chocolate mixture. Use a spatula to make sure each nut is well covered, you want clusters with plenty of nuts to contrast the sweet coating.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Aim for uniform sizes, about one to one and a half tablespoons each, spaced an inch apart, the clusters will look glossy and slightly domed as they sit.
Let them cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator until set. At room temperature they will firm in about 20 to 30 minutes, chilled they will firm faster and develop a crisp snap, while still keeping a soft caramel center.
Serve and enjoy as a delightful treat. The first bite should reveal a clean snap of chocolate, a rich pull of caramel, and a toasted pecan crunch, with a faint salt hint to balance the sweetness.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 10 minutes, Total ~ 25 minutes, Servings ~ 12, Kcal ~ 160

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

You can do most of the work ahead of time, which makes these clusters perfect when you want to prepare treats in batches. Chop the pecans and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, ready to fold into warm chocolate when you are ready. If you plan to assemble the clusters later the same day, keep the caramel at room temperature so it blends smoothly.

If you need clusters for a party, make them the day before and allow them to come to room temperature before serving, that helps soften the center for perfect chew. For gifting, arrange clusters in a box lined with parchment, separating layers with wax paper so they do not stick together. You can also prepare the melted chocolate and caramel mixture briefly and refrigerate it to firm, then warm gently to rework it if you must transport the mix to a different location for assembly.

Storing and Reheating

Store the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, they stay best where they are cool and dry but not too cold. If you live in a warm climate, refrigerate the container and bring the clusters to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the caramel softens slightly.

For longer storage, freeze the clusters in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let them sit at room temperature about 20 minutes before serving. Gentle reheating is seldom necessary, but if you want the caramel slightly softer, place a few clusters on a plate and microwave for 6 to 8 seconds until just warmed, watch closely to avoid melting the chocolate completely.

A fresh cluster should look glossy and feel firm to the touch, with a subtle give where the caramel resides, that shine is a quick freshness cue that the chocolate has not bloomed or lost its texture.

What Goes Well with Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters

A mug of freshly brewed coffee, the bitterness balances the sweetness
A scoop of vanilla ice cream, for a sundae that plays with hot and cold contrasts
Sliced apples or pears, the crisp fruit cuts through the richness
A simple cheese plate, mild cheeses like Brie pair surprisingly well
Hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, for an extra indulgent treat

Also consider serving alongside other homemade treats like caramel cookies, they complement the flavors and offer variety, a nice companion is caramel cookies without butter to round out a dessert spread.

Make It Your Own

Mixed nuts instead of pecans, swap in chopped walnuts or almonds for a different crunch profile. Both offer a lovely toasted note, and walnuts add a slightly bitter contrast that pairs well with dark chocolate.
Sea salt finishing, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cluster right after dropping them to the sheet, it enhances the caramel and deepens the chocolate flavor.
Nutty caramel, stir a tablespoon of finely chopped pecans into the caramel before folding into the chocolate to boost nut presence throughout the cluster.
Spiced chocolate, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a small pinch of cayenne for warmth and complexity, these spices should be subtle so they do not overpower the sweet notes.
Double chocolate, use half milk and half dark chocolate chips for a mellow sweetness with a cocoa backbone, the contrast makes the clusters more layered and interesting.
Coconut crunch, fold in shredded coconut along with the pecans for a chewy, tropical twist that plays nicely with the caramel.
Mini cluster bites, pipe the mixture into mini candy liners for an elegant presentation and smaller portion sizes, perfect for parties where guests like to nibble.
Nut free option, replace pecans with toasted pretzel pieces for crunch if you need a nut free version, the salty crunch can be a delightful foil to the caramel.

All of these variations keep the recipe alcohol free and avoid pork or bacon, staying faithful to the straightforward, crowd pleasing spirit of Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Melt chocolate carefully, keep microwave bursts short and stir between sessions to avoid burning, stop when a few small pieces remain and stir to finish.
Cool spacing, leave at least one inch between drops on the sheet so clusters keep distinct shapes and do not merge.
Rest time matters, allow clusters to set fully before moving them, firmness indicates the chocolate has tempered well enough to hold shape.
Use room temperature caramel, cold caramel will fight the chocolate and create uneven texture, room tempered caramel blends smoothly.
Toast pecans gently before chopping, warm them in a 350 F oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until fragrant, this deepens flavor and enhances crunch.
Avoid humidity when setting, high moisture can cause chocolate to bloom or become dull, choose a cool, dry spot for setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chocolate is best for these clusters
Use good quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, dark chocolate offers a less sweet, more cocoa forward profile, while milk chocolate gives a creamier, sweeter result. Mixing types can give depth, try half dark and half milk for balance.

Can I make these without nuts
Yes, substitute pretzel pieces, toasted oats, or crispy rice cereal for a nut free crunch. Be sure to toast or preheat any substitute briefly for the best texture and flavor.

Will the caramel make the clusters too sticky
If you use a thicker caramel sauce and the clusters are set fully, they should hold their shape nicely without being overly sticky. If your caramel is very runny, chill it briefly before stirring into the chocolate to avoid making the mixture too thin.

How long will they keep at room temperature
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, clusters keep well for about 3 days, longer in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Freezing extends storage to about 3 months with minimal texture change after thawing.

Can I drizzle with extra caramel or chocolate for decoration
Absolutely, once the clusters are set, warm a little extra chocolate or caramel and use a fork to drizzle decorative lines, this adds a professional finish and more flavor. If drizzling caramel, allow it to cool slightly so it does not run off the clusters.

Are these suitable for gifts
Yes, they make excellent gifts, especially when stacked in parchment lined boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbon, include a small note about keeping them cool to preserve texture.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters are an easy, elegant confection that brings together familiar flavors into a small, satisfying bite. They require little time but offer a big payoff in taste and presentation, making them perfect for last minute gatherings, thoughtful homemade gifts, or a cozy evening treat. Try the basic recipe, then make it your own with a sprinkle of sea salt, a mix of chocolates, or a nut swap, and keep a tin on hand so a sweet moment is always within reach. Enjoy making and sharing these clusters soon, they are one of those simple pleasures that feel like a small celebration.

Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulgent clusters made with chocolate, caramel, and pecans that offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each burst until smooth.
Stir in the caramel sauce, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, aiming for uniform sizes.
Let them cool at room temperature or refrigerate until set.
Serve and enjoy!