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Christmas New Orleans Pecan Clusters

A rich and festive Southern candy featuring toasted pecans, creamy caramel, and silky chocolate—perfect for holiday gifting or indulging.

Ingredients

  • Pecan Halves: 2 cups, toasted for depth and crunch
  • Soft Caramel Candies: 11 ounces, unwrapped, melted for gooey texture
  • Heavy Cream: 2 tablespoons, smooths the caramel
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 ½ cups, melted for coating
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon, adds richness to caramel
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor
  • Flaky Sea Salt (optional): A pinch, for finishing touch

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toast pecans in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine soft caramels, cream, butter, and vanilla. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Melt chocolate chips gently using a double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Arrange 4–5 pecans into clusters on parchment. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of caramel over each.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Spoon melted chocolate over caramel. Work quickly before caramel sets.
  6. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using. Let set at room temperature or chill for 20 minutes.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Once firm, lift clusters from parchment and store or serve.

Notes

  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform cluster sizes.
  • Layer with parchment when storing to prevent sticking.
  • Double the batch—they disappear quickly!
  • Great for gifting in tins or treat boxes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pecan Clusters, Christmas Candy, No-Bake Treat, Holiday Dessert, New Orleans Recipe