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.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 clusters
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 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
- Preheat Your Equipment: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toast pecans in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often.
- Combine Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine soft caramels, cream, butter, and vanilla. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Melt chocolate chips gently using a double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange 4–5 pecans into clusters on parchment. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of caramel over each.
- Cook to Perfection: Spoon melted chocolate over caramel. Work quickly before caramel sets.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using. Let set at room temperature or chill for 20 minutes.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Pecan Clusters, Christmas Candy, No-Bake Treat, Holiday Dessert, New Orleans Recipe