Description
Rich, buttery New Orleans Pecan Clusters showcase Louisiana’s sweet tradition of candymaking. Caramelized pecans and smooth chocolate create a delightful treat you can savor with coffee or share as a special gift.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 cups (480 ml) pecan halves
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp (1.25 g) salt
Instructions
- Toasting Pecans: Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely on the sheet.
- Crafting Caramel: In a heavy saucepan, merge sugars, butter, and cream. Heat while continuously stirring until the mixture reaches 235F (113C), transforming into a golden, velvety liquid.
- Flavor Integration: Remove caramel from heat and whisk in vanilla and salt until thoroughly combined. Gently fold toasted pecans into the warm caramel, ensuring complete and even coating.
- Cluster Formation: Let the pecan-caramel mixture cool to a thick, workable consistency. Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating rustic, irregular clusters.
- Chocolate Coating: Melt semisweet chocolate using short microwave bursts, stirring until smooth and glossy. Carefully dip each pecan cluster, ensuring total chocolate coverage.
- Setting and Finishing: Place chocolate-dipped clusters on the parchment sheet. Allow to set at room temperature until chocolate hardens and clusters become firm and lustrous.
Notes
- Precision Temperature Control: Use a reliable candy thermometer to accurately monitor caramel temperature, ensuring perfect consistency without burning the sugar mixture.
- Nut Toasting Technique: Watch pecans closely during toasting to prevent burning; their color and fragrance indicate optimal roasting for enhanced nutty flavor and crunch.
- Chocolate Melting Strategy: Melt chocolate in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent scorching and maintain smooth, glossy texture for coating.
- Storage and Preservation: Store clusters in an airtight container at cool room temperature or refrigerate to extend shelf life, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 372
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 0.1 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 29 mg