Indulge your sweet tooth with a treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat: Butter Pecan Praline Clusters! These decadent clusters combine the rich flavors of buttery caramel and crunchy pecans, all drizzled in luscious semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress at any gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick prep time, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t make them sooner. Ready to create a dessert that’s sure to steal the spotlight? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 clusters
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 cups of chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the clusters from sticking once they cool.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble gently. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- After the mixture is bubbling, add the chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Continue to cook the mixture for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture should thicken slightly and become a rich caramel color.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool for about 2 minutes. This will help the mixture thicken further.
- Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Once you have formed all the clusters, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow them to set.
- While the clusters are chilling, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until smooth, or using a double boiler on the stove.
- Once the chocolate is melted, remove the clusters from the refrigerator. Drizzle or dip each cluster into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are well coated.
- Return the chocolate-covered clusters to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, or place them back in the refrigerator for quicker setting.
- Once the chocolate has fully set, your Butter Pecan Praline Clusters are ready to serve. Enjoy them as a delightful treat or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Measure out all your ingredients before starting to make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Watch the Heat: When melting the butter and brown sugar, keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning. Stirring continuously will help maintain a smooth consistency.
- Chill for Perfection: Allow the clusters to chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to ensure they set properly and maintain their shape.
- Chocolate Melting Method: For melting chocolate, using a double boiler can provide more control, but microwaving in short intervals works well too—just be sure to stir frequently to prevent scorching.
- Storage Tips: Store your Butter Pecan Praline Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg
