Why You’ll Love This Recipe
New Orleans Pecan Clusters offer the perfect balance of sweet and savory with a crunchy texture that will have you reaching for seconds! The combination of rich, buttery caramel and the toasted pecans creates a flavor experience that’s both indulgent and irresistible. These bite-sized clusters are incredibly easy to make, yet they deliver a big punch of flavor. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or simply for a sweet treat, these clusters are sure to impress everyone who tries them.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Toast the pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Set them aside to cool.
- Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the butter has melted, let the mixture simmer for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add vanilla and salt: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Combine with pecans: Add the toasted pecans to the caramel sauce and stir until they are evenly coated.
- Form the clusters: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon, scoop out spoonfuls of the pecan-caramel mixture and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet. Each scoop will form a small cluster.
- Cool: Allow the pecan clusters to cool completely on the baking sheet. The caramel will firm up as it cools, and the clusters will become more solid.
- Serve: Once cooled, serve and enjoy these delicious, sweet treats.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 clusters
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled clusters for an extra indulgent touch.
- Spiced Pecans: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the caramel sauce for a hint of spice.
- Different Nuts: If you prefer, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Store any leftover pecan clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they will last up to 2 weeks.
- These clusters are best enjoyed at room temperature. If they’re cold from the fridge, let them sit for a few minutes before eating.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted pecans instead of roasted?
Yes, you can use raw unsalted pecans, but toasting them enhances their flavor and crunch. You can toast them yourself or buy pre-toasted pecans if you prefer.
Can I make these clusters without heavy cream?
Heavy cream adds a rich texture, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
Can I freeze these clusters?
Yes, you can freeze the pecan clusters for up to 2 months. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
What can I do if my caramel sauce is too thin?
If your caramel sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. If it gets too thick, you can add a splash of cream to loosen it up.
How can I make these clusters more festive?
For a holiday twist, consider adding a few red or green sprinkles to the cooled clusters, or drizzle them with white or dark chocolate.
Can I use salted butter?
If you use salted butter, you may want to reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to avoid the clusters becoming too salty.
Can I add other ingredients to the clusters?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for variety.
Do I need a candy thermometer?
No, a candy thermometer is not necessary for this recipe. Just simmer the caramel sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, and it will work perfectly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if you need more clusters. Just ensure you have a large enough baking sheet to spread the mixture out, and allow extra time for the cooling process.
Can I make these clusters smaller?
Yes, you can use a teaspoon to scoop out smaller clusters if you prefer bite-sized treats. Just reduce the amount of caramel for each cluster accordingly.
Conclusion
New Orleans Pecan Clusters are the ultimate sweet, crunchy indulgence. With the perfect combination of toasted pecans and rich, buttery caramel, these clusters are sure to become a go-to treat for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a holiday gathering, as an after-dinner treat, or as a gift, these clusters are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and totally addictive – what’s not to love?
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Orleans Pecan Clusters
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
New Orleans Pecan Clusters are a delightful, bite-sized treat that combines toasted pecans with rich, buttery caramel for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. These clusters are quick to make and offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. Whether you drizzle them with chocolate or enjoy them as they are, these pecan clusters will be a hit at any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. Easy to prepare and totally irresistible, they’re a must-try for any sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Toast the pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
- Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the butter has melted, let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add vanilla and salt: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Combine with pecans: Add the toasted pecans to the caramel and stir until they are evenly coated.
- Form the clusters: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon, scoop out spoonfuls of the pecan-caramel mixture and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small clusters.
- Cool: Allow the pecan clusters to cool completely on the baking sheet. The caramel will firm up as it cools, solidifying the clusters.
- Serve: Once cooled, serve and enjoy these sweet, crunchy treats.
Notes
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled clusters for an indulgent touch.
- Spiced Pecans: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the caramel sauce for a flavorful twist.
- Different Nuts: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a unique flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
