Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters are nutty, chewy, and packed with sweet chocolate flavor. Made in a slow cooker, they’re an easy homemade candy recipe perfect for parties and gifting!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chocolate Almond Bark – We use a combination of semi-sweet chocolate almond bark and white chocolate almond bark, but you could choose one or the other.
- Pecans – Use whole or chopped pecans, depending on your texture preference.
- Melting Dark Chocolate Wafers – We love to use Ghiradelli wafers for a rich flavor!
- Caramel Bits – Find soft caramel candies in the baking aisle or candy aisle of your local grocery store.
- Sea Salt – Adjust to taste.
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters with Ease
Unlike most pecan cluster recipes, this version comes together in the slow cooker. That means you don’t have to spend time standing over a hot stove!
- Layer. Arrange the pecans in a single layer at the bottom of a slow cooker. Break the chocolate and white chocolate almond bark into pieces, and arrange them over the pecans. Then, add the chocolate wafers.
- Cook. Cover the slow cooker, and cook on low heat until the chocolate begins to melt, stirring occasionally.
- Combine. Sprinkle the caramel bits evenly over the chocolate mixture, and gently stir to combine and melt.
- Portion. Line a baking sheet with
parchment paper , and use a spoon or cookie scoop to dollop portions of the nut mixture onto the baking sheet. Leave space in between each cluster! Sprinkle sea salt on top of each caramel pecan cluster, and place a single pecan on top. - Cool. Allow the candy to cool and harden at room temperature. Or, speed up the process, and transfer the pecan caramel clusters to the fridge!
Flavor Variations
- Swap the Nuts. Use cashews, almonds, or peanuts instead.
- Add Fruit. Stir in dried raisins, cranberries, or even blueberries.
- Make it Extra Crunchy. Gently fold in potato chips or pretzels for a sweet and salty flavor and satisfying crunch.
Do I Need to Toast the Pecans?
No, but you can if you want to! It’s a great way to add a slightly smokey depth to the flavor of the caramel pecan clusters.
How to Store
- Store: Once cooled and set, leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Freeze: Wrap each pecan cluster with plastic wrap, place them in a sealable bag, and store them in the freezer for up to six months. Enjoy them frozen, or let them thaw in the fridge overnight!
More Homemade Candy Recipes
- Hazelnut Chocolate Crock Pot Candy
- Slow Cooker Candy
- Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Slow Cooker Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecans
- 20 ounces chocolate almond bark
- 20 ounces white chocolate almond bark
- 1 cup of melting dark chocolate wafers like Ghirardelli
- 1 (11 ounce) bag caramel bits
- Sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Add the pecans to the bottom of the slow cooker.2 cups pecans
- Break the chocolate almond bark and white chocolate almond bark into smaller pieces, and place them over the pecans in the slow cooker.20 ounces chocolate almond bark, 20 ounces white chocolate almond bark
- Sprinkle the melting dark chocolate wafers evenly over the chocolate and pecan layers.1 cup of melting dark chocolate wafers
- Cover the slow cooker with a lid, and set it to low heat. Allow the ingredients to melt, stirring occasionally for approximately 1 hour or until everything is fully melted and combined.
- Once melted, add the caramel bits evenly across the melted layers in the slow cooker. Gently stir the mixture to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.1 (11 ounce) bag caramel bits
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart. Sprinkle sea salt over the candy clusters a long with a pecan on top.Sea salt for garnish
- Let the candy clusters cool and set at room temperature. For a quicker setting process, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The ingredients list 2 cups of pecans which are all put into the slow cooker. How much do we need for finishing (garnish)? In other words, how much will this recipe make? Have you ever toasted the pecans?
Hi Donna! You can include as many or as little as you’d like for garnish. We typically use one nut on top of each cluster. This recipe is great with toasted pecans!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This looks delicious but I don’t have a slow cooker. What can I do instead? Thank you,
Hmmm you could melt the chocolate in the microwave instead and combine the ingredients in a bowl!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Do you let the caramel bits melt completely in the crockpot? Or do you want some pieces of caramel in the finished product?
It’s up to you! We like to leave some of the bits unmelted. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa