These Pecan Caramel Candies are an easy homemade treat you can enjoy any time of year. With just four simple ingredients, you can make a fresh batch whenever the craving hits.
These pecan caramel clusters combine roasted pecans, soft caramel, and a chocolate coating for a crunchy, chewy bite. They’re perfect for holiday platters, weekend treats, or packaged as small gifts.
I make these often because they’re fast and forgiving. You can easily scale the recipe to make a few dozen for sharing, then keep a handful for yourself.
Ingredients
- Pecan halves – Use roasted, salted halves for best flavor.
- Caramels – Choose your favorite brand, unwrapped.
- Chocolate chips – Semisweet chips work well for the coating.
- Coarse salt – Optional, to finish the candies.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and servings.
How to Make Pecan Caramel Candies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step One: Arrange clusters of three pecan halves on the prepared sheet. Top each cluster with an unwrapped caramel.
Step Two: Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the caramels begin to soften and melt. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
Step Three: Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 15 seconds to prevent burning. Drop a spoonful of melted chocolate on each cooled cluster.
Step Four: Sprinkle with coarse salt if desired. Allow the chocolate to set and harden at room temperature.
Top Tip
If you prefer full coating, carefully dip each cluster in melted chocolate using a fork, let excess drip off, then place back on the parchment to harden. Be gentle—the clusters can be fragile until the chocolate sets.
Substitutions
- Sea salt – Sea salt or finishing salt works well; omit if you prefer no salt.
Variations
- Chocolate: Use dark or white chocolate, or mix varieties for a decorative look.
- Bark: Arrange pecans in a single layer, pour melted caramel over them, then drizzle or spread chocolate for a bark-style treat.
- Homemade caramel: Substitute homemade caramel if you want—cook to the firm-ball stage so it holds its shape.
Equipment
You’ll need a baking sheet, parchment paper, a microwave-safe mixing bowl for melting chocolate, and a rubber spatula or spoon.
Storage
Store finished candies at room temperature in an airtight container. They keep well for several days. Avoid refrigeration or freezing, as cold temperatures can make the caramel firm and change the texture.
Common Questions
Yes. Cashews, walnuts, or even peanuts are good substitutes. If using smaller nuts, use enough to form a stable base for the caramel.
With store-bought caramel cubes they stay chewy at room temperature. If frozen, the caramel will be firm and hard when bitten straight from the freezer.
Yes. These candies keep well when stored properly and can be made ahead for parties or gifting.
Absolutely. They’re easy to serve on a platter, and you can double or triple the recipe to make plenty for guests to enjoy and take home.
Related
Looking for similar recipes? Try chocolate-peanut butter bites or pretzel caramel treats for other easy candy options.
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📖 Recipe
Pecan Caramel Candies
Ingredients
- 36 pecan halves, roasted and salted
- 12 caramels, unwrapped
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips, melted
- Coarse salt, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange clusters of three pecan halves on the sheet.
- Top each cluster with an unwrapped caramel.
- Bake 10 minutes or until caramels melt. Remove and cool 10 minutes.
- Drop a spoonful of melted chocolate on each cluster.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt if desired and let set.
Nutrition
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