New Orleans Pecan Clusters

If you’re craving a little something sweet with a bit of Southern charm, then these New Orleans Pecan Clusters are just what you need. Think crunchy, buttery pecans surrounded by a rich caramel coating, all perfectly balanced by a touch of vanilla and a pinch of salt. They’re decadent little bites of heaven, and they’ll transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans with every bite. Trust me—once you make these, they’ll quickly become a staple in your snack rotation!

Why You’ll Love New Orleans Pecan Clusters

Irresistible Flavor:

These clusters are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and nutty. The rich caramel coats the pecans just perfectly, and the sprinkle of sea salt adds that extra magic. It’s a flavor combo that’s impossible to resist.

Easy to Make:

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of candy-making—these clusters are surprisingly easy! With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll have yourself a tray of delicious pecan treats in no time.

A Taste of New Orleans:

Pecan candy is a classic Southern favorite, and these little bites take inspiration from the flavors of New Orleans—think praline-like richness, with a little less fuss.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, a backyard barbecue, or just enjoying them as a snack at home, these clusters are guaranteed to wow everyone. They’re perfect for sharing (if you can bear to part with them, of course!).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your New Orleans Pecan Clusters:

For the Clusters:

• Pecan Halves: The star of the show! Pecans give these clusters a delicious, buttery crunch.
• Brown Sugar: Adds that deep, rich sweetness to the caramel.
• Butter: For richness and a smooth texture in the caramel coating.
• Heavy Cream: To give the caramel its perfect creamy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor, making everything taste even more heavenly.
• Sea Salt: For that perfect balance of salty and sweet that takes these clusters to the next level.

(Note: Exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps for making your New Orleans Pecan Clusters—they’re quick, easy, and absolutely worth it!

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Start by toasting your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn. Toasting enhances the nutty flavor, so this step is key to getting that rich, roasted taste.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and starts to bubble. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and continue stirring until the caramel thickens and becomes smooth and glossy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Coat the Pecans

Once your caramel has thickened, toss in the toasted pecans, making sure they’re evenly coated in the caramel. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as the caramel can be hot!

Step 4: Form the Clusters

Spoon out small amounts of the caramel-coated pecan mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming clusters. You can make them as large or small as you like, depending on your preference.

Step 5: Let Them Cool

Let the clusters sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until the caramel hardens. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them into the fridge for a faster set.

Step 6: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Once your clusters have cooled and hardened, lightly sprinkle each one with a touch of sea salt. The salt really elevates the sweetness of the caramel and brings out the richness of the pecans.

Step 7: Enjoy!

That’s it! You’ve got yourself a batch of delicious New Orleans Pecan Clusters. Enjoy them fresh, or store them in an airtight container for later snacking.

How to Serve New Orleans Pecan Clusters

• Serve as a Snack: Perfect for an afternoon treat or a sweet pick-me-up during the day.
• Gift Them: These clusters make a wonderful homemade gift. Pack them in a cute tin or jar and share them with family or friends.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: They’re ideal for pairing with your favorite coffee or a hot cup of tea for a cozy, indulgent treat.

Additional Tips

Make Them Ahead:

These pecan clusters store wonderfully, so feel free to make them ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or keep them in the fridge if you want them to last longer.

Double the Recipe:

If you’re serving a crowd or just want to have extra on hand, this recipe can easily be doubled. Simply make more caramel and use more pecans.

Add Some Extra Flavor:

Want to switch things up? Try adding a little cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel for a warm, spiced flavor. You could also experiment by adding a few chocolate chips on top of the clusters for a chocolatey twist.

Toasting Pecans:

Don’t skip the toasting step—it’s what brings out the best flavor in the pecans. You’ll be amazed at how much it enhances the overall taste of the clusters!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 clusters
Calories per serving: 160
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 75mg
Total Carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different nut besides pecans?

A1: Absolutely! You can swap out pecans for other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change depending on the nut you choose.

Q2: Can I make these without heavy cream?

A2: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even full-fat milk if you prefer. The texture might be a bit less rich, but they’ll still be delicious.

Q3: How do I store these pecan clusters?

A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge.

Q4: Can I freeze these pecan clusters?

A4: Yes! You can freeze the clusters in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Q5: Can I make these without butter?

A5: You can substitute butter with coconut oil or a butter alternative, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Q6: How can I make these more festive for the holidays?

A6: Add a sprinkle of festive-colored sprinkles on top, or drizzle some melted chocolate over the clusters for a seasonal touch.

Q7: Can I add chocolate to these clusters?

A7: Yes! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the clusters after they’ve set, or even mix chocolate chips into the caramel for a richer flavor.

Q8: How thick should the caramel be?

A8: The caramel should be thick enough to coat the pecans but not so thick that it becomes hard to stir. If it’s too runny, cook it a bit longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of cream.

Q9: Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

A9: Yes, you can use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar. The flavor will be a little less rich, but it’ll still work perfectly.

Q10: Can I make these clusters with pre-chopped pecans?

A10: Sure! Just keep in mind that chopped pecans may not hold together as well in clusters, but they’ll still taste amazing.

Conclusion

These New Orleans Pecan Clusters are everything you want in a sweet treat—rich, buttery, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, giving them as a gift, or just indulging in them yourself, they’re sure to become a favorite in no time. Sweet, salty, and totally addictive, these clusters offer a taste of Southern goodness you can enjoy anytime. Try them out, and enjoy the delicious, melt-in-your-mouth magic!

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