Description
New Orleans Pecan Clusters are a delicious Southern treat featuring toasted pecans coated in a rich, buttery caramel. These sweet clusters are easy to make and perfect for snacking, gifting, or sharing at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups of pecan halves
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- Chop the Pecans (Optional): After toasting, chop pecans if desired.
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Stir well.
- Cook the Mixture: Over medium heat, stir constantly until the mixture reaches 235°F (113°C), the “soft ball” stage.
- Mix in the Pecans: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and toasted pecans until well-coated.
- Drop Clusters: Spoon drops of mixture onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Let cool completely.
Notes
Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, but this step can be skipped if preferred. Clusters will harden as they cool, achieving a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: ~220
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg