Caramel Pecan Clusters Recipe
Crunchy caramel pecan clusters made with rice cereal, pecans, milk, and melted caramels, then baked and cooled into break-apart candy-style clusters.
These caramel pecan clusters are a baked candy-style snack made with rice cereal, pecans, and melted caramels. The mixture is baked low and slow, then cooled and broken into crunchy clusters with a rich caramel coating and toasted nut flavor throughout.
This recipe uses simple ingredients and a low oven temperature to help the caramel evenly coat the cereal and pecans without scorching. Once cooled, the clusters hold their shape well and store easily, making them a good option for gifting, snacking, or setting out during gatherings.
What to Expect from This Recipe
The finished clusters are crunchy, sweet, and nutty, with the pecans balancing out the caramel so the sweetness does not feel overwhelming. Baking the mixture in two stages helps dry and set the caramel so it does not stay sticky once cooled.
A quick note on caramels. An 11-ounce bag typically contains about 36 caramels, so you will need two bags to reach the 48 needed for this recipe. You will not use every caramel in the second bag, which is not a bad problem to have.
Ingredients
- 6 cups rice squares cereal (like Chex Mix)
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 48 unwrapped caramels
- ¼ cup milk
If you enjoy sweet pecan snacks, these candied pecans are another easy option that highlights the same nutty flavor with a simple sugar coating.
How to Make Caramel Pecan Clusters
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and generously grease two baking sheets of the same size with nonstick cooking spray. Make sure the spray is spread evenly across each pan so the caramel does not stick later.
Add the cereal and pecans to a large bowl and set aside.
In a saucepan, combine the caramels and milk. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth. This takes a few minutes. Keep the heat low. Turning the heat up may seem tempting, but caramel burns easily and can seize if overheated.
Pour the melted caramel mixture over the cereal and pecans. Stir well to evenly coat everything.
Spread the mixture onto one prepared baking sheet, spreading it out as evenly as possible. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, flip and toss the mixture with a spatula, then return it to the oven for another 15 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven. Place the second prepared baking sheet directly on top of the hot pan. Using oven mitts, hold both pans together and carefully flip them as a unit so the clusters fall onto the clean baking sheet. Remove the original pan and let the clusters cool completely.
Once cooled, break apart into clusters and serve or store.
Storage
Store caramel pecan clusters in an airtight container at room temperature. Once fully cooled, they keep their crunch well and do not stick together.
For another crunchy caramel treat that works well for parties or gifting, this caramel popcorn snack mix uses the same sweet coating with a different texture.
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Generously grease two baking sheets of the same size with nonstick cooking spray, making sure the entire surface is well coated to prevent sticking.
- 2
Add the rice cereal and pecan halves to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- 3
Place the unwrapped caramels and milk into a saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth. This will take several minutes. Keep the heat low to avoid burning the caramel.
- 4
Pour the melted caramel mixture over the cereal and pecans. Stir thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated. Spread the coated mixture onto one prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes.
- 5
Remove the pan from the oven and gently flip and toss the mixture to redistribute the caramel. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- 6
Remove the pan from the oven. Place the second prepared baking sheet on top of the hot pan. Holding both pans together with oven mitts, carefully flip them so the clusters fall onto the clean baking sheet. Remove the original pan and allow the clusters to cool completely.
- 7
Once fully cooled, break into clusters and serve or store in an airtight container.
Filed under Appetizer Recipes Dessert Recipes Holiday Finger Foods Chocolate Desserts
