Description
New Orleans Pecan Clusters are a delightful Southern treat featuring fresh toasted pecans coated in a rich, buttery caramelized sugar glaze. These crunchy bite-sized clusters offer a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, ideal as snacks, gifts, or party favorites. Simple to make yet authentically flavorful, they bring a touch of New Orleans charm to any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh whole pecans
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to enhance their natural oils and deepen their nutty flavor.
- Prepare the Caramel Mix: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring until the mixture bubbles and turns a light golden caramel color. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for added warmth and depth.
- Coat the Pecans: Quickly toss the toasted pecans into the caramel mixture, making sure each nut is thoroughly coated with the glossy caramel glaze for that perfect crunchy shell.
- Form the Clusters: Using a spoon, drop small mounds of the coated pecans onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Work fast as the caramel begins to set, shaping each cluster into a bite-sized pile.
- Cool and Set: Allow the clusters to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until the caramel hardens completely. For faster setting, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Once firm, your clusters are ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor and crunch.
- Watch the caramel closely to avoid burning; remove from heat as soon as it turns golden.
- Have your parchment-lined baking sheet ready before coating the pecans because the caramel sets quickly.
- Store clusters in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
- For variations, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate, spices like cinnamon or cayenne, or sprinkle flaky sea salt before the caramel sets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern / New Orleans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster (approximately 30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: New Orleans pecan clusters, Southern snack, caramelized pecans, nut clusters, gluten free dessert, pecan recipe, caramel pecans, homemade pecan clusters
