New Orleans Pecan Clusters: The 20-Minute No-Bake Holiday Candy
(By Jason Griffith)
The holiday season means it’s time for baking, gifting, and indulging in those special, melt-in-your-mouth treats that only appear once a year. For me, nothing captures the spirit of Southern holiday indulgence quite like a simple, perfect pecan cluster.
These New Orleans Pecan Clusters are more than just candy; they’re a taste of pure, buttery indulgence wrapped up in a satisfying crunch. What makes them truly stand out is the trifecta of textures: the warmth of toasted pecans, a blanket of rich caramel, and a decadent, smooth chocolate shell. Best of all? They are a no-bake wonder that comes together in under 20 minutes of active prep time.
Skip the complicated fudge and multi-step cookies this year. These clusters are your secret weapon for the dessert table, perfect for filling tins for gifting, or simply satisfying that late-night sweet craving.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made countless holiday candies, but these Pecan Clusters are the ones I return to every year, for a few key reasons:
- Speed and Simplicity: It’s a true no-bake recipe. We are simply melting, mixing, and chilling. They’re ready to eat in under an hour, meaning you can whip up a huge batch for a party with zero stress.
- The Southern Flavor: New Orleans is famous for its rich, buttery praline flavor, and that’s exactly what the toasted pecans, buttery chocolate, and soft caramel bring to the table. It’s a sophisticated sweetness that feels truly special.
- Perfect for Gifting: They hold their shape beautifully and look stunning in a cellophane bag or a cookie tin. They feel far more gourmet than the effort required to make them!
- Customization: They are infinitely adaptable. Want dark chocolate? Go for it. Want a double dose of crunch? Add some pretzels. I’ve included my favorite classic combination below, but feel free to make it your own.
What You Will Need: Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes & Suggestions |
| Pecan Halves | 2 cups | Roasting is essential for flavor and crunch. Don’t skip this step! |
| Chocolate (Milk or Dark) | 1½ cups | Use a good quality bar or chips that melt smoothly. |
| Soft Caramels or Caramel Bits | ½ cup | Standard wrapped caramels work fine (about 12–15 pieces). |
| Heavy Cream | 2 tbsp | Helps make the caramel soft and easy to drizzle. |
| Butter | 1 tbsp | Adds richness and sheen to the melted chocolate. |
| Vanilla Extract | ½ tsp | Enhances the overall sweetness and complexity. |
| Sea Salt | Pinch | For sprinkling on top—it balances the sweetness perfectly. |
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Swaps and Notes
- Pecans: If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds are good substitutes, though you lose the specific New Orleans flavor.
- Chocolate Type: Dark chocolate (70% or higher) offers a beautiful contrast to the sweet caramel, while milk chocolate makes a classic, crowd-pleasing candy. Use what you love!
- Caramel Hack: If you’re really short on time, you can buy pre-made caramel sauce, but melting the soft caramels with heavy cream gives you that perfect, gooey consistency for drizzling.
- Butter: I recommend unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness with the final sprinkle of sea salt.
How to Make New Orleans Pecan Clusters: Step-by-Step
1. Toast the Pecans
Preheat your oven to 350∘F (180∘C). Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 6–8 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn. They should smell fragrant and be lightly golden. Let them cool completely.
2. Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one, until the chocolate is completely smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Caramel Drizzle
In a separate small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the soft caramels (or caramel bits) and the heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until the mixture is smooth and easily pourable.
4. Assemble the Clusters
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Form the Base: Use a spoon or your fingers to gather small clusters of the toasted pecans (about 1 tablespoon per cluster) directly onto the lined tray. Don’t worry about making them perfect!
- Caramel Layer: Drizzle about a teaspoon of the melted caramel mixture over each pecan cluster.
- Chocolate Coating: Spoon the melted chocolate mixture over the top of the caramel and pecans, ensuring the cluster is mostly covered and held together by the chocolate.
5. Finish and Chill
Immediately after coating, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of the wet chocolate of each cluster. Transfer the tray to the refrigerator and chill for at least 20 minutes to allow the chocolate and caramel to fully set.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Since this recipe is so simple, the quality of your ingredients really shines. Use fresh pecans and good-quality chocolate.
- The Double-Drizzle Technique: I love drizzling a little extra caramel and maybe even a touch of white chocolate over the top after the clusters are set for a professional, decorative look.
- Temperature Control: Make sure your melted chocolate isn’t too hot, especially if you are using high-quality chocolate. Overheating can make it seize or turn grainy. Use a rubber spatula for slow, thorough stirring.
- Batch Size: This recipe is easy to double or even triple if you are making treats for a very large gathering or for mass gifting.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These clusters are rich and satisfying, making them perfect alongside a light, palate-cleansing beverage or a contrasting salty snack.
- Coffee & Cocoa: Serve with a rich cup of hot coffee, espresso, or a creamy hot cocoa.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of Moscato d’Asti offers a light, bubbly sweetness that complements the caramel and chocolate without overpowering it.
- Festive Cocktails: Pair with a spiced eggnog or a holiday bourbon cocktail. For something fun and chocolatey, try The Slippery Drank, which offers dessert-inspired vibes.
- A Light Lunch: Serve after a savory, comforting dinner like a bowl of Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: This is an estimated value for a serving of 2 clusters, based on ingredient calculations. Exact values vary by specific brands used.
| Metric | Amount |
| Calories | ∼280 |
| Total Fat | ∼20g |
| Saturated Fat | ∼9g |
| Carbohydrates | ∼25g |
| Protein | ∼4g |
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Storage and Leftover Tips
- Storage: Store the finished clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If your kitchen is very warm, store them in the refrigerator, but let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze these! Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They will last for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Leftovers: There usually aren’t any! But if you have extra melted chocolate, use it to drizzle over fruit or dip pretzels for a bonus treat.
More Recipes You Will Love
Looking for more sweet treats and easy, crowd-pleasing desserts? I’ve got you covered:
- For an easy, decadent dipping option, try this Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert For Instant Chocolate Cravings.
- If you love the combination of nuts and chocolate, you must make The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made A Lot).
- Need a classic dessert to feed a crowd? Check out This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert To Feed A Crowd.
- In the mood for a different kind of handheld snack? These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession are pure heaven.
- If you’re still craving warm spices, you can’t go wrong with These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat To Bake On Repeat.
Final Thoughts
These New Orleans Pecan Clusters are proof that the best holiday treats don’t have to be the hardest. They are sweet, buttery, crunchy, and disappear fast—exactly what you want on a festive table. Give them a try this season; I promise they’ll become a new tradition!
Have you made these Pecan Clusters? I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow me on social media for more holiday tips and tricks.
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