Description
Sticky, glossy, chewy, and irresistibly crunchy! These clusters combine toasted pecans, tart cranberries, and a shimmering caramel glaze for the ultimate holiday bite. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding to festive dessert tables!
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups pecan halves (lightly toasted)
1 cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped walnuts or extra pecans (optional)
Caramel Syrup:
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup honey or light corn syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prep the nuts & cranberries.
Lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Combine pecans, cranberries, and optional walnuts in a large bowl. (
5 minutes)
Make the sticky caramel glaze.
In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, honey (or corn syrup), and salt over medium heat. Stir until bubbling, then cook 3–4 minutes until glossy and amber. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. (
7 minutes)
Coat the mixture.
Pour the hot caramel over the nut and cranberry mix. Stir quickly to coat everything evenly with the shiny syrup. (
2 minutes)
Form the clusters.
Line a baking sheet with parchment. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per cluster and press gently to help them hold shape. Let them cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. (
25 minutes)
Optional: Firm them up.
For extra firmness and a brittle-like finish, refrigerate the clusters for 10–15 minutes. (
15 minutes)
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 minutes | Cooling Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: ~42 minutes
Kcal: ~160 kcal each | Servings: 12–16 clusters
#HolidayTreats #CaramelClusters #CranberryPecan #FestiveBites
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect clusters every time. First, ensure all ingredients are measured and ready. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they release a nutty aroma. This step is crucial for flavor. In your large mixing bowl, combine the toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and any optional nuts. For the caramel, use a medium saucepan with a light-colored interior so you can monitor the color change. Melt the butter, brown sugar, honey, and salt together, stirring until fully combined. Once the mixture reaches a steady boil, set a timer for 3 minutes. Do not stir during this boiling phase. After 3 minutes, the syrup should be a rich amber. Immediately remove it from heat, stir in the vanilla, and pour it over the nut mixture. Work quickly to coat everything before the caramel begins to set.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile clusters are more than just a snack. Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a beautiful homemade gift. Crumble them over vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a decadent dessert. For a festive cheese board, place a small bowl of clusters alongside sharp cheddar and brie. They also make a wonderful topping for holiday salads, adding a sweet and crunchy element.
How-to Summary
Toast pecans, then mix with cranberries. Create a caramel syrup by boiling butter, brown sugar, honey, and salt for 3 minutes until amber. Stir in vanilla. Pour the hot caramel over the nut mixture and stir to coat thoroughly. Scoop 2-tablespoon portions onto parchment paper, press gently into shape, and allow to cool completely at room temperature until firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut? Absolutely. Almonds or pistachios work wonderfully. Just ensure they are toasted for the best flavor and texture.
My caramel turned out grainy. What happened? Graininess usually means the sugar didn’t fully dissolve. Next time, stir the butter and sugar mixture constantly until it is completely smooth and unified before it comes to a boil.
How should I store these, and how long do they last? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I make these dairy-free? Yes, substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter stick. The results will be very similar.
Why are my clusters falling apart? This is often due to not pressing the mixture firmly enough when forming. Apply gentle but firm pressure to compact the ingredients so the caramel binds them as it cools.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid burning the nuts when toasting. They cook quickly, so keep the heat at medium and stir often.
- Do not overcook the caramel. Boiling for longer than 3-4 minutes will make it too hard and brittle.
- Do not skip the parchment paper. The caramel will stick permanently to a bare baking sheet.
- Do not stir the caramel after adding the vanilla, as this can cause crystallization.
- Avoid forming clusters that are too large, as they may not hold together well.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Pecan Caramel Clusters are a simple yet impressive treat that captures the essence of the holidays. With their perfect balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy, they are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can confidently create beautiful, delicious clusters for gifting, grazing, and celebrating.