New Orleans Pecan Clusters: A Southern Candy Classic

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Bring the flavors of the French Quarter to your kitchen with these irresistible New Orleans Pecan Clusters! These buttery, crunchy pecan candies coated in rich chocolate are a staple of Southern dessert tables and make perfect edible gifts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Authentic New Orleans flavor – Just like the French Market pralines
✅ Only 5 ingredients – Simple but impressive
✅ Perfect for gifting – Beautiful and shelf-stable
✅ Crunchy-chewy texture – The ideal pecan candy

Ingredients & Substitutions

Essential Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecan halves (toasted for best flavor)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

For Chocolate Coating (Optional but Recommended)

  • 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp coconut oil (for shine)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.

2. Make the Praline Coating

  1. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, cream, butter, and salt.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  3. Cook until mixture reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer (~5 minutes).
  4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

3. Form the Clusters

  1. Quickly fold toasted pecans into the hot syrup.
  2. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper.
  3. Let cool completely until hardened (~30 minutes).

4. Chocolate Dip (Optional)

  1. Melt chocolate chips + coconut oil in 30-second microwave bursts.
  2. Dip each cluster halfway into chocolate.
  3. Return to parchment and let set (15 mins at room temp or 5 mins in fridge).

Pro Tips

🌰 Pecan Prep – Toast pecans for deeper flavor.
🌡️ Candy Thermometer Essential – Ensures perfect texture.
🚫 No Substitutions – Heavy cream is mandatory for proper consistency.

Variations

🍫 Double Chocolate – Mix cocoa powder into praline syrup.
🌶 Spiced – Add cayenne or cinnamon to syrup.
🍯 Honey Pecan – Replace ¼ cup sugar with honey.

FAQs

How long do they keep?

2 weeks at room temp in airtight container (1 month refrigerated).

Can I use milk chocolate?

Yes, but semi-sweet balances the sweetness better.

Why did mine turn out grainy?

You likely stirred after boiling stopped – don’t stir once boiling!

Final Thoughts

These New Orleans Pecan Clusters capture the essence of Southern candy-making – buttery, crunchy, and impossibly addictive. Perfect for holiday trays, hostess gifts, or your own private indulgence!

Laissez les bon temps rouler… and pass the pecans! 🌰🎺

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