Nutty Caramel Clusters

Name: Nutty Caramel Clusters
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.
Ingredients: 25 caramels; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 cup sliced almonds; 1/2 cup salted dry roasted peanuts; 1/2 cup pecan halves; 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 2 teaspoons shortening

Don't be fooled by the impressive presentation of these sweet candies. They're so easy to make, even our two young sons can help. —Charlyn Koistinen, Hayti, South Dakota

Ingredients

25 caramels
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon milk
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup salted dry roasted peanuts
1/2 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons shortening

Directions

In a 1-qt. microwave-safe dish, combine the caramels, butter and milk. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until caramels are melted, stirring once. Stir in the almonds, peanuts and pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until blended. Spoon over clusters. Refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Editor's Note

This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 161 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.

Originally published as Nutty Caramel Clusters in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2002

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Kris Countryman

Dec 12, 2009

These were easy to make and quite tasty. The hardest thing about them was unwrapping the caramels.
jenny_b

Dec 12, 2008

I just made several batches of these as Christmas treats. They turned out wonderful and they were so easy to make!
jenny_b

Dec 12, 2008

I have not tried using sugar-free carmel topping, but I am worried that it would not set-up firm the way they do with the traditional packaged carmels. If you are interested in experimenting, you could try it that way and if the batch didn't turn out well, it would still make a delicious topping for ice cream or another dessert!
toodlesg

Oct 23, 2008

Has anyone tried this using sugar-free caramel topping?