Irresistible Caramel Pecan Clusters: Your New Go-To 3-Ingredient Fall Snack
Prepare to be amazed by these incredibly delightful Caramel Pecan Clusters! This recipe is a true game-changer, offering a harmonious blend of sweet caramel and crunchy pecans, all brought together with crisp cereal. What makes it even better? It requires only three simple ingredients, making it an effortlessly elegant snack perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning for fall festivities, gearing up for tailgating parties, preparing for holiday gatherings, or simply looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat, these homemade caramel pecan clusters are guaranteed to become your family’s new favorite.
Imagine the enticing aroma of melted caramel mingling with the warm, nutty scent of roasted pecans filling your home. That’s the magical experience these clusters bring every time we make them. They evoke the cozy feeling of the fall season and the joyous spirit of the holidays, making them a cherished tradition in our household. This easy snack mix isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create delicious memories.
Beyond being a perfect seasonal treat, these caramel pecan clusters are an ideal anytime snack. Keep a batch readily available for those moments when you and your loved ones crave something truly special – a candied snack mix that’s utterly irresistible. They’re a fantastic alternative to traditional praline or other complex desserts, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The Irresistible Appeal of Homemade Caramel Pecan Clusters
There’s an undeniable satisfaction that comes with a snack boasting a perfect pecan crunch, wouldn’t you agree? These Caramel Pecan Clusters deliver precisely that. Each bite offers a delightful textural contrast: the buttery chewiness of the caramel, the satisfying snap of the pecans, and the airy crispness of the cereal. This classic combination appeals to all ages, making it a guaranteed hit on any dessert table or snack spread. Be warned: guests will undoubtedly come back for seconds, and even thirds!
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity coupled with profound flavor. It’s a versatile treat that fits right into a sophisticated holiday party or a casual family movie night. The minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip up a batch quickly, leaving more time to enjoy the company of friends and family. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome flavors transformed into something extraordinary.
Embracing the Flavors of Fall with #FallFlavors Week
Can you smell that crisp, cool air? It’s that wonderful time of year again, and I couldn’t be more excited! Why, you ask? It’s Fall Flavors Week, of course! This is a fantastic annual event where a community of passionate food bloggers, including myself, come together to share our most inspired fall-themed recipes. It’s a culinary celebration of all the comforting and vibrant flavors that define autumn, from pumpkins and apples to, of course, pecans and caramel!
Beyond the delectable recipes, Fall Flavors Week also features an incredible giveaway, thanks to our generous sponsors. These sponsors have graciously provided amazing prizes, and you can enter to win right here on this very blog post. It’s our way of giving back and sharing the joy of cooking with our readers. Today’s featured recipe, these delightful Caramel Pecan Clusters, is made even more special with the high-quality pecans I received from the Millican Pecan Company. This esteemed Texas-based company has been delivering exceptional pecans since 1888 – yes, you read that right, 1888! Their long-standing tradition of quality makes their pecans truly stand out.
Millican Pecan sent me two wonderful bags of pecans – one of their premium pecan halves and another of their versatile pecan pieces – along with a jar of their rich pecan butter. While the halves are perfect for these clusters, I’m already planning another exciting recipe to share with you later this week, featuring their delicious pecan butter. Stay tuned for more nutty goodness!
The Simple 3-Ingredient Powerhouse: What You’ll Need
One of the best aspects of these Caramel Pecan Clusters is the minimal ingredient list. You don’t need a pantry full of obscure items to create this masterpiece. Just three core ingredients stand between you and a batch of crunchy, sweet perfection:
- Cereal: For the ideal texture and flavor, we recommend using your favorite store-bought Rice Chex cereal. Its light, crispy texture and subtle flavor provide the perfect canvas for the caramel and pecans. You’ll typically find this in the cereal aisle of any well-stocked grocery store. For an interesting twist, consider experimenting with other Chex varieties like Corn Chex for a slightly different crispness, or even flavored options such as Chocolate, Cinnamon, or Vanilla Chex to introduce an extra layer of sweetness and spice. Crispix cereal also works beautifully, offering a similar crunch.
- Pecans: High-quality pecan halves are the star of this recipe, providing that essential “WOW-factor.” Their naturally buttery, slightly sweet flavor, combined with their satisfying crunch, makes them indispensable. Using pecan halves not only adds superior texture but also creates a beautiful visual appeal in your clusters. For the best results, opt for fresh, plump pecans. The Millican Pecan Company, as mentioned, provides excellent pecans that elevate this snack.
- Caramel: I personally prefer using Kraft Caramel Bits for this recipe because of their sheer convenience. They melt smoothly and quickly, saving you the hassle of unwrapping individual caramels. You’ll usually find these handy bits in the baking aisle, often located near the chocolate chips. However, if caramel bits aren’t available, don’t fret! You can absolutely use regular individually wrapped caramels. Just be prepared to spend a little extra time unwrapping them before melting. The end result will be just as delicious, though!
With just these three components, you’re ready to create a snack that tastes far more complex than its ingredient list suggests.
Crafting Your Perfect Caramel Pecan Clusters: A Step-by-Step Guide
This Caramel Pecan Cluster recipe is renowned for its simplicity, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding snack mixes you can prepare. Despite its straightforward nature, the result is incredibly flavorful and satisfying. You’ll truly enjoy the process of bringing this delightful praline-like mix to life in your own kitchen.
For precise measurements and a printable version of this recipe, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Step One: Prepare Your Baking Environment
First, begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This ensures your oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking. While the oven preheats, lightly grease two large baking sheets with Crisco or another preferred shortening. Proper greasing is crucial to prevent the sticky caramel clusters from adhering to the pan, ensuring easy removal once cooled. Set these prepared baking sheets aside.
Step Two: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large, sturdy mixing bowl, gently combine your Rice Chex cereal and pecan halves. Give them a quick, gentle toss to distribute the pecans evenly amongst the cereal. This step prepares the base for the caramel coating. Set the bowl aside, ready for the next stage.
Step Three: Melt the Caramel
Next, place the Kraft Caramel Bits into a microwave-safe bowl. Add a small amount of water (as specified in the recipe card) to help achieve a smooth consistency. Microwave the mixture for approximately two minutes. After this initial heating, stir the caramel thoroughly until it becomes completely smooth and lump-free. If the caramel isn’t fully melted and smooth, continue to microwave it in short 30-second increments, stirring after each, until it reaches the desired fluid consistency. Be careful not to overheat it.
Step Four: Coat the Mixture
Carefully pour the warm, melted caramel over the cereal and pecan mixture in the large bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold and stir the ingredients together, ensuring that every piece of cereal and every pecan half is evenly coated with the rich caramel. Work quickly but gently to avoid breaking the delicate cereal squares.
Step Five: First Bake
Spread the coated pecan mixture evenly in a single layer onto one of your prepared greased baking sheets. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for fifteen minutes. After the initial baking time, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Using a spatula, gently stir and flip the mixture to ensure even caramelization and crispness. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Step Six: Cool and Cluster
Once the second baking interval is complete, remove the snack mix from the oven. Immediately, take the second greased cookie sheet and place it on top of the one with the hot mixture. Carefully but firmly, flip the entire assembly over. This helps to separate the hot mixture from the baking sheet and prevents sticking as it cools. Allow the baked mixture to cool completely at room temperature. As it cools, the caramel will harden, and you can then easily break it apart into irregular, delightful clusters. For an extra layer of flavor, consider sprinkling a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the warm clusters right after they come out of the oven – the sweet and salty contrast is incredible!
Store any leftover Caramel Pecan Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and crunchy for several days, though I doubt they’ll last that long! Enjoy this truly addictive and easy-to-make snack!
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this incredible Caramel Pecan Clusters recipe slip away! Save it to your Pinterest board now so you can easily find it for your next tailgating event, holiday party, or whenever that sweet and crunchy craving strikes. It’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Pecan Clusters & Chex Mix
- Does Rice Chex have Sugar? Yes, Rice Chex cereal does contain some sugar, as do most cereals. When I developed this recipe, I carefully considered the overall sweetness profile to ensure the final product isn’t overly sugary, allowing the rich caramel and nutty pecan flavors to shine through beautifully. The balance is key!
- Why is Sweet Chex Mix so Good? Sweet Chex Mix, especially these Caramel Pecan Clusters, is undeniably delicious for several reasons. It offers a perfect trifecta of textures: the delightful crunch of the cereal, the satisfying bite of the pecans, and the slightly chewy, buttery caramel. This textural interplay, combined with the harmonious sweet and nutty flavors, creates an incredibly addictive snack that’s well-rounded and deeply satisfying.
- What is the Original Chex Cereal? The history of Chex cereal dates back to the 1930s with its predecessor, “Shredded Ralston.” This was the original square-basket-shaped cereal that laid the foundation for the various Chex varieties we enjoy today. It’s a classic for a reason!
- Is Chex Rice Cereal Gluten-Free? Yes, happily, Rice Chex Cereal is certified gluten-free, making these Caramel Pecan Clusters a wonderful treat for those avoiding gluten. It’s always a good practice to double-check the packaging of your specific cereal and, importantly, ensure that the caramel bits or caramels you use are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of a gluten-free diet.
- What can I Serve with This Recipe? These Caramel Pecan Clusters are incredibly versatile! They make a fantastic stand-alone snack, but also pair wonderfully with a variety of other dishes. Consider serving them alongside other tailgating foods, as a delightful dessert after satisfying main dishes, or as part of a larger snack platter. Their sweet and crunchy profile complements both savory and other sweet treats beautifully.
Other Delightful Snack Mix Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of these Caramel Pecan Clusters and crave more easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing snack mixes, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic recipes that offer a similar blend of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion:
- Churro Chex Mix – A cinnamon-sugar delight reminiscent of classic churros.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate Chex Mix – For those who love a hint of spice with their chocolate.
- Candy Coated Popcorn – A colorful and sweet popcorn treat.
- Touchdown Snack Mix (pictured above) – The perfect sweet and salty mix for game day.
- Bunny Trail Mix – A festive and fun mix for spring or any time.
- Puppy Love Chow – A classic, irresistible chocolate and peanut butter treat.
- Popcorn Cake – A unique and celebratory dessert that’s surprisingly easy.
- Chocolate Sugar Kiss Cookies – While not a mix, these cookies offer another easy, sweet indulgence.
Exclusive #FallFlavors Giveaway: Don’t Miss Out!
Welcome back to #FallFlavors! We’re thrilled to continue our celebration of autumn’s bounty, with over 25 food bloggers sharing their most cherished Fall-inspired recipes. This event wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our generous sponsors: Millican Pecan, Dixie Crystals, Melissa’s Produce, Taylor & Colledge, Nairn’s, and The Republic of Tea. They’ve not only supplied participating bloggers with wonderful complimentary products to use in our recipe creations this week but have also generously offered an array of fantastic prizes for our giveaway! Be sure to enter for your chance to win, and share with your friends so they can join the fun too. For even more inspiration, make sure to follow our dedicated Fall Flavors Pinterest account.
Prize 1: Texas Pecan Candy Basket from Millican Pecan
Indulge in a true taste of Texas with the Millican Pecan Texas Pecan Candy Basket. This luxurious basket is brimming with a delightful assortment of pecan gifts, including 6 luscious Milk Chocolate Pecan Clusters, 6 exquisite Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (a decadent treat akin to Turtles), 6 creamy White Chocolate Caramillicans, 6 authentic Pecan Pralines, and a generous 1/2 lb. bag of their tantalizing Flavored Pecans! Every item promises a burst of deliciousness. A $75 value.
Prize 2: Williams Sonoma Cleartouch Nonstick 6-Piece Bakeware Set from Dixie Crystals
Elevate your baking with this perfect entry-level collection from Williams Sonoma. The Cleartouch Nonstick 6-Piece Bakeware Set features a sturdy nonstick silicone coating that offers exceptional value and performance. Crafted from aluminized steel, the preferred material for professional bakers, this set ensures excellent heat transfer for consistently even baking, allowing your creations to turn out beautifully and release effortlessly every time. The comprehensive 6-Piece Set includes a Half-sheet pan, a 12-cup muffin pan, a round cake pan, a square cake pan, a rectangular cake pan, and a loaf pan. An $80 value.
Prize 3: 3 Month Melissa’s Produce Gift Subscription
Experience the freshest and most delicious produce delivered right to your door once a month for three consecutive months. With Melissa’s Produce, every selection is hand-picked at its peak of perfection and carefully packed to ensure safe and pristine arrival. Discover a world of flavor and quality with this exceptional gift subscription. A $124 value.
Prize 4: A Red Dancing Leaves Teapot and a tin of Hot Apple Cider Tea from The Republic of Tea
Immerse yourself in the comforting aroma of fresh apple and warm mulled cider spices with this exquisite gift set. Sip on a golden infusion that boasts a crisp, lingering finish, leaving you craving more! This naturally caffeine-free blend combines apples, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, perfectly reminiscent of classic apple cider. Its luscious aroma and comforting flavors make it the ideal accompaniment to the vibrant colors of the harvest season. The set includes an exclusive 20 oz ceramic teapot, adorned with embossed, windswept leaves, and a convenient stainless steel infuser. A $44 value.
Prize 5: A selection of six flavors of Oat Crackers from Nairn’s
One lucky winner will receive a diverse selection of six delicious oat crackers from Nairn’s. This prize includes a box of each: Nairn’s Original, Chocolate Chip, Stem Ginger Oat Grahams, Caramelized Onions, Rosemary & Sea Salt Flatbreads, and Oat Cracker. Nairn’s has a rich heritage of baking wholesome oats since 1896, committed to using simple, natural ingredients in all their products. Discover your new favorite with this fantastic variety pack. Minimum $25 value.
Prize 6: A Selection of extracts from Taylor and Colledge.
Enhance your baking and culinary creations with this exquisite selection of extracts from Taylor & Colledge. One winner will receive a collection including their renowned vanilla bean extract, along with almond, lemon, and lavender extracts. Since winning its first award for excellence in vanilla in 1897, Taylor & Colledge has upheld an unwavering commitment to unsurpassed quality, earning its reputation as one of the world’s finest producers of vanilla and other premium extracts. Minimum of $25 value.
Enter the Giveaway Now!
Don’t miss your chance to win these incredible prizes from our generous sponsors! Use the widget below to enter the #FallFlavors giveaway. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Please review the full giveaway disclaimer at the bottom of this post for complete details and eligibility.
Let’s get mixing and create some truly unforgettable Caramel Pecan Clusters! 
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Print Recipe
Caramel Pecan Clusters
Equipment
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups of Kraft Caramel Bits or 48 unwrapped caramels
- 1/4 cup water
- 6 cups Rice Chex or Crispix cereal
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
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Heat oven to 300 degrees F. Grease 2 large cookie sheets with Crisco, set aside.
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Pour cereal and pecans into a large bowl. Set aside.
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Place caramel bits and water in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. (if 2 minutes doesn’t do the trick, microwave in 30-second increments until caramel bits are melted and can be stirred smooth.
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Pour caramel over cereal and pecans and stir gently to coat. Take care not to break the cereal.
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Spread onto one of the greased cookie sheets.
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Bake for 15 minutes. Stir and flip the cereal. Bake for another 15 minutes.
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Remove from the oven, place the other greased cookie sheet on top of the one you removed from the oven and flip it over. Let cool completely, then break apart into clusters.
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Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
More #FallFlavors Recipes Below:
Appetizers and Snacks
- Caramel Pecan Clusters from An Affair from the Heart
- Carrot Top Hummus from Savory Moments
- Fall Charcuterie Board from Magical Ingredients
- Roasted Red Pepper and Crab Savory Cheesecake from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Sweet And Spicy Roasted Nuts from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Breakfast and Baked Goods
- Apple Cranberry Pecan Overnight Oats from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Cinnamon Apple Bread from Lemon Blossoms
- Sweet Potato Pancakes from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Soups and Salads
- Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup from Devour Dinner
- Panera Autumn Squash Soup from The Fresh Cooky
- Salmon Salad With Grapes And Pecans from Art of Natural Living
Side Dishes
- Apple Butter Dijon Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Candied Pecans And Green Apple from Soulfully Made
- Butternut Squash And Bacon Risotto from SueBee Homemaker
- Loaded Bacon And Kale Salad from Palatable Pastime
- Roasted Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts And Butternut Squash from Eat Move Make
- Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash from Hostess At Heart
Main Dishes
- Apple Cider Rubbed Pork Chops from That Recipe
- Thai Butternut Squash Curry from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Butternut Squash Parmesan Pasta from Frugal & Fit
- Grape & Gorgonzola Pizza from The Spiffy Cookie
- Honey Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner from Simple and Savory
- How To Air Fry Pork Tenderloin With Sweet Potatoes from West Via Midwest
Desserts
- Butter Pecan Fudge from Take Two Tapas
- Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake from Fresh April Flours
- Easy Apple Crisp from Life Love and Good Food
- Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies from Books n’ Cooks
- French Apple Tart from Jen around the world
- Individual Grape Crumble from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Pumpkin Roll from House of Nash Eats
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodles from Family Around The Table
- Slow Cooker Apple Pear Crisp from Blogghetti
Fall Flavors 2021 Giveaway Disclaimer: Six (6) winners will be randomly selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #FallFlavors bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter the giveaway and the contest is open only to US residents. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the #FallFlavors posts or entries. Thank you to our sponsors Millican Pecan Company, Dixie Crystals, Melissa’s Produce, Taylor & Colledge, Republic of Tea, and Nairn’s for providing prizes.