Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters
Whenever I go to the movies I really wish they had at least one vegan chocolate candy bar available. Now that I have this vegan recipe I will never feel deprived again. These chocolate caramel pecan clusters taste just like a popular chocolate candy bar!
You could also make them for a special vegan treat on Halloween night. If you've got little ones who like chocolate bars on Halloween, you can wrap up these vegan treats just for them.
The picture makes them look like really dark chocolate which I don't like. I put them on a white serving dish to photograph which exaggerated the contrast. But they taste more like milk chocolate than they appear and trust me, if you like sweet chewy chocolate they are to die for!
It's easy to make a gooey caramel sauce from corn syrup and brown sugar. I've added a little white vinegar and pure vanilla extract to increase the flavour without needing any artificial flavouring.
Fresh pecans are a really nice nut to use but feel free to substitute walnuts, peanuts, or even cashews. The ground flax seeds make the texture really interesting, very similar to ground coconut or cookie crumbs. The coarse salt is also an important element that enhances the taste.
If it was not for the sugar I'd say these treats are healthy. Just restrain yourself because they are very rich. If chocolate gives you a headache you can use carob chips instead. They would still be delectable.
These vegan candy bars are so easy to make the hardest part is having the ingredients on hand.
The Ingredients
- 2 tbsp canola oil or other vegetable oil
- 2 cups semi-sweet vegan chocolate chips or carob chips
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 4 tbsp. ground flax seeds
- 1 tsp. coarse salt
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. vanilla
- 1 tbsp. white vinegar
Heat the oil in a medium sized saucepan. Add the pecans and flax seeds and stir to coat with the oil. Cook on medium heat for about two minutes until very lightly browned or you can smell a slightly roasted aroma. Do not over brown.
Combine the salt, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and vinegar. Add to the saucepan and turn the heat to high.
Continue to stir and heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Stir while it bubbles for no longer than thirty seconds. Remove from heat.
Add the chocolate chips and stir until they are completely melted.
Watch the mixture for a few minutes. As it cools it will begin to thicken. After about five minutes make cookie sized clusters on a non-stick cookie sheet. You might want to put wax paper or parchment paper down first but it is not absolutely necessary.
Put the cookie sheets in the fridge until the clusters have set. Use a metal spatula to pry them off the cookie sheet. If you like you can put each Chocolate Caramel Pecan Cluster in colourful candy wrappers to give as gifts.
Don't forget to make a batch the next time you plan to go to the cinema. This is a very easy recipe!
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