Instant Pot Chocolate Billionaires–chocolate, pecan and caramel clusters with a bit of crispy crunch from Rice Krispies. These candies have the perfect texture of chewiness, crispiness and softness.
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Instant Pot Chocolate Billionaires
These delicious hand-dipped chocolates taste better than any chocolate in a box and that’s the truth! One taste, and you’ll agree that the name is totally appropriate! I was shocked at how good the texture and taste was. I will be adding this recipe to my yearly Christmas goodies “to make” list. You can really personalize these to your likes…for example use dark chocolate and sea salt if you prefer. Or use milk chocolate and cashews instead of pecans. It’s totally up to you.
Ingredients
- A package of caramels–soft Werther’s or Kraft work well or if you can find them these caramel bits melt quickly and don’t have to be unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans–you can also use another type of nut
- 1 cup Rice Krispies–for a little bit of crispy crunch
- 3 cups semi sweet or milk chocolate chips–or a combination of the two. You can also use Ghirardelli melting wafers.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons shortening—gives a better finish and look and feel to the chocolate
Instructions
- Pour 2 cups of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot. Turn your Instant Pot to the saute setting adjust to “more.”
- Unwrap all the caramel candies.
- Place a glass or metal bowl that sits in/on the Instant Pot without falling in on top of the Instant Pot.
- Add the caramels and water into the bowl. Stir every few minutes until melted and smooth. This will seem like it’s not working but give it a little time…it works.
- Stir the pecans and Rice Krispies into the bowl until coated well.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a pan lined with parchment paper (these are very sticky, parchment seemed to work better than waxed paper for me). Refrigerate for 10-20 minutes, or until firm (you can also pop them into the freezer to speed up this process).
- Clean out the caramel bowl and place it back on top of the Instant Pot. Add in the chocolate chips and the shortening. Stir every few minutes until smooth and melted. Turn the Instant Pot to the KEEP WARM setting.
- Place one of the caramel pecan clusters onto a fork. Lower into the chocolate. Coat in the chocolate. Tap off excess chocolate. Then place on the parchment paper on the cookie sheet. Repeat until all the caramel pecan bites are used (I had a little leftover chocolate that I dipped some marshmallows in).
- Refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container.
Equipment Needed
- 3, 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot*
- A glass or metal bowl that fits on top of your Instant Pot liner* without falling in
- Parchment paper or non stick baking mat*
- Baking sheet*
- Fork or chocolate dipping tool*

Frequently Asked Questions
Why use the Instant Pot as a double boiler?
This time of year it’s fun to dip stuff in chocolate. Marshmallows, strawberries, pretzels, cinnamon bears, nuts…I’m a fan of it all. Homemade candy is just the best at Christmastime! Using your Instant Pot as a double boiler is a great way to melt the chocolate and then keep it warm and melty as you dip, dip, dip until your heart’s content. The Instant Pot keeps the chocolate the PERFECT temperature the entire time that you are dipping. I think that it’s much easier to use than the stove top method or the microwave method because the Instant Pot is placed on the counter and your parchment or waxed paper is placed right next to it. This leads to much less mess and it’s very convenient.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can also use a double boiler on the stove* to make this recipe.
Can I Swap Pecans With Other Types Of Nuts?
Yes of course! You can use walnuts, peanuts, cashews, macadamia nuts or another type of nut that you fancy. You can leave the nuts whole for bigger clumps, finely chop them up or coarsely chop them up. It is all about what your personal preference is.
Can I Add Salt To The Top?
If you’re a big fan of salted caramel you definitely should sprinkle a little bit of sea salt on top of each of the chocolate clusters before they dry! I love a touch of salty with the sweet. It just makes the chocolate and caramel stand out.
Can I Swap Chocolate Out?
This recipe calls for semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips. You are more than welcome to use dark chocolate chips/melts or white chocolate chips/melts. It’s a matter of preference. Personally I love dark chocolate with salted caramel more than anything so that’s what I will go with next time I make these!
How to store and freeze chocolate turtle candies?
After the chocolate is set pop them off the parchment paper and store in an airtight container. You can refrigerate but you don’t have to. You can also freeze these goodies for up to 3 months in an airtight container. The main thing is just to make sure they are set before freezing them or they will all stick together in one big clump. Then it will be hard to get one individual candy out at a time.
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Try these other holiday goodies…
Instant Pot Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Instant Pot Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Slow Cooker Dark Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Buried Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Did you know you can filter the recipes on my website to search by meat type, IP or Crockpot, low carb, gluten free, etc. Use the filter to find exactly what you are looking for.
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Instant Pot Chocolate Billionaires
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: about 2 pounds 1x
Description
Chocolate, pecan and caramel clusters with a bit of crispy crunch from Rice Krispies. These candies have the perfect texture of chewiness, crispiness and softness.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package of caramels (soft Werther’s or Kraft work well)
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
- 1 cup Rice Krispies
- 3 cups semi sweet or milk chocolate chips (or a combination of the two)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons shortening
Instructions
- Pour 2 cups of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot. Turn your Instant Pot to the saute setting adjust to “more.”
- Unwrap all the caramel candies.
- Place a glass or metal bowl that sits in/on the Instant Pot without falling in on top of the Instant Pot.
- Add the caramels and water into the bowl. Stir every few minutes until melted and smooth.
- Stir the pecans and Rice Krispies into the bowl until coated well.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a pan line with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes, or until firm (you can also pop them into the freezer).
- Clean out the caramel bowl and place it back on top of the Instant Pot. Add in the chocolate chips and the shortening. Stir every few minutes until smooth and melted. Turn the Instant Pot to the KEEP WARM setting.
- Place a caramel pecan bite onto a fork. Lower into the chocolate. Coat in the chocolate. Tap off excess chocolate. Then place onto the parchment paper. Repeat until all the caramel pecan bites are used (I had a little leftover chocolate that I dipped some marshmallows in).
- Refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
You can also use a double boiler on the stove to make this recipe.
Try sprinkling a little sea salt on top!
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Instant Pot
Check out how to use your Instant Pot as a double boiler by watching this video:
*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Hi, Karen! I plan to make your IP or slow cooker Turtle Candy. I love that I can make it either way, but prefer to use my crockpot. Do you have a preference of one over the other? Also, can I use my slow cooker for this recipe, as well?
Thanks so much for your recipes. I wish you a beautiful Christmas season!
Yes you can use either one! I do like the IP because it’s faster if I’m ready to get the project done. But the crockpot is more hands off!
Thank you so much for replying. You nailed it!!! When I have the time, I prefer the crockpot. I’ll be back once I make a few of your recipes (Turtle Candy, Billionaires, Peanut Clusters, Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate and Sweetened Condensed Milk [in the crockpot]). Can each these recipes be made either or (Instant Pot or crockpot)? I’m assuming it’s personal preference. Please let me know if I’m wrong. I hate wasting time/ingredients. Thanks again, Karen!
Yes either way it works!
Karen, after making the Chocolate Peanut Clusters, using the Instant Pot method for the chocolate, I continued on to make the Billionaires with the IP. I’d never had these before, and they were outstanding! They only difficulty I had was, while waxed paper worked for fine for dropping the peanut clusters on, the Billionaires stuck (I think because of the caramel). Next time, I’ll use parchment paper, or grease the waxed paper; in fact, I recall someone suggesting this on your site. Anyway, this recipe with join my candy making repertoire! Thank you, Karen!
★★★★★
Oh yes, sometimes waxed paper sticks. But parchment seems to work every time
I am allergic to nuts. Can you leave out the nuts all together, and replace it with more rice krispies?
sure!
can the carmels be left out? I do low to no sugar when possible. Sugar free chocolate–should melt? Right? I’d love to try this recipe.
Easier than I thought, and delicious, thank you!
★★★★★
I’m glad you made them. I think these are so fun!
What setting do you put the pot on to melt them? I assume it’s sautéed but you don’t specify.
Turn your Instant Pot to the saute setting adjust to “more.”
Anxious about making this— it sounds like the ones I would be making these for will enjoy them. Since I’m using a Ninja Foodi pressure cooker, do you happen to know what the “more” setting would be? I think my settings are low, medium, medium high, and high. Thank you for all your recipes. Being disabled with chronic pain makes physical activity extremely limited. The ease of an electric pressure cooker, air fryer, and your recipes gives me at least a little joy. 🤗
★★★★★
I bet it would be medium high or high. I’m glad you’re finding joy in cooking!
I have some raw peanuts still in the shell. Was wondering if I could use these nuts for this recipe and if I need to cook/bake the peanuts first.
Can the Shortening be left out? What is its purpose?
You can substitute it with coconut oil if you’d like. The shortening gives a better finish and look and feel to the chocolate
Cooks have been dipping candies in chocolate melted over hot water–with shortening or coconut oil–forever. If you don’t have a range then I guess an Instant Pot is another way to go. Honestly, I have never had a kitchen that didn’t have the range next to a countertop so I don’t see that this is a big deal.
You should try it! I think you will like it! The keep warm is the perfect setting.
Can you use coconut oil in place of the shortening.
I *think* that would be fine but haven’t tried it myself so I’m not 100% sure.
Of course. Measure for measure.
I don’t think using coconut oil is a good idea. Textures and taste are too different from Crisco shortening.
I’m not a fan of shortening either so I I used coconut oil and it turned out amazing!!
Thanks Char! Good to know!