Homemade Turtle Candy With Pecans and Caramel
Homemade Turtle Candy With Pecans and Caramel
Our easy Homemade Turtles are made with chewy caramel, toasted pecans, and rich chocolate for one of the BEST Christmas candy recipes that you really can (and should!) enjoy all year round. They can be made without a candy thermometer in under 30 minutes for a fun treat that makes a great edible gift for friends and neighbors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Whenever I go to a candy counter or quality chocolate shop, I’m torn between my two favorites: English toffee with almonds or the chocolate pecan turtle clusters made with chewy caramel. The flavor and texture of nuts, chocolate, and toffee or caramel are totally irresistible!
But they are also really fun and easy to make at home. Plus, they taste better and fresher since they are made with the freshest ingredients.
And if you use whole pecans and your imagination, you can kind of see how they got their name since they really do kind of look like little baby turtles with chocolate shells on their backs and pecan legs sticking out.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Cookie sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon or small candy scoop
- Double boiler (optional)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces soft caramels (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 ounces pecans (halves, toasted)
- 8 ounces chocolate (semi-sweet, chips are fine)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Gather the ingredients.
- Prepare a cookie sheet by covering it with aluminum foil or parchment, and spraying the foil or parchment with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the pecans in clusters of 4 with each pecan pointing in a different direction (like turtle legs). Alternately, you can just drop them in small clusters on the baking sheet.
- Unwrap the caramels if wrapped and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. If they are very stiff, add a spoonful of water so the final product will be softer. Microwave them until melted, stirring after every 30 seconds.
- Allow the caramel to cool slightly, so it’s not piping-hot, then use a spoon or a small candy scoop to drop a spoonful of caramel each pecan cluster. They are meant to be a rustic candy, so don’t worry about keeping the turtles round or about having some of the pecans poking through.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler.
- Spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, letting some drip down the sides, and nudging it around so it covers the top of the caramel completely.
- Place the baking sheet of candies in the refrigerator to fully set the chocolate and caramel, for at least 30 minutes.
- For the best taste and texture, serve the turtles at room temperature. Extras can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at cool room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips for Success
When it comes to the caramel, store-bought is going to be fastest and easiest, but as far as taste, we always prefer homemade whenever possible. We won’t usually make a new batch of caramel just for turtles, but if we’ve made caramel and have some left over, turtles are the perfect use for it! Try this recipe for soft caramels and see if it doesn’t take your turtles over the top!
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different nuts like almonds or cashews if you prefer. You can also try drizzling white chocolate on top for a decorative touch.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give your turtles a deeper, richer flavor.
How long will these candies last?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at cool room temperature for up to two weeks.
Do I need a candy thermometer?
No, this recipe is simple and doesn’t require a candy thermometer.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and eating these delightful homemade turtle candies as much as we do! They’re a perfect gift for friends or a treat for yourself. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you try with us!
