A Sweet and Salty Treat That’s Impossible to Resist
Why You’ll Love This Turtle Candy Recipe
Turtle candies are the perfect trifecta of texture and taste: crunchy pecans, soft chewy caramel, and silky melted chocolate. Whether you’re making these for the holidays, as a thoughtful edible gift, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these homemade turtle candies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best of all? They’re surprisingly easy to make—no candy thermometer required!
Ingredients & What They Do
2 cups pecan halves (lightly toasted): Add a nutty crunch and buttery flavor that anchors the candy. Toasting enhances the flavor for a deeper richness.
1 package (11 oz) soft caramels (unwrapped): Provides the chewy, golden center. Using soft, pre-made caramels makes the process easy and foolproof.
2 tablespoons heavy cream: Softens and smooths the caramel, making it easier to spoon and more luxurious in texture.
2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate): Melts to form a glossy, irresistible coating. Choose milk chocolate for a sweeter bite or semi-sweet for a balanced flavor.
1 tablespoon vegetable or coconut oil (optional): Helps create a smoother, shinier chocolate topping that’s easier to drizzle.
Sea salt (optional): Adds a touch of gourmet flair and enhances the sweet and nutty flavors.
White chocolate (optional): Drizzled on top for decorative contrast and added sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Toast the pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool completely.
Arrange the pecan clusters: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 3–4 pecan halves in small clusters spaced a few inches apart. These form the “legs” of the turtles.
Melt the caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until caramel is melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly until thickened but still pourable.
Add caramel to pecans: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of caramel over the center of each pecan cluster. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to set.
Melt the chocolate: In another microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and vegetable or coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted and glossy.
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