Oh, turtle candy with pecans and caramel—it’s an absolute delight! Imagine biting into a wonderfully chewy, caramel layer that is just the right amount of sweetness. And nestled on top are crunchy, toasted pecans, adding a nutty flavor and texture that complements the caramel perfectly. I can’t help but salivate just thinking about it!

This recipe is pure magic, combining these simple yet irresistible ingredients to create a treat that’s hard to resist. So, if you’re looking for a delightful and decadent homemade candy, this turtle candy recipe is a must-try. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• Pecans: 2 ½ cups whole pecan halves
• Caramels: 1 (11-ounce) package soft caramels, unwrapped (about 55 caramels)
• Evaporated Milk: 3 Tablespoons, can also use half-and-half or cream
• Milk Chocolate Chips: 1 (11.5-ounce) package (about 2 cups)
• Coconut Oil or Shortening: 2 teaspoons
• Maldon Flaky Salt: For decorating (optional)

Instructions for Making Turtle Candy With Pecans and Caramel

1. Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they have a nutty aroma. Alternatively, you can toast them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes. Let them cool before handling.
2. Prepare the Caramel: In a medium bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels with evaporated milk (or cream). Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until the caramels are melted and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Assemble the Turtles: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Arrange the toasted pecans in clusters of 3-5 on the sheets. Spoon 2-3 teaspoons of the warm caramel over the pecan clusters, ensuring it touches all the nuts to bind them together.
4. Melt the Chocolate: Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a medium bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate is almost fully melted. Continue stirring until it’s completely smooth.
5. Finish the Turtles: Spoon 2-3 teaspoons of melted chocolate over each caramel-nut cluster, swirling the top for a decorative finish. If desired, press a whole toasted pecan into the top of the chocolate or sprinkle with flaky salt before the chocolate sets.
6. Let Set: Allow the turtles to set until the chocolate firms up completely. If the caramel sticks to the parchment paper, placing them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes can help them release more easily.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the flavor and texture of your turtles. Opt for high-quality pecans, premium chocolate, and the best caramels you can find. If available, artisan or specialty store brands can offer a richer taste and smoother texture.

Toasting Pecans: Toasting pecans is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. It enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your turtles. Be careful not to burn them; watch closely as nuts can go from toasted to burnt quickly.

Caramel Consistency: Achieving the right caramel consistency is key. It should be smooth and chewy, not too hard or too runny. If making caramel from scratch, use a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature. For store-bought caramels, adding a bit of cream or evaporated milk can help achieve a smoother consistency.

Melting Chocolate: When melting chocolate, avoid overheating as it can become grainy or seize. Using a double boiler or microwaving in short bursts while stirring frequently can help maintain a smooth consistency. Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil can give your chocolate a glossy finish and a slightly softer texture, making it easier to bite into.

Assembling Turtles: Be creative with your turtle assembly. While traditional turtles have three to five pecans sticking out to resemble legs and a head, you can arrange them in any pattern you like. Just ensure the caramel and chocolate touch all pecans to bind them together.

Setting Time: Allow enough time for your turtles to set completely before serving. If you’re in a hurry, placing them in the refrigerator or freezer can speed up the process. However, letting them set at room temperature is best to prevent the chocolate from becoming too hard.

Handling Sticky Caramel: If your caramel is too sticky and adheres to the parchment paper, lightly greasing the paper or using a silicone baking mat can help. Additionally, chilling the turtles briefly before removing them from the paper can make the process easier.

Serving Suggestions

Gift Giving: Turtles make excellent gifts for holidays, birthdays, or as a thoughtful gesture. Place them in a decorative box or tin, separated by parchment paper layers, for a professional touch.

Dessert Platters: Add turtles to dessert platters alongside other sweets like cookies, brownies, and truffles. Their unique shape and combination of flavors will stand out and complement other desserts.

Coffee or Tea Pairing: The rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. Serve turtles as a sweet accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage for a relaxing treat.

Ice Cream Topping: Chop turtles into smaller pieces and use them as a topping for ice cream. They add a delightful texture and flavor to vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream.

Wine Pairing: For an adult indulgence, pair turtles with wine. The sweetness of the candy complements the complexity of red wines, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, or dessert wines like Port or Sherry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different nuts instead of pecans? A: Absolutely! While pecans are traditional for turtles, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even cashews for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are toasted for the best taste.

Q: How long do homemade turtles last? A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, turtles can last up to two weeks. In the refrigerator, they can last up to a month. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Q: Can I make turtles without a microwave? A: Yes, you can melt chocolate and caramels using a double boiler on the stove. Just ensure you stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth consistency.

Q: How can I prevent the chocolate from blooming? A: Chocolate bloom occurs when chocolate is subjected to temperature changes, causing cocoa butter to rise to the surface. To prevent this, ensure your turtles set in a cool, stable environment and avoid drastic temperature changes.

Q: Is it possible to make turtles vegan? A: Yes, you can make vegan turtles by using dairy-free caramels, chocolate, and substituting the evaporated milk with a plant-based alternative. Many health food stores offer vegan-friendly versions of these ingredients.

Q: Can I use homemade caramel for this recipe? A: Homemade caramel is an excellent choice for turtles and allows you to control the flavor and consistency. Just follow a trusted recipe and cook it to the soft ball stage for the best results.

Q: Why did my caramel not stick to the pecans? A: If the caramel doesn’t stick, it might be too hot or not thick enough. Allow it to cool slightly to thicken before spooning it over the pecans. Ensuring the pecans are closely arranged and touching can also help the caramel bind them together.

Turtle Candy With Pecans and Caramel

Enjoy the sweet and indulgent taste of Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel. Learn how to make this mouth-watering recipe now.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 18 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Servings 11

INGREDIENTS

• Pecans: 2 ½ cups whole pecan halves
• Caramels: 1 11-ounce package soft caramels, unwrapped (about 55 caramels)
• Evaporated Milk: 3 Tablespoons can also use half-and-half or cream
• Milk Chocolate Chips: 1 11.5-ounce package (about 2 cups)
• Coconut Oil or Shortening: 2 teaspoons
• Maldon Flaky Salt: For decorating optional

INSTRUCTIONS

• Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they have a nutty aroma. Alternatively, you can toast them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes. Let them cool before handling.
• Prepare the Caramel: In a medium bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels with evaporated milk (or cream). Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until the caramels are melted and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
• Assemble the Turtles: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Arrange the toasted pecans in clusters of 3-5 on the sheets. Spoon 2-3 teaspoons of the warm caramel over the pecan clusters, ensuring it touches all the nuts to bind them together.
• Melt the Chocolate: Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a medium bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate is almost fully melted. Continue stirring until it’s completely smooth.
• Finish the Turtles: Spoon 2-3 teaspoons of melted chocolate over each caramel-nut cluster, swirling the top for a decorative finish. If desired, press a whole toasted pecan into the top of the chocolate or sprinkle with flaky salt before the chocolate sets.
• Let Set: Allow the turtles to set until the chocolate firms up completely. If the caramel sticks to the parchment paper, placing them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes can help them release more easily.