Indulge in the decadent combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans with this Homemade Turtle Candy recipe. These sweet treats are a delightful mix of crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, making them perfect for special occasions or as a homemade gift. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make right in your kitchen.
Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel is the perfect treat for any chocolate and caramel lover. With the delightful crunch of pecans and the rich, smooth layers of caramel and chocolate, these candies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy making and savoring these little bites of heaven!
Table of Contents
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Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoothness)
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for sprinkling)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Pecans: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the pecan halves in clusters of 3-4 on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are close together but not overlapping too much. Each cluster will form the base of your turtle candy.
- Melt the Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as caramel can burn quickly.
- Assemble the Turtles: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the melted caramel over each pecan cluster, ensuring the caramel spreads out a bit but doesn’t cover the pecans completely. Allow the caramel to set for a few minutes.
- Melt the Chocolate: In another microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil or shortening (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Top with Chocolate: Spoon the melted chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster, covering the caramel and pecans. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread the chocolate if needed. If desired, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top of each candy for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Let the Candy Set: Allow the turtle candies to sit at room temperature until the chocolate is firm, which can take about an hour. For quicker setting, you can place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
- Serve and Store: Once the chocolate is fully set, your Homemade Turtle Candies are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Tips:
- Variations: For a different twist, try using dark chocolate or white chocolate instead of the traditional semisweet or milk chocolate. You can also experiment with other nuts like almonds or cashews if you prefer.
- Gift-Worthy: These candies make wonderful gifts for holidays, birthdays, or just because. Wrap them in decorative boxes or bags, and add a ribbon for a personal touch.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re making these for a crowd, simply double the ingredients. The process remains the same, and you’ll have plenty of turtle candies to share