Homemade Turtle Candy With Pecans and Caramel
Indulge in the delightful crunch and chew of Homemade Turtle Candies, a classic treat that marries the nuttiness of pecans with the sweetness of caramel, all enrobed in a silky chocolate drizzle. Perfect for festive seasons or a cozy weekend indulgence, these candies offer a simple joy with just four basic ingredients.
Whether you’re crafting a batch for a holiday gathering or just a sweet finish to your day, these turtle candies are sure to impress. For a twist on tradition, explore the combination of salty and sweet with a Pretzel Turtle variation.
These turtle candies bring a homemade charm to any dessert table, showcasing the rustic beauty of pecan clusters drenched in caramel. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this recipe provides a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories in the kitchen. Whether made from scratch or with store-bought ingredients, each piece promises a perfect blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Servings: Makes about 20 candies
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces soft caramels (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 ounces pecans (halves, toasted)
- 8 ounces chocolate (semi-sweet, chips are fine)
Instructions:
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the pecans in clusters of four on the prepared sheet, with each pecan pointing outward, resembling the legs of a turtle. Alternatively, drop them in small, random clusters.
- Unwrap the caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a spoonful of water if the caramels are stiff to ensure a softer consistency after melting. Microwave until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Allow the caramel to cool slightly—just enough so it’s not too hot—then spoon a dollop onto each pecan cluster. Don’t worry about perfection; these candies are meant to be rustic.
- Melt the chocolate chips either in the microwave or using a double boiler.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, ensuring it spreads slightly down the sides and covers the caramel completely.
- Refrigerate the tray of candies to set the chocolate and caramel, about 30 minutes.
- Serve the turtle candies at room temperature for optimal taste and texture. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at a cool room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tip: For the caramel, using store-bought varieties can save time, though homemade caramel typically offers a richer flavor. If you have leftover homemade caramel, it’s perfect for enhancing these turtles. Try making your own caramel for an even more special treat!