Homemade Turtle Candy With Pecans and Caramel: A Rich, Nutty, Chocolate Delight
If you’ve ever taken a bite of a turtle candy — that irresistible blend of crunchy pecans, buttery caramel, and smooth chocolate — you know why it’s such a classic treat. These bite-sized candies resemble tiny turtles in shape, hence the name. Making turtle candies at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding, allowing you to enjoy a fresher, more flavorful version than any store-bought counterpart.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your own Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel.
🧈 Ingredients
For 20–24 candies:
- 2 cups pecan halves (toasted for added flavor)
- 1 cup soft caramels (about 25–30 pieces, unwrapped)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- Coarse sea salt (optional, for topping)
🔥 Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Pecans
- Toast the pecans (optional but recommended):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Toast for about 6–8 minutes until fragrant.
- Allow them to cool completely.
- Arrange the pecans:
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place three pecan halves in a cluster to resemble turtle “legs” and a “head.” Leave enough space between each cluster to accommodate the caramel and chocolate.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
- Melt the caramels:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the soft caramels and heavy cream.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth (usually takes about 2 minutes total).
- Spoon caramel onto pecans:
- Use a spoon to drizzle about 1–1.5 teaspoons of the melted caramel over each pecan cluster, focusing on the center.
- Let the caramel set slightly — about 10–15 minutes at room temperature, or 5 minutes in the fridge.
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