Homemade Turtle Candy With Pecans and Caramel

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups pecan halves (toasted for best flavor)
• 1 cup soft caramels (about 25–30 pieces, or homemade if you prefer)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (to soften the caramel)
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate if you like it sweeter)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (for smoother melted chocolate)
• Sea salt flakes (optional, for sprinkling on top)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pecans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Toast for 6–8 minutes, just until fragrant. This enhances their natural nutty flavor and crispiness.
4. Let them cool completely.

Tip: Arrange pecans in small clusters of four on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this will form the base of your turtle candies.

Step 2: Melt and Soften the Caramel

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream.
2. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and creamy.
3. Once melted, spoon about a teaspoon of caramel onto the center of each pecan cluster.
4. Allow the caramel to set slightly (about 10 minutes at room temperature).

This step is crucial—it binds the pecans together and creates the chewy, buttery middle.

Step 3: Coat With Chocolate

1. In another bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil (or butter) in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until silky smooth.
2. Spoon enough melted chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster to cover it completely.
3. Use the back of the spoon to smooth the surface or leave little swirls for a rustic touch.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

• If you like a sweet-salty contrast, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each candy before the chocolate hardens.
• Let the candies sit at room temperature until set, or speed things up by chilling them in the fridge for 15 minutes.

Storage and Serving

• Store turtle candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate them for 2–3 weeks.
• If you’d like to prepare them as gifts, wrap each candy in wax paper or pack them into decorative tins.

Tips and Variations

• Nut Swap: Try using almonds, cashews, or walnuts instead of pecans for a different twist.
• Caramel Shortcut: If you don’t want to unwrap dozens of candies, make your own quick caramel sauce with sugar, butter, and cream.
• Chocolate Options: White or dark chocolate coatings add variety and make a lovely mixed platter.

Final Thoughts

Making Homemade Turtle Candy With Pecans and Caramel is easier than you might think, and the results are delightfully indulgent. With just three core elements—pecans, caramel, and chocolate—you create a treat that’s crunchy, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth all at once. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee, gift them to loved ones, or keep them all for yourself, these candies are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Would you like me to also give you a no-cook version (using pre-made caramel sauce and melting chocolate only) for when you want them super quick?