Homemade Turtle Candy With Pecans and Caramel

Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet, bake for 8–10 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely.
2. Melt the Caramels – Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, melt over low heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly.
3. Assemble the Turtles – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange pecans into clusters of 3–4. Spoon 1 tbsp caramel over each. Let set 10–15 minutes.
4. Melt the Chocolate – Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth or melt over a double boiler.
5. Coat with Chocolate – Spoon 1 tbsp melted chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster, spreading evenly.
6. Set & Serve – Let chocolate set at room temperature for 1 hour, or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to speed up cooling.

Storage Tips

✔ Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. ✔ Freeze for up to 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper.

Variations & Customizations

✔ Dark Chocolate Turtles – Swap semi-sweet for dark chocolate. ✔ Milk Chocolate Turtles – Use milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier version. ✔ Sea Salt Turtles – Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt before the chocolate sets. ✔ Almond Turtles – Replace pecans with toasted almonds for a twist.

FAQs & Pro Tips

✔ Store-bought caramel sauce might be too runny—use soft caramels instead. ✔ To prevent sticking, use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. ✔ For gift packaging, place candies in decorative tins or cupcake liners to keep them separate.

A sweet, crunchy, chocolatey delight that’s perfect for gifting or indulging. Enjoy! Would you like pairing suggestions for these candies?