Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramels

I love making Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramels because it combines three of my favorite things—roasted pecans, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate—into one irresistible treat. These candies are easy to make and look incredibly fancy, making them perfect for gifting or serving at holiday gatherings. The salty-sweet combination of crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and chocolate is absolutely heavenly!

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I adore about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet the end result feels so luxurious and indulgent. The combination of crunchy pecans, silky caramel, and smooth chocolate makes for a decadent bite-sized treat. It’s a great dessert to prepare for special occasions or just when you need a little sweet snack!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole pecans (or roughly chopped)

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)

  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 8 oz semisweet or milk chocolate (chopped or in chips)

  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (for topping)

Directions

  1. Prepare the pecans:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the whole pecans (or chopped) in a single layer on a baking sheet.

    • Roast the pecans in the oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

  2. Make the caramel:

    • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.

    • Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes without stirring, until it thickens slightly.

    • Carefully add the heavy cream and stir until smooth. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the caramel thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

  3. Assemble the turtles:

    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

    • Place clusters of roasted pecans (about 5-6 pecans) on the baking sheet, making sure they are closely packed together but not touching.

    • Spoon a generous amount of the caramel mixture over each cluster of pecans, letting it drip between the nuts. You can use a small spoon or a tablespoon to make sure each cluster is well-covered.

  4. Top with chocolate:

    • Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler.

    • Drizzle the melted chocolate over each pecan-caramel cluster, covering them completely, or just drizzling on top for a decorative effect.

  5. Chill and set:

    • Let the turtle candies sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for about 15 minutes, until the chocolate has fully set and the caramel is firm.

  6. Serve:

    • Once the chocolate has hardened, your homemade turtle candies are ready to serve! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.

  7. Optional Garnish:

    • Sprinkle some additional chopped pecans on top of the chocolate before it sets for extra texture and decoration.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12-15 turtle candies, depending on the size of the pecan clusters. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is 20-25 minutes, plus cooling time.

Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramels

Variations

I like to change it up by:

  • Using different types of chocolate, like dark or white chocolate, for a new twist on the classic turtle flavor.

  • Adding a pinch of sea salt on top for a salty-sweet contrast.

  • Using other nuts, such as cashews or almonds, in place of the pecans.

Storage / Reheating

Store these candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of nut?
    Yes! You can use walnuts, almonds, or even cashews in place of the pecans if you prefer.

  2. Can I make the caramel ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the caramel ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply reheat it gently before using.

  3. Can I make these candies vegan?
    Yes! You can substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and use non-dairy cream (like coconut cream) in place of the heavy cream. Make sure to use vegan chocolate as well.

  4. How do I know when the caramel is ready?
    The caramel should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and have a smooth, velvety texture. If you want to be more precise, you can use a candy thermometer—cook the caramel until it reaches 240°F (115°C).

Conclusion

Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramels is the ultimate indulgence, combining the perfect balance of sweet and salty with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate make these candies irresistible, and they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting them to loved ones, these turtles will always be a hit!

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Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramels

Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramels


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  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12-15 turtle candies
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramels combines roasted pecans, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate into a decadent treat. This easy-to-make candy is perfect for gifting or serving at special gatherings. The salty-sweet combination of crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and chocolate creates a melt-in-your-mouth indulgence!


Ingredients

2 cups whole pecans (or roughly chopped)

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 oz semisweet or milk chocolate (chopped or in chips)

1/4 cup chopped pecans (for topping)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the whole or chopped pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
  2. Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes, undisturbed, until it thickens slightly. Carefully add the heavy cream and stir until smooth. Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes, until the caramel coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  3. Assemble the turtles: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place clusters of roasted pecans (about 5-6 pecans) on the baking sheet, ensuring they are closely packed but not touching. Spoon the caramel mixture over each cluster, letting it drip between the pecans.
  4. Top with chocolate: Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler. Drizzle the melted chocolate over each pecan-caramel cluster, covering them or drizzling decoratively on top.
  5. Chill and set: Allow the turtle candies to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 15 minutes until the chocolate sets and the caramel firms up.
  6. Serve: Once the chocolate has hardened, your homemade turtle candies are ready to serve! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
  7. Optional garnish: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for added texture and decoration.

Notes

Change the chocolate type for variety—use dark or white chocolate for a new twist on the classic flavor.

Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a salty-sweet contrast.

Substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different nut flavor.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop, Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 candy
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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