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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