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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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