Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel Recipe – Sweet Joy!

Crafting sweet memories starts with this delectable turtle candy with pecans and caramel that melts hearts instantly.

Chocolate lovers adore this classic confection bursting with rich flavors.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of crunchy pecans, smooth caramel, and decadent chocolate.

The layers of texture create a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Homemade treats like these connect us to cherished traditions and bring joy to any gathering.

These irresistible candies transform simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert experience.

Dive into this delightful recipe and unleash your inner confectioner.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything You’ll Need For Turtle Candy With Pecans And Caramel

• Pecans: Fresh, high-quality pecans add rich, buttery crunch and elevate the candy's texture; choose whole, unbroken halves for best presentation.

• Soft Caramels, Heavy Cream: Creamy caramels create smooth, stretchy coating; select soft, pliable caramel squares for easy melting and optimal gooey texture.
• Chocolate Chips: Premium chocolate provides luxurious finish; dark or milk varieties work beautifully for balanced sweetness.
• Coconut Oil: Optional ingredient enhancing chocolate's glossy sheen and ensuring smooth, silky coating.

• Parchment Paper, Silicone Baking Mat: Essential for preventing sticking and ensuring easy candy removal; provides clean, professional presentation.

Tools That Make Turtle Candy With Pecans And Caramel Easier

• Baking Sheet: Flat metal pan for toasting pecans and assembling turtle candies.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Microwave-Safe Bowls: Two bowls for melting caramel and chocolate smoothly.
• Measuring Spoon: For precisely spooning caramel onto pecan clusters.
• Spatula or Spoon: To stir caramel and chocolate during melting process.
• Cooling Rack (optional): Helps candies set evenly at room temperature.

How To Form Turtle Candy With Pecans And Caramel Bites

• Pecan Preparation

Toast pecans in the oven until they release a warm, nutty aroma. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet, letting their rich flavor develop.

• Caramel Creation

Melt soft caramels with a splash of cream, stirring until the mixture becomes silky and smooth. The golden liquid will create a luxurious base for your treats.

• Cluster Formation

Arrange pecan clusters on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle the warm caramel over the nuts, allowing it to create delicate pools around the toasted pecans.

• Chocolate Coating

Gently melt chocolate until it becomes glossy and fluid. Pour the chocolate over the caramel-kissed pecan clusters, ensuring complete coverage.

• Final Touches

Let the candies rest and set, allowing the chocolate to harden into a smooth, glossy shell. The treats will transform into decadent morsels of pure delight.

Swaps You Can Try In Turtle Candy With Pecans And Caramel

• Pecan Perfection Techniques: Toast pecans just until golden and fragrant to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, providing a rich base for the turtle candies.
• Caramel Consistency Trick: Add a splash of heavy cream to store-bought caramels to create a smoother, more spreadable mixture that coats pecans beautifully.
• Chocolate Coating Magic: Use a mix of milk and dark chocolate for depth of flavor, or try white chocolate for a different twist that looks stunning against the golden pecans.
• Dietary Friendly Swaps: Create dairy-free versions by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free chocolate chips. Swap pecans with almonds or cashews for nut-free alternatives that still deliver amazing texture and taste.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep turtle candies in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. Layer between parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking and maintain their gorgeous glossy finish.

Serving Turtle Candy With Pecans And Caramel At Holidays

• Dessert Delightful Pairings
• Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange these turtle candies alongside classic sugar cookies and gingerbread treats for a festive dessert presentation that looks stunning and offers delicious variety.
• Elegant Coffee Companion: Serve these turtle candies next to rich espresso or creamy cappuccino for a decadent after-dinner indulgence that balances sweet chocolate with robust coffee flavors.
• Gourmet Gift Packaging: Create beautiful homemade gift boxes by layering these turtle candies between parchment paper, perfect for holiday gifts or special occasion treats that show personal care and culinary skill.
• Romantic Dessert Finale: Place a few turtle candies on elegant dessert plates with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a romantic and sophisticated dessert ending to a special dinner.

How To Keep Turtle Candy With Pecans And Caramel Fresh

• Sweet Stash Strategy: Keep turtle candies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
• Chilled Comfort Zone: Refrigerate the candies for up to 2 weeks, ensuring they remain firm and delicious. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
• Counter Cool-Down: Store at room temperature in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight for 5-7 days. Ideal temperature range is 60-70°F to prevent chocolate melting or caramel separation.
• Travel-Ready Treat: Wrap individual turtle candies in wax paper or small squares of parchment paper for easy transport in lunch boxes, picnic baskets, or care packages. Maintain their shape and prevent pieces from sticking together during movement.

Gooey Turtle Candy With Pecans And Caramel Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

This irresistible turtle candy with pecans and caramel delivers a perfect blend of chocolate, nuts, and sweet caramel. Chocolate lovers will savor each rich, indulgent bite of this classic Southern treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) pecan halves, toasted
• 20 soft caramels (7 oz / 198 g)
• 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp (5 ml) coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for a glossy finish)

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Instructions

1. Cluster Preparation: Meticulously arrange toasted pecan halves into compact, symmetrical clusters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring uniform distribution and aesthetic appeal.
2. Caramel Transformation: Melt caramels with cream in a microwave-safe vessel, stirring intermittently until achieving a seamless, glossy liquid without any residual lumps, maintaining a velvety consistency.
3. Caramel Infusion: Carefully drizzle warm caramel onto the center of each pecan cluster, allowing it to interweave and connect the nuts while preserving their structural integrity, creating a harmonious blend of textures.
4. Chocolate Coating: Gradually melt chocolate chips using controlled microwave intervals, stirring diligently between heating cycles to prevent scorching, and incorporate coconut oil to enhance the chocolate’s luminosity and create a professional, silky finish.
5. Final Embellishment: Artfully cascade the molten chocolate over each caramel-draped pecan cluster, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage that encapsulates the entire confection with a glossy chocolate embrace.
6. Setting and Storage: Allow the turtle candies to solidify naturally at ambient temperature or expedite the process by refrigerating for approximately 15 minutes. Once completely hardened, delicately transfer to an airtight container, strategically layering with parchment paper to prevent adhesion and maintain their impeccable presentation.

Notes

• Toast Pecans Carefully: Ensure even, golden-brown toasting by watching closely and stirring frequently to prevent burning and maximize nutty flavor.
• Melt Caramel Gently: Use low heat and short microwave intervals to prevent scorching, stirring consistently for a smooth, glossy texture without burning.
• Chocolate Coating Technique: Add a small amount of coconut oil to melted chocolate for enhanced shine and smoother consistency, creating a professional-looking finish.
• Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper between layers when storing to maintain the candies’ pristine appearance and prevent them from clumping together.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg