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Published: November 24, 2019Updated: November 2, 2020Author: Amy
Homemade Turtles Candy is a fast, easy, irresistible 3-ingredient treat perfect for holidays, birthdays, baby showers, game day, and anytime you want to satisfy your sweet tooth!
What is Turtle Candy?
Turtles Candy are a classic found at all chocolate stores, but they’re so easy to make at home. All you need are pecan halves, caramel, and chocolate.
They get their cute name based on their shape, which look like little turtles with a candy shell.
How To Make Turtle Candy
(For the FULL printable recipe, scroll to the bottom.)
- Toast the pecans. This isn’t required, but I highly recommend it! It really does make a difference in the flavor.
- Arrange your pecan halves in clusters. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and make 18 small mounds, about 5 pecan halves in each one depending on their size. (Overlap the pecans some to reduce gaps, otherwise the caramel will seep through.)
- Melt the caramel. Add the caramels and water to a microwave safe bowl (making sure it’s free of any debris or moisture) and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until fully melted and stirred together fully. (The first few times you try to stir, it feels impossible, but eventually they do soften and you’ll be able to stir them until smooth. The caramel will be runny when it first comes together, but firms up quite a bit as it cools.)
- Spoon the caramel on top of the pecans. As soon as your caramel is ready, quickly spoon a couple teaspoons of the hot caramel on top of the clusters, making sure each pecan is covered with some caramel. Don’t worry about them being perfect (these are meant to be rustic!), just work quickly before the caramel starts to set up.
- Add the chocolate layer. Let the caramels sit for a bit to harden and then spoon a couple teaspoons of the melted chocolate on top of each turtle.
- Allow the Turtle Candy to firm up at room temp (this will take many hours) or place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or freezer for 15.) For the best taste and texture, serve the turtles at room temperature so nobody cracks a tooth!
Turtle Candy Recipe Variations
There are several ways to make this Turtle Candy recipe, but the most important thing is to keep the combination of pecans, caramel, and chocolate.
- Have a pretzel be the base.
- Use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the melted chocolate for a mocha flair.
- Sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top to finish it off.
How To Store Turtle Chocolate Candy
You can store these turtles in airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. (Keep them away from warm temperatures or the chocolate will start to melt.)
To freeze Turtle Candy: layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper or wax paper (this will prevent them from sticking together.) Freeze for up to 2 months, then defrost at room temperature before serving.
See, candy making can be super easy! No thermometer or special utensils needed for this Turtle Candy recipe. These make great holiday gifts!
Other Candy recipes to make!
- Old Fashioned Potato Candy
- (See’s Copycat) Polar Bear Paws
- Cream Cheese Mints
- Candied Pecans
I hope you love this delicious and simple recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!
Homemade Turtles Candies
Homemade Turtle Candies are a fast, easy, irresistible 3-ingredient treat perfect for holidays, birthdays, baby showers, game day, and anytime you want to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes minutes
Chill 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 18
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pecan halves
- 12 ounces caramels (unwrapped)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate morsels
- sea salt , optional
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place your pecan halves on a baking sheet; transfer to the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes until toasted and fragrant. (Alternatively, you can add them to a hot non-stick skillet, stirring constantly until they are fragrant, about 5 minutes.)
Line two bakingsheets with parchment paper (that can also fit in the refrigerator or freezer.) Make 18 small mounds, about 5 pecan halves in each one depending on their size. (Overlap the pecans some to reduce gaps, otherwise the caramel will seep through.)
Add the caramels and water to a microwave safe bowl (making sure it's free of any debris or moisture) and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until fully melted and stirred together fully. (The first few times you try to stir, it feels impossible, but eventually they do soften and you'll be able to stir them until smooth. The caramel will be runny when it first comes together, but firms up quite a bit as it cools.)
As soon as your caramel is ready, quickly spoon a 2 teaspoons of the hot caramel on top of the clusters, making sure each pecan is covered with some caramel. Don’t worry about them being perfect, just work quickly before the caramel starts to set up.
Let the caramels sit for a bit to harden and then add the chocolate later. Just melt the chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl (making sure it's free of any debris or moisture) in the microwave at half power, stirring every 30 seconds. Then spoon 2 teaspoons on top of each turtle.
Sprinkle a little bit of sea salt on top, if using.
Allow the Turtle Candy to firm up at room temp (this will take many hours) or place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or freezer for 15.)
For the best taste and texture, serve the turtles at room temperature.
Notes
To store:
- You can store these turtles in airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. (Keep them away from warm temperatures or the chocolate will start to melt.)
- To freeze Turtle Candy: layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper or wax paper (this will prevent them from sticking together.) Freeze for up to 2 months, then defrost at room temperature before serving.
- It’s best to serve these at room temperature, otherwise someone could crack a tooth trying to bite into them!
Nutrition
Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 48mg | Potassium: 199mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.
Other Notes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Turtle Candy Recipe, Turtles candy
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