Rich, nutty, and decadently chocolatey — these Homemade Turtle Candies are the ultimate sweet treat! Made with toasted pecans, buttery caramel, and smooth melted chocolate, they deliver that perfect blend of crunch and gooey sweetness in every bite. They look fancy, taste amazing, and are surprisingly easy to make right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 bag (11 oz) soft caramels (about 40 pieces), unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Arrange the pecans: Place pecans in small clusters of 3–4 halves on the prepared sheet — these will form the “legs” of your turtles.
- Melt the caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes total).
- Add the caramel: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted caramel onto the center of each pecan cluster, making sure it touches all the nuts so they stick together.
- Cool slightly: Let the caramel set for about 10–15 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate briefly until firm.
- Melt the chocolate: In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Top with chocolate: Spoon or drizzle chocolate over each caramel cluster, covering the caramel completely.
- Add finishing touches: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top if desired for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Set and serve: Allow the candies to cool and harden completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving or storing.
Pro Tips
- Toast your pecans before assembling for deeper flavor — just bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle white chocolate over the top once the dark chocolate has set.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- These make beautiful homemade gifts — wrap them in cellophane bags or candy boxes tied with ribbon!
