Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel is a decadent treat that combines the richness of caramel, the crunch of pecans, and the smooth sweetness of chocolate. These candies are so easy to make at home and perfect for holiday gifts or just a sweet indulgence. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own Turtle Candies!
Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecan halves (or chopped if you prefer smaller pieces)
- 1 cup caramel candies (or homemade caramel sauce)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (for smoother caramel)
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate, if you prefer)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional, for a sweet-salty contrast)
Instructions:
1. Toast the Pecans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, stirring once or twice to make sure they don’t burn. Once they’re fragrant and lightly golden, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool.
2. Melt the Caramel:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add the caramel candies and heavy cream.
- Stir occasionally until the caramel is fully melted and smooth. If you’re using store-bought caramel sauce, simply heat it up in the saucepan until it’s warm and runny. Remove from heat once melted and set aside.
3. Melt the Chocolate:
- In a separate heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate chips. You can do this by either:
- Microwaving: Heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
- Double Boiler: Set a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Assemble the Turtles:
- On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, arrange the toasted pecan halves into small clusters (about 3-4 pecans per cluster).
- Spoon a small amount of the melted caramel over each cluster. Be sure to let some of the caramel spill over the sides to create the “turtle” shape.
- Carefully spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel and pecans. Cover the caramel and pecans with a good amount of chocolate, but leave a little of the pecans showing around the edges to mimic a turtle’s shape.
5. Let Them Set:
- Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to allow the chocolate and caramel to set.
- Once the chocolate is fully hardened, you can sprinkle the sea salt on top (optional) for a sweet and salty twist.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once set, remove the turtle candies from the parchment paper and enjoy! These candies store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips & Variations:
- Caramel Alternatives: If you want to make your own caramel from scratch, you can melt sugar with butter and a splash of cream for a richer homemade version.
- Nuts Variety: You can use other nuts like cashews, walnuts, or even almonds for a different twist on the classic.
- Chocolate Varieties: If you prefer dark chocolate, it works great with the sweetness of the caramel. You can even use white chocolate for a different look and taste.
- Storage: If you want to make these ahead of time, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze them for longer storage (just let them thaw before eating).
These Turtle Candies are a crowd-pleaser and the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and creamy! They’re great for holidays, special occasions, or just whenever you’re in the mood for a treat.
Let me know if you have any questions or need more ideas for variations!