Pecan Turtles are a nostalgic candy made with layers of melted caramel and chocolate on top of crunchy pecans and finished with flaky sea salt. Microwaving the caramel and chocolate makes this treat super easy and quick. Let the layers harden on the counter or fridge before enjoying or giving them out as gifts for the holidays or year-round.
Easy Homemade Turtle Candy
These are super easy to make. The hardest part is unwrapping the caramels, but the rest of the recipe is just microwaving and waiting for the candies to cool.
These Pecan Caramel Chocolate Turtles are an old school treat that my mother-in-law always made for the kids. My version is just like hers; I only added flaky sea salt on top for a savory twist.
Arranging the pecans is the first part. Then, you’ll melt the caramel and pour it over the pecans. Next up is melting the chocolate and pouring that over the caramel layer. Finish them off with flakey sea salt and let the candies cool and harden so they’re easy to eat and share.
Perfect for the holidays or whenever you’re craving some chocolate caramel candy. They make greata teacher gifts. They have a similar flavor profile as a turtle pie without the creamy filling. Not quite as nutty as pecan bars, but you still get pecans in every bite.
Try getting little helpers for this recipe, they can remove the plastic around the caramels and can arrange the pecans.
Homemade Turtles Will Become Your New Favorite Because
- They’re easy: There’s no baking involved. Just some melting and waiting for the candies to cool.
- They make great gifts: Once the candies cool, you can package them up and give them out as gifts to friends and family.
- They’re indulgent: Gooey caramel and rich chocolate melted on top of crunchy pecans create a decadent treat where one just isn’t enough.
You Need a Few Basic Ingredients
This is just a quick list of what you’ll need. Make sure to check the recipe card below for the full list.
- Caramels: You want to use soft, chewy caramels that will melt easily, not hard ones. If you want you can make homemade caramels, they’re not that difficult.
- Pecan halves: Use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor, and toast them lightly if you want even more depth.
- Milk chocolate chips: Melted chocolate is spooned on top for an indulgent finish. You can go with semi-sweet or dark chocolate and it doesn’t matter whether you use chips or a bar.
Making Caramel Pecan Turtles at Home
Step One: Arrange the Pecans
Step Two: Melt the Caramel
Step Three: Melt the Chocolate
Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring frequently, until smooth and creamy.
Step Four: Assemble and Finish
Switch Up the Ingredients
- Go Dark or White Chocolate: Swap the milk chocolate for dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate if you love a richer, less sweet treat, or go with white chocolate for a creamy, sweeter twist.
- Add Peanut Butter: A little peanut butter on top of the caramel before adding the chocolate makes these even more irresistible.
How Pecan Turtles Stay Fresh
Keep turtles in an airtight containerin the refrigerator, otherwise they will stick together.
These are also great for freezing. Pop them in the freezer for 2-3 months and let them come to room temperature before eating.
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Ingredients
- 30 soft caramels
- 1 tablespoon cream
- 72 pecan halves
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange pecan halves in groups of 3 with the pointed ends of the pecans facing out and the other ends touching in the center.
- In a microwave safe bowl add unwrapped caramels and cream and microwave on 50% power for about 3 minutes, stirring every minute until it is melted and smooth. Use a spoon to spoon about a teaspoon of the melted caramels into the center of the pecans. Let it sit for 30 m minutes for the caramels to cool.
- In a microwave safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips on 50% power, stirring frequently until melted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth. Spoon about 1 teaspoon over the top of the cooled caramel centers. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and allow to cool to room temperature.
Notes
- Add flaky salt as soon as you have added the chocolate before it hardens.
- If you are in a hurry, you can refrigerate the candy after adding the caramel.
- When storing, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking to each other.
