Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel

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This Homemade Turtle Candy recipe features buttery pecans, rich caramel, and smooth melted chocolate—all combined into the perfect bite-sized indulgence. These no-bake candies are incredibly easy to make and look just as good as they taste. Whether you’re prepping for the holidays, gifting homemade candy, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these classic turtle candies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required—ready in under an hour

• Only 3 main ingredients

• Perfect for gift boxes, cookie trays, or holiday spreads

• Sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy in every bite

• Easy to scale for larger batches

Ingredients Breakdown

• 64 pecan halves
  Serve as the crunchy base and create the classic turtle “legs” and “head” shape.

• 11 oz. caramels (baking or cooking)
  Melted to form a soft, chewy layer that holds the pecans together.

• 1 tablespoon water
  Helps smooth out the caramel as it melts.

• 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
  Adds a rich chocolate topping that balances the sweetness of the caramel.

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the set candies.

Tips for Success

• Use quality caramels for the best texture—avoid overly hard varieties.

• Silicone mats are great for easy release without sticking.

• Work quickly with melted caramel before it firms up.

• Add toppings like crushed pretzels, flaky sea salt, or drizzle with white chocolate for a festive look.

Variations and Customizations

• White Chocolate Turtle Candies: Substitute or drizzle with white chocolate.

• Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips or baking chocolate for a more intense flavor.

• Salted Turtle Candy: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before chilling.

• Nut Alternatives: Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.

Pairing Suggestions

These candies go great with:

• A cup of espresso or hot cocoa

• Holiday cookie trays

• Charcuterie boards for sweet-savory contrast

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh up to 2 weeks when refrigerated.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade caramel?

Yes! A small-batch soft caramel works perfectly and adds even more flavor.

Do I need a candy thermometer?

Not for this recipe—melting store-bought caramels in the microwave makes this process super easy.

Can I make a larger batch?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles or triples easily for holiday gifting or parties.

Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 candies 1x

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Description

This indulgent homemade turtle candy is the perfect combination of crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 64 pecan halves

• 11 oz. soft baking or cooking caramels (such as Kraft or Werther’s)

• 1 bag (about 12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 tablespoon water

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Arrange pecan halves in clusters of four, forming an “X” shape. Each group will serve as the foundation for one turtle candy. Leave space between clusters.

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2. Melt the Caramels

• Unwrap the caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl.

• Add 1 tablespoon of water to help with melting.

• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session, until the caramel is smooth and fully melted.

3. Add the Caramel Layer

• Using a spoon, drop a generous amount of melted caramel onto the center of each pecan cluster.

• Allow the caramel to slightly spread, covering the nuts but leaving tips exposed for a signature look.

4. Melt the Chocolate

• Place semi-sweet chocolate chips in another microwave-safe bowl.

• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.

5. Finish with Chocolate

• Spoon melted chocolate directly over the caramel layer of each turtle.

• Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top for a gourmet finish.

6. Chill and Set

Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer or refrigerator.
Let the candies chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set.

Notes

• For best results, let the candies sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving from the fridge or freezer.

• These make great holiday gifts—wrap individually in wax paper or add to festive tins.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (microwave melting)
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

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