Name: Best Ever Caramel Pecan Turtle Candy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups pecan halves, fresh and lightly toasted; 30–35 soft caramel squares, unwrapped; 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk; 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips; 1 tsp coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother melting); Sea salt for sprinkling

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Introduction

These Best Ever Caramel Pecan Turtle Candies combine the rich flavors of toasted pecans, creamy caramel, and smooth chocolate in a delightful treat. Perfect for gifting or indulging, they capture the classic taste of turtles with an easy homemade touch.

A close-up view of square pecan pralines, each with a thick, smooth caramel layer dripping over a base made of chopped pecans, topped with a single whole pecan in the center. The caramel is shiny and golden brown, covering the praline sides and slightly melting onto the white plate below. The white plate has a delicate decorative edge with a scalloped pattern, and some chopped pecans are scattered loosely on the plate next to the pralines. The background is a white marbled texture, softly blurred to keep focus on the glossy texture of the caramel and the rich brown color of the pecans. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups pecan halves, fresh and lightly toasted
30–35 soft caramel squares, unwrapped
2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
1 ½ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother melting)
Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pecans in small clusters of 3 halves, forming the classic “turtle” shape. Toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 2: In a saucepan, melt the caramel squares with heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
Step 3: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted caramel onto each pecan cluster. Work quickly as the caramel thickens as it cools.
Step 4: Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir in coconut oil or butter if using, until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Spoon a layer of melted chocolate over each caramel-covered pecan cluster, ensuring even coverage.
Step 6: Optionally sprinkle with sea salt, then let the candies set at room temperature for 30–45 minutes or refrigerate for 15 minutes until firm.

Tips & Variations

Use milk or dark chocolate chips depending on your preferred sweetness level.
For a richer caramel, substitute heavy cream with sweetened condensed milk.
Toast pecans lightly to enhance their flavor without overpowering the caramel.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the caramel for a unique twist.

Storage

Store the turtle candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before serving refrigerated candies, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly.

How to Serve

The image shows several small square pieces of chocolate toffee topped with a smooth layer of caramel, shiny and light brown in color. Each square is crowned with a single pecan half, deep reddish-brown and textured with ridges. The base layer appears rich and dark with bits of pecan mixed inside, creating a rough texture beneath the caramel. These squares are placed on a white plate with a scalloped edge, set on a white marbled surface. The focus is on the front pieces with soft lighting that highlights the gloss on the caramel and the texture of the pecans. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use roasted pecans instead of toasting them myself?

Yes, pre-roasted pecans work well. Just ensure they are fresh and not salted or flavored to maintain the classic turtle taste.

What can I substitute for coconut oil in the chocolate?

You can use butter or simply melt the chocolate alone. Adding fat helps create a smoother texture but isn’t mandatory.