Best Ever Caramel Pecan Turtle Candy Recipe
Indulge in the perfect blend of crunchy toasted pecans, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate with this Best Ever Caramel Pecan Turtle Candy recipe. These delightful homemade treats combine classic flavors and are easy to make with simple ingredients, ideal for gifting or enjoying as a sweet snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20-25 pieces 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pecans
- 2 cups pecan halves, fresh and lightly toasted
For the Caramel
- 30–35 soft caramel squares, unwrapped
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
For the Chocolate Topping
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother melting)
Optional
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Pecans:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pecan halves in small clusters of three, forming the classic ‘turtle’ shape. Toast them in the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and slightly crisp.
- Melt the Caramel:
Using a saucepan over low heat, melt the unwrapped caramel squares together with the heavy cream or milk. Stir constantly to ensure the mixture becomes smooth and creamy without burning.
- Add Caramel to Pecans:
Quickly spoon about one teaspoon of the melted caramel onto each pecan cluster. It’s important to work fast since the caramel will thicken as it cools, making it harder to spread evenly.
- Melt the Chocolate:
Using a double boiler or microwave (in 30-second intervals), melt the chocolate chips together with the coconut oil or butter if using. Stir until the chocolate mixture is smooth, glossy, and free of lumps.
- Top with Chocolate:
Carefully spoon a generous layer of the melted chocolate over each caramel-covered pecan cluster, making sure the caramel is fully covered and the shape holds.
- Finish and Cool:
Optionally sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate for a flavor contrast. Let the candies set at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes or place in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes until the chocolate is firm and the candy is ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure to toast the pecans lightly—over-toasting can give a bitter flavor.
- If the caramel starts to thicken too much, gently warm it again to soften.
- Using coconut oil or butter in the chocolate helps create a silky texture and shinier finish.
- Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer shelf life.
Keywords: Caramel turtle candy, pecan chocolate candy, homemade turtle candy, easy caramel candy, chocolate pecan clusters
