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Homemade Chocolate Turtles Recipe

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Homemade Chocolate Turtles are delightful caramel and pecan clusters generously coated in rich melted chocolate. This easy-to-make treat combines toasted pecans with a luscious homemade caramel, dipped in smooth almond bark or high-quality chocolate for a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and creamy flavors. Ideal for gifting or enjoying as a rich indulgence, these candies set quickly and can be stored for weeks.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel and Nuts

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups pecan halves

Chocolate Coating

  • 16 oz almond bark or high quality chocolate

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for toasting the pecans.
  2. Toast and Chop Pecans: Spread pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are toasted and fragrant but not burned. Alternatively, toast in a hot skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes. After toasting, allow pecans to cool and then roughly chop them. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner and set it aside for forming the caramel candy.
  4. Make Caramel Mixture: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter by heating it in the microwave until fully melted. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  5. Cook Caramel: Microwave the mixture on HIGH for about 6-8 minutes total, stopping intermittently to stir, until the caramel reaches 235°F on an instant-read thermometer, or passes the ice water bath test.
  6. Ice Bath Test: To test the caramel, drop a spoonful into a cup of ice water. Pinch it between your fingers; it should form a soft ball. If it doesn’t, return to the microwave for 30 more seconds and test again.
  7. Add Flavor and Nuts: Carefully remove the hot bowl (use hot pads to avoid burns). Stir vanilla extract into the hot caramel, then fold in the chopped pecans evenly.
  8. Form Caramel Turtles: Using a large spoon, drop spoonfuls of the pecan-caramel mixture onto the lined baking sheet to create individual mounds. This should yield about 20 candies, but size can be adjusted to preference. Refrigerate for approximately 20 minutes until set.
  9. Melt Chocolate: Melt the almond bark or chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler.
  10. Dip Turtles in Chocolate: Using a fork, dip each pecan caramel cluster into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Lift the cluster with the fork and tap gently over the bowl to let excess chocolate drip off. Place the dipped turtles back onto the parchment paper to set.
  11. Store Turtles: Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate. Store the finished turtles in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks for best freshness.

Notes

  • Toast pecans carefully to prevent burning, stirring once halfway through baking.
  • The caramel temperature is crucial; use an instant-read thermometer or the ice water test for accuracy.
  • If you prefer a deeper caramel flavor, you can cook a little longer but watch carefully.
  • Almond bark is convenient for melting and coating, but high-quality chocolate will yield a richer flavor.
  • Store turtles in a cool place, especially in warm weather, to prevent chocolate from melting.
  • These candies can be customized by using other nuts such as walnuts or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets.

Keywords: Chocolate turtles, homemade candy, caramel pecans, chocolate pecan clusters, easy candy recipe

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