Homemade Turtle Candy With Pecans And Caramel
Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel is a decadent treat that combines crunchy pecans, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate into a delightful confection. Each piece features a base of pecan halves arranged in a cross shape, topped with a generous layer of melted caramel, and finished with a drizzle of silky chocolate.
This easy-to-make candy is perfect for holiday gifting or as a special treat to enjoy any time. With options for additional flavors and textures, such as crushed pretzels or sea salt, you can customize these turtles to suit your taste and impress your friends and family.
Homemade Turtle Candy With Pecans And Caramel
Ingredients
64 Pecan halves
11 oz. Baking/cooking caramels
1 Bag semi sweet chocolate chips
Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
Instructions
Place the pecan halves flat side down on a parchment or silicone baking mat lined baking sheet. Separate them into sets of four, and form them into cross or “x” shapes.
Leave some room between each set of four pecan halves. These will be the base for your turtle candies.
Unwrap the caramels and place them into a microwave safe bowl. Add a tablespoon of water to the bowl, and microwave for 30 seconds at a time until completely melted and smooth.
Use a spoon to spoon the caramel mixture over the center of each group of pecan halves on your baking sheet. You can use a generous helping for each one.
Add the chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl, and heat for 30 seconds at a time until completely melted and smooth.
Spoon the chocolate mixture over the caramel mixture in the center of each candy.
Place the turtle candies into the freezer to set for at least half an hour before serving.
Flavorful Additions
Although these candies are pure perfection as they are, other ingredients can be added for texture or for a different flavor profile. Here are some ideas:
Use crushed pretzel between the caramel and chocolate layer for an extra crunchy bite.
Sprinkle sea salt or pink salt on top of the chocolate to complement the caramel and chocolate flavors.
Use half dark chocolate and half white chocolate and make black and white turtles, or use one as a drizzle to make beautiful designs on the shells.
Sprinkle coconut flakes on top of the chocolate for a tropical flavor.
Use other crushed nuts on top to decorate, either with a pattern or simply crushed on top. Before the chocolate hardens completely, use some nuts to make little eyes for the turtles.
Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder into your melted chocolate for a more adult version. Use coffee beans to decorate and identify this variation.
Notes:
Pecan Halves: Arrange the pecan halves flat side down to create a stable base for the candy. Forming them into “x” shapes ensures they hold the caramel and chocolate well.
Caramels: Use individually wrapped baking or cooking caramels for easy melting. Adding a tablespoon of water helps achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Stir the caramel frequently while microwaving to prevent overheating.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are commonly used, but you can substitute with milk or dark chocolate based on your preference. Melt the chocolate in 30-second intervals to prevent burning, stirring each time for a smooth finish.
Parchment or Silicone Mat: Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat helps prevent the candy from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.
Spacing: Leave some space between each set of pecans to ensure the caramel and chocolate do not merge together, which helps maintain the individual candy shapes.
Cooling: Allow the turtle candies to set in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This helps the caramel and chocolate firm up quickly, making the candies easier to handle.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with additions like crushed pretzels for crunch, sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast, or different types of chocolate for varied flavors. Customize your turtles with coconut flakes, espresso powder, or other nuts for unique twists.
Storage: Store the finished candies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Melting Tips: If using a double boiler, melt the caramels and chocolate slowly over simmering water to avoid burning. Stir frequently for a smooth texture.
Decorating: Before the chocolate hardens, you can decorate with additional nuts, a sprinkle of salt, or drizzle with different types of chocolate for added visual appeal and flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 turtle candy
Calories: 72 | Total Fat: 4.2g | Saturated Fat: 1.7g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 23mg | Total Carbohydrates: 8.5g | Dietary Fiber: 0.4g | Sugars: 7.1g | Protein: 0.8g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans for these turtle candies?
Yes, you can certainly use other nuts like almonds or cashews if you prefer.
The nut choice will affect the flavor and texture of the candies, so feel free to experiment.
Do I need to add water to the caramels when melting them in the microwave?
Yes, adding a tablespoon of water to the caramels helps them melt smoothly and prevents them from burning in the microwave.
It’s an essential step in the process.
How long do I need to keep the turtle candies in the freezer to set?
It’s recommended to leave the turtle candies in the freezer for at least half an hour to ensure they set properly.
You can leave them longer for a firmer texture if desired.
Can I customize these candies with additional toppings or ingredients?
Absolutely! The recipe mentions various flavorful additions, such as crushed pretzels, sea salt, different types of chocolate, coconut flakes, and more.
Get creative and tailor these candies to your taste.
How should I store these homemade turtle candies?
Store the turtle candies in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
They are best stored at room temperature and should last for several weeks.
If you prefer a firmer texture, you can keep them in the fridge.
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate for this recipe?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
The choice of chocolate will affect the overall taste of the turtle candies.
What’s the purpose of adding a tablespoon of water to the caramels when melting them in the microwave?
The water is added to help the caramels melt smoothly and prevent them from scorching or becoming too thick.
It ensures a more manageable consistency for pouring over the pecans.
How should I store these homemade turtle candies once they’ve set?
Store the turtle candies in an airtight container at room temperature.
They will stay fresh for several weeks.
If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them.
Can I make a larger batch of these candies for gifting or special occasions?
Absolutely, you can scale up the recipe to make a larger batch.
Just ensure you have enough space in your freezer to accommodate all the candies for setting.
How long can I store these turtle candies, and do they need any special handling in hot weather?
These candies can be stored for several weeks at room temperature.
In hot weather, you may want to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from melting, especially if you’ve added additional toppings or variations.