Pecan Turtles are an old fashioned candy recipe featuring crunch pecan clusters covered in gooey caramel and enveloped in smooth chocolate.
Homemade Pecan Turtles
Pecan turtles were always a favorite in my family around Christmas time. I can remember passing around the holiday tin and feeling so grown-up eating them. Pecan turtles are a simple, yet mouth-watering combination of of crunchy nuts, buttery caramel, and sweet chocolate. Every bite is pure perfection and melts in your mouth! Even as a kid I recognized that this was a real treat!
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dessert recipe, you can’t go wrong with these homemade chocolate turtles! They’re so simple to make and a crowd-pleaser for any party, fun after-school snack, or dessert for your family.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, pecan turtles are an easy candy recipe to whip up for a sweet treat to enjoy or to make as gifts. They’re not just for the holidays, you can enjoy this homemade candy anytime!
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the simple process of creating these vintage treats. Get ready to unleash your inner candy maker and create a batch of these irresistible pecan turtles that are just bursting with rich flavor. They are sure to become a new favorite!
— Stacey
Ingredients
- 20 soft caramels (unwrapped)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
Helpful Kitchen Tools
For your convenience in re-creating this recipe, we’ve included shop-able ad links to some of the products and supplies used. Read our disclosure policy here.
- Large Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
- Microwave-safe Bowl
- Medium Saucepan
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Idle Time: 10 minutes
Instructions
To Prep: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and make 12 pecan clusters by placing 3 to 4 pecan halves together in spots on the baking sheet.
- Combine caramels and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until melted, stirring until the caramel mixture is smooth.
- Once the caramel is melted, add a dollop of the caramel on top of each pecan cluster on the baking sheet. Allow the caramel to set for 10 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until melted and smooth. Dip each pecan cluster into the melted chocolate, turning until completely coated.
- Place the pecan turtles back on the baking sheet and sprinkle with a little coarse sea salt. Repeat with all the caramel clusters and place the pan in the refrigerator until the chocolate is hardened.
Prep Tips
- Yield – This recipe makes about 12 turtle candies.
- Chocolate – If the melted chocolate chips are too thick for easy dipping, stir in a Tablespoon of coconut oil or shortening. This will thin out the melted chocolate and make it smoother when coating the pecan turtles.
- Vegan / Dairy-Free Variation – To make this a vegan or dairy free recipe, all you need to do is make a few simple substitutions: use vegan chocolate chips or melting wafers, nondairy or plant-based milk, and non-dairy caramels (such as coconut caramels).
- Storage – Keep your homemade turtle candies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 weeks. Store away from heat and light sources which could melt the chocolate. You can also freeze your pecan turtles for up to 3 months. To do so, wrap candies individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
More Homemade Candy Recipes To Try:
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge
- Cherry Divinity Candy
- Homemade Cracker Jack
- Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Eggs
Pecan Turtle Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)
If you tried this recipe and liked it, please rate it!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Granny's in the Kitchen
Chocolate Pecan Turtles
Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- medium saucepan
- Microwave safe bowl
Ingredients
- 20 soft caramels unwrapped
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
Instructions
- To Prep: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and make 12 pecan clusters by placing 3 to 4 pecan halves together in spots on the baking sheet.
- Combine caramels and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until melted, stirring until the caramel mixture is smooth.
- Once the caramel is melted, add a dollop of the caramel on top of each pecan cluster on the baking sheet. Allow the caramel to set for 10 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until melted and smooth. Dip each pecan cluster into the melted chocolate, turning until completely coated.
- Place the pecan turtles back on the baking sheet and sprinkle with a little coarse sea salt. Repeat with all the caramel clusters and place the pan in the refrigerator until the chocolate is hardened.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin our Chocolate Pecan Turtles on Pinterest:
You might also like:
