Here’s a simple and irresistible recipe for Homemade Turtle Candy — chewy, crunchy, chocolatey treats made with pecans, caramel, and rich chocolate. No fancy equipment needed!
🍫🐢 Homemade Turtle Candy
Yields: ~24 candies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
🥜 Ingredients:
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2 cups pecan halves (toasted if preferred)
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1 (11 oz / 312 g) bag soft caramels (like Kraft or Werther’s), unwrapped
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2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
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1½ cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
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1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother chocolate)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Arrange the pecans:
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Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
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Group 3–4 pecan halves into little “X” or star-shaped clusters — these form the turtle’s “legs.”
2. Melt the caramels:
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In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and heavy cream.
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Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth (about 1½–2 minutes total).
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Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted caramel onto the center of each pecan cluster.
Let caramel cool slightly to set — 10 minutes at room temp or 5 minutes in the fridge.
3. Melt the chocolate:
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In another microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil/butter (if using) in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until fully melted and glossy.
4. Top with chocolate:
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Spoon or drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel layer of each cluster.
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Use the back of the spoon to gently spread it, covering the caramel but letting some pecans peek out.
5. Chill & serve:
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Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set.
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Store in an airtight container at room temp (cool spot) or in the fridge.
✅ Optional Add-Ins:
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Sprinkle with sea salt flakes before the chocolate sets.
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Add a touch of vanilla extract to the caramel for extra flavor.
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Use white chocolate or milk chocolate for variety.
