Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel

by

Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel – A Sweet, Nutty Classic

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of buttery pecans, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. These Homemade Turtle Candies are a beloved classic for a reason—they’re sweet, salty, crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, gifting them to friends, or simply treating yourself, these candies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Named for their resemblance to tiny turtles, these candies are a charming addition to any dessert tray. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients and no candy thermometer required.

Why You’ll Love These Turtle Candies

  • Simple ingredients – Just pecans, caramels, and chocolate.
  • No baking required – Minimal prep and no fancy equipment.
  • Perfect for gifting – Beautiful, bite-sized, and easy to package.
  • Customizable – Add sea salt, use dark chocolate, or try different nuts.
  • Crowd-pleasing – Loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

This recipe makes approximately 16 turtle candies.

  • 64 pecan halves
    You’ll need 4 per candy to create the classic “turtle” shape.
  • 11 oz baking or cooking caramels
    Use soft, individually wrapped caramels for easy melting.
  • 1 bag (about 12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
    Choose high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
    Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Optional: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gourmet finish.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
  • Spoon or piping bag
  • Spatula
  • Airtight container for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

This will prevent the candies from sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended)

Toasting enhances the flavor and crunch of the pecans.

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Spread 64 pecan halves on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  • Toast for 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  • Let them cool completely before using.

Tip: Keep an eye on them—they can go from golden to burnt quickly.

Step 3: Melt the Caramels

In a saucepan over low heat, melt:

  • 11 oz baking caramels

Stir frequently until smooth and creamy.

Alternatively, place the caramels in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.

Optional: Add 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk for a softer caramel texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Turtle Candies

Working quickly:

  • Drop a spoonful of melted caramel onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small circles about 1½ inches wide.
  • Immediately press 4 pecan halves into each caramel circle in a cross shape—two for the “legs” and two for the “arms.”

Repeat until all the caramel and pecans are used.

Tip: If the caramel starts to firm up, gently reheat it to keep it pourable.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt:

  • 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.

Optional: Stir in 1 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening for a shinier finish and smoother drizzle.

Step 6: Drizzle the Chocolate

Using a spoon, fork, or piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate over each turtle candy.

You can fully cover the caramel and pecans or leave some of the nuts peeking out for a rustic look.

Optional: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or crushed toffee bits while the chocolate is still wet.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Let the candies cool at room temperature until the chocolate is set.

To speed things up, place the tray in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Once set, gently peel the candies off the parchment or mat

Step 8: Serve and Store

Serve your turtle candies on a festive platter or package them in gift boxes or cellophane bags for a homemade treat.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tip: If stacking, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking

Time & Yield

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: ~55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 candies
  • Calories: ~180 kcal per candy (approximate)

Tips for Success

  • Use fresh pecans for the best flavor—stale nuts can ruin the texture.
  • Work quickly when assembling to prevent the caramel from hardening.
  • Customize the chocolate—try milk, dark, or white chocolate.
  • Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
  • Make ahead for parties or gifts—they store beautifully.

Variations to Try

  • Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Turtles: Use dark chocolate and finish with flaky sea salt.
  • White Chocolate Cranberry Turtles: Add a dried cranberry to the center and drizzle with white chocolate.
  • Almond or Cashew Turtles: Swap pecans for your favorite nuts.
  • Espresso Turtles: Add ½ teaspoon espresso powder to the melted chocolate for a mocha twist.
  • Spicy Turtles: Sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a sweet-heat combo.

Perfect for Gifting

These candies are ideal for:

  • Holiday gift boxes
  • Teacher appreciation gifts
  • Party favors
  • Bake sales
  • Hostess gifts

Wrap them in parchment and tuck into a tin or cellophane bag tied with ribbon for a charming homemade present.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Turtle Candies with Pecans and Caramel are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy. With just a few simple ingredients and a little love, you can create a batch of elegant, irresistible treats that rival any gourmet confectionery. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to bring smiles with every bite.

Leave a Comment