Ohhh Homemade Turtle Candy 🐢🍫—classic, rich, chewy, crunchy, and dangerously good. Pecans + caramel + chocolate = perfection. Let’s make the old-school candy shop version.
🐢 Homemade Turtle Candy
Makes about 20 turtles
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 bag (11 oz) soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1½ cups chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
- Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
1️⃣ Toast the pecans (optional but recommended)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Spread pecans on a baking sheet
- Toast 5–7 minutes until fragrant
- Let cool
2️⃣ Arrange pecans
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Place 3–4 pecan halves in clusters (like a turtle shape)
3️⃣ Melt caramel
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and cream
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth
4️⃣ Add caramel
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon caramel over each pecan cluster
- Let set 10–15 minutes until slightly firm
5️⃣ Melt chocolate
- Microwave chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth
6️⃣ Top with chocolate
- Spoon melted chocolate over each caramel mound
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using
7️⃣ Set
- Let candies set at room temperature or refrigerate 15–20 minutes
🔥 Pro Tips
- Soft caramels work best (Werther’s or Kraft-style)
- Don’t rush melting chocolate—low and slow keeps it glossy
- If caramel spreads too much, chill briefly before adding chocolate
- Store in an airtight container at room temp or fridge
Variations
🍯 Pretzel turtles – swap pecans for mini pretzels
🥜 Cashew turtles – buttery and slightly sweet
🌶 Spicy turtles – pinch of cayenne in chocolate
🥥 Coconut turtles – sprinkle toasted coconut on caramel
If you want, I can give you:
✔️ No-cook shortcut version
✔️ Gourmet candy-shop style
✔️ Turtle bark
✔️ Peanut butter turtles
Just say the word 😍🍫🐢
