Homemade Chocolate Turtles Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Chocolate Turtles are a delicious combination of toasted pecans, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate. This easy no-bake treat is perfect for sharing during the holidays or as a sweet snack any time of year.

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 16 oz almond bark or high quality chocolate

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, stirring once, until they are toasted and fragrant. Alternatively, toast them in a hot skillet for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Let cool, then roughly chop the pecans and set aside.
2. Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup, then stir well to combine. Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes until the mixture reaches about 235°F or passes the ice water test (a soft ball forms when a spoonful is dropped into ice water).
4. Step 4: Carefully remove the bowl using hot pads. Stir in the vanilla extract and then fold in the chopped pecans.
5. Step 5: Drop large spoonfuls of the caramel-pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet to form individual mounds. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes to set.
6. Step 6: Melt the almond bark or chocolate in the microwave or a double boiler, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and fully melted.
7. Step 7: Dip each pecan caramel mound into the melted chocolate using a fork to coat it completely. Tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate, then place the dipped turtles back on the parchment paper to set.
8. Step 8: Allow the chocolate to harden before storing or serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a digital thermometer for best caramel results, but if you don’t have one, the ice water test works well to check the caramel’s consistency.
• Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans to change the nutty flavor.
• For a richer taste, use dark chocolate instead of almond bark or milk chocolate.

Storage

Store your chocolate turtles in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for 2-3 weeks. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature briefly before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts, almonds, or even cashews can be used as a delicious alternative to pecans in this recipe.

How do I know when the caramel is done?

The caramel is ready when it reaches about 235°F on a candy thermometer or forms a soft ball when dropped into ice water, indicating the perfect consistency for your turtles.

Homemade Chocolate Turtles Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 107 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 20 candies 1x

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Description

Delight in the rich, homemade goodness of Chocolate Turtles—classic candies combining toasted pecans, buttery caramel, and smooth melted chocolate. This easy recipe yields perfectly portioned treats with a satisfying crunch and a melt-in-your-mouth finish, ideal for gifting or enjoying any time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramel Base

• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nuts

• 2 cups pecan halves

Chocolate Coating

• 16 oz almond bark or high quality chocolate

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Toast Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring once midway, until they are fragrant and lightly toasted. Alternatively, toast pecans in a hot skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Once toasted, allow them to cool, then roughly chop and set aside.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (Silpat) to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. Make Caramel Base in Microwave: Place the salted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup to the bowl and stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Cook Caramel Mixture: Return the bowl to the microwave and cook on high power for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes to prevent scorching. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the mixture reaches about 235°F (soft ball stage), or perform the ice water bath test by dropping a spoonful into ice water and confirming it forms a soft ball when pinched between your fingers.
5. Add Flavor and Pecans: Carefully remove the hot bowl using oven mitts. Stir in the vanilla extract promptly, then fold in the toasted, chopped pecans to incorporate them evenly throughout the caramel.
6. Form Turtle Shapes: Using a large spoon, drop spoonfuls of the warm caramel-pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping them into mounds. This recipe makes about 20 pieces but size can be adjusted per your preference. Refrigerate the mounds for about 20 minutes or until fully set.
7. Melt Chocolate Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the almond bark or high-quality chocolate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
8. Dip and Coat Turtles: Using a fork, dip each caramel-pecan cluster into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Lift the cluster out, tap the fork gently to let excess chocolate drip off, and transfer the coated turtle back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all are coated.
9. Set and Store: Allow the chocolate coating to set by letting the turtles rest at room temperature or in the refrigerator if preferred. Store the finished turtles in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 2 to 3 weeks.

Notes

• Use an instant-read candy thermometer or ice water test to achieve perfect caramel consistency.
• To toast pecans evenly, stir or shake the pan halfway through baking or stirring in skillet method.
• Choose high-quality chocolate or almond bark for smooth melting and better flavor.
• Refrigerate turtles briefly to speed up the chocolate setting process if desired.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Candy
• Method: Microwaving and Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chocolate Turtles, Homemade Candy, Caramel Pecans, Holiday Treats, Easy Candy Recipe