Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe
If you’re dreaming of the perfect combination of buttery pecans, silky caramel, and rich chocolate, look no further than this irresistible Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe. Every bite brings together sweet, salty, crunchy, and gooey for a homemade treat that outshines any store-bought candy. Whether you’re gifting them for the holidays, adding a special touch to your dessert table, or just craving a nostalgic bite, this Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe is about to become your new go-to sweet indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One thing I absolutely love about this Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe is how just a handful of simple ingredients can turn into something so decadent. Each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing essential flavor, texture, and even a little bit of magic to every bite.
- Pecan halves (2 cups, toasted): Toasting the pecans intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch at the heart of every candy.
- Soft caramels (1 (11-ounce) bag, unwrapped): Choose your favorite brand for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth caramel layer that binds everything together.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): A splash of cream transforms the caramels into a silky, pourable sauce that’s easy to spoon over the nuts.
- Semisweet or dark chocolate (12 ounces, chopped): Pick a chocolate you love snacking on—its rich, velvety finish is the crowning glory of each turtle.
- Coconut oil or shortening (1 tablespoon): Just a touch helps the chocolate melt beautifully and gives your candies that irresistible glossy sheen.
How to Make Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Work Surface
Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This little bit of prep makes it easy to remove the candies later and keeps cleanup blissfully simple. With your pan ready to go, you’ll be set up for candy success from the very beginning.
Step 2: Arrange the Pecans
Next, get creative and arrange your toasted pecan halves in small clusters of three to four on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a bit of space between each cluster so your candies don’t stick together once the caramel and chocolate are added. This is the foundation of each turtle, so take a moment to make them look inviting!
Step 3: Melt the Caramels
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. The cream helps loosen the caramel so it’s easy to scoop and spoon—no stiff, sticky struggles here!
Step 4: Add the Caramel
Working quickly (but not frantically!), drop about a teaspoon of the warm caramel over the center of each pecan cluster. Let it naturally spread to help hold the pecans together. This gooey layer is what makes the Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe truly decadent and delicious.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Pop the tray in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes so the caramel can firm up just enough to stand up to the chocolate topping. This step keeps everything neat and makes the next layer even easier to add.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
In a clean microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate and coconut oil (or shortening) together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until you have a glossy, perfectly smooth chocolate sauce. The coconut oil is your secret weapon for that beautiful shine and soft bite.
Step 7: Top with Chocolate
Spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate generously over each caramel-pecan cluster, making sure to cover the caramel completely. This chocolatey blanket locks in all the gooey goodness and gives each candy its signature look. Don’t be shy with the coverage!
Step 8: Final Chill
Return the tray to the refrigerator for another 20–30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set and the candies are firm to the touch. Once set, your homemade Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe is officially ready to share, gift, or—let’s be honest—devour immediately!
How to Serve Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle the tops of the candies with flaky sea salt before the chocolate sets. This tiny touch not only looks beautiful but also adds a lovely salty crunch that makes the sweet flavors pop. You can also try a dusting of edible gold powder or a drizzle of white chocolate for a festive finish.
Side Dishes
While these candies are perfect on their own, I love pairing them with a simple cup of strong coffee or a glass of port for a grown-up treat. If you’re serving them at a party, arrange them alongside fresh fruit or a platter of other homemade candies for a truly decadent dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Stack a few turtles in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon for thoughtful gifts, or arrange them in mini cupcake liners on a decorative tray for a polished look. For an extra-special touch, tuck them into a keepsake tin or small box lined with parchment paper—instant holiday magic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe tasting fresh, store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your kitchen runs warm, feel free to pop them in the fridge for even longer-lasting freshness—the flavors only get better as they sit.
Freezing
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these! Arrange the candies in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Reheating
While you don’t need to reheat these candies, if you’d like a slightly softer bite, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. This brings back that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture without any fuss.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet or dark?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter, creamier shell, milk chocolate works beautifully in this Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe. Just be sure to use a good-quality bar for the best flavor and texture.
How do I toast pecans?
Toast pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool before using in your turtles for the best crunch.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and choose dairy-free chocolate and caramels to make a delicious vegan version of this Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe.
Can I make these candies in advance for gifting?
Definitely! These turtles are perfect for making ahead, as the flavors develop even more with time. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to wrap and share.
What if I don’t have coconut oil or shortening?
No worries! You can simply melt the chocolate on its own, though the finish may not be quite as glossy. A teaspoon of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) is another good substitute.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made homemade candy before, this Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe is the perfect place to start—easy, rewarding, and so much fun to share. I hope you’ll fall in love with the way the flavors and textures come together in every bite. Try a batch soon, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them for every celebration (or just because!). Happy candy making!
Print
Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 candies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Pecan Turtles Candy featuring toasted pecan halves, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate. Perfect for holiday treats or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
PECANS
- 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
CARAMEL
- 1 (11-ounce) bag soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
CHOCOLATE TOPPING
- 12 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
Instructions
- Prepare Pecan Clusters: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange pecans in small clusters of 3–4 halves each, leaving space between each cluster.
- Melt Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Assemble Pecan-Caramel Clusters: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of warm caramel over the center of each pecan cluster, allowing it to spread slightly to hold the pecans together. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 15 minutes to let the caramel set.
- Melt Chocolate: In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate together with coconut oil or shortening using 30-second intervals, stirring well until smooth and glossy.
- Coat with Chocolate: Spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate over each chilled caramel-pecan cluster, ensuring the caramel is fully covered and clusters are coated evenly.
- Chill to Set: Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and let the candies chill for 20–30 minutes until the chocolate has fully firmed up.
Notes
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on the chocolate-topped candies before they set for a salted pecan turtle variation.
- Store finished pecan turtles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
