Homemade Turtles candy with a pecan base, fresh buttery caramel, and topped with melted chocolate, these candies are a must make this holiday season! And my recipe shows you just how easy they are with 3 ingredients!
Be sure to also check out my Turtle Brownies, Turtle Fudge, and Chocolate Caramel Cookies.
Why You’ll Love Making Turtle Chocolate Candy
Going to any fancy fudge or candy shop, chocolate turtle candy is one of my first I’ve made plenty of homemade candy over the years, and I’ve learned that some of the easiest recipes are the ones people get most excited about. These Homemade Turtles are a perfect example. You only need pecans, caramel, and chocolate to create this simple candy-shop treat.
For my version, I toast the pecans for extra flavor. I’ve tested some caramel shortcuts too, soft caramels like Werther’s give you a much better texture than caramel bits or firmer wrapped squares. Or you can go completely from scratch using my buttery homemade caramel.
Turtle Candy Recipe Ingredients
- Pecan Halves – If you’re looking for a nut-free alternative, pecans are easy to swap out with things like pretzel rods or Chex cereal. Toast the pecans for best flavor!
- Soft Caramels – For ease and convenience, this recipe uses ready-made soft caramels, like Werthers. If you’re up to the task, you can also use ¼ batch of our homemade caramel. I prefer NOT to use the square wrapped caramels or caramel bits, as they tend to not result in a soft texture.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt quickly and evenly in the microwave and compliment the sweetness of the caramel without overdoing it.
PRO TIP: If you’re going to scale up this recipe, consider buying your chocolate in bulk. Stores like Trader Joe’s, Costco, or baking supply stores sell large bags and bars of chocolate for a fraction of the price. Just chop up the bar and melt it like chocolate chips.
How to Make This Turtle Recipe
- Step 1: Arrange Pecan Halves – Take 4 pecan halves and arrange them like an “X” on a parchment-lined sheet tray. This is where the signature look of the turtle comes from. Space the “X” formations about 2 inches apart so they don’t connect when covered with caramel and chocolate.
- Step 2: Add Caramel – Melt the caramel in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, making sure to stir and scrape down the sides of the bowl after each interval. Once the caramel is melted, dollop a tablespoon onto the middle of each turtle, connecting the pecans.
- Step 3: Coat With Chocolate – Next, melt your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl the same way you did with the caramel. Then, top the caramel with a tablespoon of melted chocolate to finish off the turtle’s shell. Allow the candies to set for several hours (if you can wait that long) before transferring them to an airtight container.
Tips and Tricks for Caramel Turtles
- If you want to take the flavor to the next level, toast the pecans in the oven or on the stovetop before arranging them into the turtle formations.
- If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt the caramel and chocolate in a double boiler on the stovetop.
- Be sure to mix the melting caramel and chocolate after each 30-second interval in the microwave to avoid over-cooking.
- Once your turtles have fully set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you store them in the fridge or freezer, be aware that the chocolate will likely bloom and discolor.
- Fall flavor- use my homemade pumpkin caramels and make a warm autumn treat instead.
Turtle Candy Recipe Variations
The basic formula for making turtles is crunchy nuts + soft caramel + chocolate. Here are a few swaps you can make to this treat to customize into something new!
- Swap the nuts. Walnuts, cashew, or almonds can easily replace the pecans. Each will give the turtles a slightly different flavor or crunch.
- Make them nut-free. Use small pretzels or pieces of Chex cereal in place of the nuts for a crunchy base.
- Change the chocolate. Swap the semi-sweet for milk chocolate for a sweeter, more traditional candy-shop flavor. Or use dark chocolate to balance the sweetness of the caramel.
- Make Pumpkin caramel turtles. Use my homemade pumpkin caramels for a fun Thanksgiving twist.
- Add a topping. Whether you choose holiday sprinkles, flaked sea salt, or chopped toffee bits, sprinkle your favorite topping on the melted chocolate before it sets.
How to Store Turtle Chocolate Candy
- Room Temperature– Store homemade turtles in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week. Place parchment paper between the layers to keep the candies from sticking together.
- Refrigerator– For longer storage, keep the turtles in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.The caramel will become firmer when chilled, so allow it to sit at room temperature about 15 minutes before serving.
- Freezer– Once the chocolate is completely set, arrange them in a freezer safe container with parchment paper between the layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Aimee’s Tip: If making turtles for the holidays, I prefer freezing them rather than keeping them in the refrigerator. They taste fresher, and you can just grab a handful to thaw at a time.
Turtle Recipe FAQs
These streaks are called chocolate bloom, and usually occur when cocoa butter or sugar moves to the surface of the chocolate. Temperature changes, moisture, and overheating chocolate can all contribute. The candy is still safe to eat.
You don’t have to. I prefer letting the chocolate set at room temperature when I have time. Chilling the turtles can speed things up, but sudden temperature changes can sometimes cause chocolate bloom.
Pecan halves give homemade turtles their classic shape, but chopped pecans taste just as delicious.
If you’re using my homemade caramel instead of packaged caramels, a candy thermometer takes out the guesswork. For soft, chewy caramel that works well in turtle candy, cook the caramel to 245 degrees F, which is the firm-ball stage.
Candy making is one place where I don’t recommend eyeballing it, a candy thermometer is a must if you’re making homemade caramel.
Give the caramel a chance to set before adding the chocolate, but don’t refrigerate it. A greasy or wet surface can prevent chocolate from adhering properly.
Easy Candy Recipes
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Homemade Turtles Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 1 package soft caramels 12 ounce
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 12 ounce
Instructions
- Line counter with large sheet of parchment paper. Arrange pecans about 2-inches apart (3 to 4 pecans per candy).
- Melt caramels in microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. Or, if using our homemade caramel recipe, when the caramel reaches temperature, use a small Tablespoon cookie scoop and dollop the top of each pecan turtle with caramel. You'll need about 1/4 of the caramel in our recipe. Pour the remaining caramel into a prepared dish, or if desired, make more turtles!
- Melt chocolate in microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth (about 1-2 minutes total). Dollop a Tablespoon or so of chocolate on the tops of each caramel turtle. Allow to set.
Notes
- You'll need about 3-4 pecans per turtle, depending on the size. For that authentic turtle "look" we use 4 pecans. For best flavor, toast the pecans before using!
- For the caramels, you can use homemade caramels (like we prefer), you'll need about 1/4 of the batch. Or use a package of store bought soft caramels. Werthers soft caramels are perfect for melting.
- Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Do not refrigerator or freeze turtles or the chocolate will change color.
How long do you toast the pecans and on what temperature?
Can you use Kraft soft caramels??