Easy Homemade Turtle Candy—a delightful treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or gifting to loved ones. These homemade turtles are a classic confectionery favorite, featuring buttery caramel and toasted pecans, all topped with a drizzle of smooth chocolate for a truly decadent experience.
Crafting these homemade turtle candies is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients and a bit of patience for the caramel to set. With our easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the magic of these beloved candies in your own kitchen, adding your own personal touch with extra nuts, sea salt, or different types of chocolate. So gather your ingredients, prepare to get a little messy, and get ready to enjoy the sweet sensation of our Easy Homemade Turtle Candy.
Resume of the recipe in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style
Prepare to be enchanted by the sweet and nutty goodness of our Easy Homemade Turtle Candy—a timeless confectionery treat that’s as simple to make as it is delicious to eat. These decadent candies feature layers of buttery caramel, toasted pecans, and silky chocolate, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
What sets our Homemade Turtle Candy apart is its homemade charm and irresistible flavor. Made with just a handful of ingredients and a sprinkle of love, these candies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends and family during the holidays.
A Tale of Sweet Indulgence
In our household, Homemade Turtle Candy is a cherished tradition—a treat that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. I still remember the first time I made them—the scent of caramel bubbling on the stove, the sound of pecans toasting in the oven, the anticipation as I waited for the chocolate to set. Since then, they’ve become a staple on our dessert table, bringing joy to everyone who tries them with their rich flavor and irresistible charm.
Why This ‘Easy Homemade Turtle Candy’
- Decadent Flavor: Our Homemade Turtle Candy combines the classic flavors of caramel, pecans, and chocolate for a truly indulgent experience.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like sugar, butter, and chocolate, these candies require minimal ingredients and come together quickly.
- Customizable: Feel free to customize your turtles with additional nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or different types of chocolate to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in a pretty box or tin, these Homemade Turtle Candies make a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends, family, or coworkers.
Ingredients Easy Homemade Turtle Candy
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, for chocolate coating)
How to Make Easy Homemade Turtle Candy
- Toast Pecans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
- Prepare Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt, and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, gradually whisk in the sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the pecans.
- Assemble Turtles:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Arrange clusters of 3-4 toasted pecan halves on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cluster.
- Spoon a dollop of warm caramel over each cluster of pecans, covering them completely.
- Cool and Set:
- Let the caramel-coated pecans cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
- Melt Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and fully melted. Stir in vegetable shortening or coconut oil, if using, to achieve a smoother consistency.
- Coat Turtles:
- Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each caramel-coated pecan cluster into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then return the turtles to the lined baking sheet.
- Chill:
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is set.
- Serve or Store:
- Once set, transfer the Homemade Turtle Candies to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature.
Tips For Easy Homemade Turtle Candy
- Use a Candy Thermometer: To ensure the caramel reaches the correct temperature, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature as it cooks.
- Customize Your Turtles: Get creative with your Homemade Turtle Candies by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate coating or using a combination of different types of chocolate for a unique flavor twist.
- Make-Ahead: These candies can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Substitutions and Variations for Easy Homemade Turtle Candy
- Nut-Free: If you have nut allergies, you can substitute toasted coconut flakes or crushed pretzels for the pecans to create a similar texture and flavor profile.
- Dark Chocolate: For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet or milk chocolate for the coating.
- Salted Caramel: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture for a sweet and salty flavor contrast.
Make a Healthier Version For Easy Homemade Turtle Candy
- Sugar-Free: Use a sugar-free sweetener in place of the brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk for a lower-sugar option.
- Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content for added antioxidants and less sugar.
- Portion Control: Enjoy these Homemade Turtle Candies in moderation as an occasional treat, and savor each bite slowly to fully appreciate the flavors.
“And there you have it—a taste of sweet indulgence with our Easy Homemade Turtle Candy. Whether enjoyed as a special treat for yourself or shared with loved ones as a heartfelt gift, these homemade turtles are sure to bring joy and smiles to all who taste them. So whip up a batch, savor each bite, and relish in the simple pleasure of homemade goodness!”
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Homemade Turtle Candy:
How long do Easy Homemade Turtle Candy last?
These candies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making it from scratch?
While homemade caramel adds a special touch to these turtles, you can use store-bought caramel candies or caramel sauce as a shortcut if desired. Simply melt the caramel and spoon it over the pecans before coating them in chocolate.
Can I freeze Easy Homemade Turtle Candy?
Yes, you can freeze these candies for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel
Course: All Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
Pecan Halves: 1 cup
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Sea Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Chocolate Chips (dark or milk): 1 cup
Coconut Oil: 1 tablespoon (for chocolate coating)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a smooth caramel consistency.
- Remove the caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Arrange clusters of three toasted pecan halves on the parchment, leaving space between each cluster.
- Spoon a small amount of caramel over each pecan cluster, ensuring the pecans are well-coated.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- Spoon the melted chocolate over each caramel-coated pecan cluster, creating a chocolate shell.
- Allow the Homemade Turtle Candy to set in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Once set, carefully remove the turtles from the parchment paper, and store in an airtight container.
