Homemade Chocolate Turtles Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Chocolate Turtles are a delightful combination of toasted pecans, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate. These bite-sized treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or gifting to friends and family. Making them from scratch is easier than you might think and incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients

• 6 tbsp salted butter
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 16 oz almond bark or high-quality chocolate

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast them for 5–10 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant. Allow them to cool, then roughly chop and set aside.
2. Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat 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; stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Microwave the mixture on HIGH for 6–8 minutes, stopping to stir occasionally. The caramel is ready when it reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage) or passes the ice water test.
5. Step 5: Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using hot pads. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
6. Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of the caramel-pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet to form individual mounds. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until set.
7. Step 7: Melt the almond bark or chocolate using a microwave or double boiler, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
8. Step 8: Using a fork, dip each pecan-caramel cluster into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place the coated turtles on parchment paper to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality chocolate for a richer taste and smoother texture.
• Try substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on each turtle before the chocolate sets.
• Make sure the caramel reaches the correct temperature for the perfect chewy texture.

Storage

Store homemade chocolate turtles in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2–3 weeks. If refrigerated, allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enjoy the full flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh nuts instead of toasted?

While you can use fresh nuts, toasting them enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the turtles.

What is the soft-ball stage in candy making?

The soft-ball stage occurs around 235°F, when a small amount of caramel dropped into cold water forms a soft, flexible ball. This ensures the right chewy texture for your turtles.

Homemade Chocolate Turtles Recipe

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4.6 from 130 reviews

This homemade chocolate turtles recipe features a delightful combination of toasted pecans coated in rich caramel and enveloped in smooth melted chocolate. Perfect as a sweet treat or gift, these candies balance buttery, nutty, and chocolaty flavors with an easy-to-follow process using simple ingredients and common kitchen tools.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 30 turtles 1x
• Category: Candy
• Method: Microwaving with some Baking (toasting pecans)
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Caramel and Nuts

• 6 tbsp salted butter
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecan halves

Chocolate Coating

• 16 oz almond bark or high-quality chocolate

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 toast them for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they become fragrant. Allow them to cool, then roughly chop and set aside.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and set aside for later.
3. Make Caramel: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the salted butter. Add the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup; stir thoroughly to combine. Microwave the mixture on HIGH for 6 to 8 minutes, stopping occasionally to stir, until the caramel reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage) or passes the ice water test. Remove carefully using hot pads, then stir in the vanilla extract and the chopped toasted pecans.
4. Form Turtles: Drop spoonfuls of the caramel-pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming individual mounds. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes or until the caramel is set.
5. Melt Chocolate: Melt the almond bark or chocolate using a microwave or a double boiler, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and completely melted.
6. Dip Turtles: Using a fork, dip each caramel-pecan cluster into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place the coated turtles back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
7. Store: Once the chocolate has fully set, store the chocolate turtles in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 weeks to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Ensure caramel reaches the soft-ball stage (235°F) to get the perfect chewy texture.
• Using almond bark makes melting and dipping easier due to its formulation; however, high-quality chocolate can be used for richer flavor.
• Keep an eye on pecans while toasting; over-toasting can cause bitterness.
• Store the turtles in a cool, dry place to prevent melting.
• If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can add a pinch of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets.

Keywords: Chocolate turtles, homemade candy, caramel pecan clusters, holiday sweets, easy chocolate candy