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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/homemade-chocolate-turtles-recipe/